Ever find yourself daydreaming about the future a little too often? It’s like you’re so wrapped up in what’s next that you’re missing out on what’s now.
It’s a common habit, but according to Stoicism, it’s one that can rob us of truly experiencing the present moment – the only time that truly exists.
Today, we’re going to explore some behaviors that suggest you might be living too much in the future, and most of the time, without even realizing it.
Identifying these signs can help us refocus our attention on the present. Real life isn’t happening in our daydreams about tomorrow; it’s unfolding right here and now.
Let’s dive in.
1) You’re constantly planning
Ever find yourself mentally drafting to-do lists for next week while you’re still working on today’s tasks? Or maybe you’re already planning your summer vacation while it’s still winter?
If this sounds familiar, you might be living a little too much in the future.
Planning isn’t inherently bad. In fact, it’s necessary for achieving goals and managing time effectively. But when planning for tomorrow overshadows the events of today, it can become a barrier to fully experiencing the present moment.
2) You worry excessively about what’s yet to come
Worry is a natural part of life; it helps us prepare for potential threats. But when it becomes excessive, it can consume our minds and prevent us from enjoying the present.
Stoicism teaches us to focus on what we can control – our actions and responses – rather than worrying about what we can’t control – the outcome of future events.
As put by Stoic philosopher Seneca “There are more things, Lucilius, likely to frighten us than there are to crush us; we suffer more often in imagination than in reality”.
Recognizing excessive worry can help refocus your mind on the present, where you have real influence and control.
3) You’re always waiting for the “perfect” moment
Picture this: You’ve just bought a new camera. It’s top-of-the-line, with all the latest features. You’re itching to try it out but convince yourself to wait. You’ll wait for that perfect sunset, or that upcoming vacation, or that special event. The problem?
That perfect moment never seems to come.
The truth is, there’s rarely a ‘perfect’ moment for anything. Life is messy and unpredictable, and waiting for the stars to align can mean missing out on great opportunities in the here and now.
4) You have a fear of missing out (FOMO)
The Fear of Missing Out, or FOMO as it’s commonly known, isn’t just about envying other people’s Instagram-worthy lives. It can also be about obsessing over future possibilities.
FOMO can make us feel restless and dissatisfied with our current situation, as we’re always eyeing the greener grass on the other side. But this constant chasing of future possibilities can prevent us from appreciating and making the most of what we have right now.
5) You’re always anticipating the worst
Do you often find yourself imagining worst-case scenarios for future events?
You know how it is; You’re about to make a presentation at work, and you can’t stop thinking about all the ways it could go wrong. Or maybe you’re going on a first date and already bracing yourself for potential disappointment.
This mindset, often referred to as catastrophizing, is a common sign of living in the future. While it’s good to be prepared for different outcomes, constantly anticipating the worst and ruminating on it can cause unnecessary stress and prevent us from fully engaging with the present.
6) You’re not fully engaged in the present
Last but certainly not least, if you find it difficult to stay focused on the task at hand because your mind is elsewhere, you might be living in the future.
Whether you’re having a conversation with a friend, reading a book, or just enjoying a quiet moment alone, if your thoughts are constantly drifting towards future events or possibilities, you’re not fully present.
Being fully engaged in the present moment is a fundamental aspect of Stoic philosophy. It allows us to get the most out of our experiences and interactions, and it’s where we have the most control and influence over our lives.
Ask yourself: How often do I find my attention drifting away from the present moment?
Recognizing this habit can help you cultivate mindfulness, bringing your focus back to where it truly matters – the here and now.
The bottom line
Living in the future can rob us of the joy and fulfillment found in the present moment. By recognizing these behaviors, we can become more mindful of where our attention is, and make a concerted effort to bring it back to the present.
Remember, Stoicism teaches us that it’s in the now that we have the most control and can make the most impact.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Have you noticed any of these behaviors in yourself? How do you bring your focus back to the present?
Share your experiences or strategies in the comments below.
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Until next time.
What would Marcus Aurelius say?
Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?
Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.
Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.
