The Value of Doing Something Today Instead of Tomorrow

Elle was a young woman who had a dream of retiring early and traveling the world. She posted photos of all the places she wanted to visit on her bedroom wall. “Someday, I’ll be there,” she shared with all her friends. And she even regularly tweeted about the unique experiences she wanted to try in those destinations. But she kept putting off what she can do today to achieve that dream. She reasoned out that she was still young and that she had all the time in the world to do what she loved or even prepare for the future. She just kept saying “someday” again and again, and she got lost in her daily daydreams with a smile. And the next thing she knows, she was 45 years old, tired and exhausted from working double shifts just to keep food on the table, and unable to travel the world because of the bills and mortgages she needed to pay.

So, what can we learn from the story of Elle? In a nutshell, living a full life involves seeing the value of doing something today—to value every moment. That means focusing on today and intentionally pushing aside the temptation to just dream away your day to someday. (That’s quite a mouthful, but you get the idea.) In fact, falling into the trap of putting off what you can do today to tomorrow is detrimental to your pursuit of living a bold life!

Wait, It’s More than Just Avoiding Saying “I’ll do it later”

Truthfully, this article is more than just sidestepping procrastination. Life is short, they say. And that’s true. And we don’t know what the future holds—yes, there may be a future, but you can’t be sure you’re still around to see that future. At the end of the day, there is value in doing what you love today and not putting off what you can do today—to reach your future dream or goal—for tomorrow.

Candidly, the future, or tomorrow itself, remains but a dream. What has more weight is that: You’re alive today—which in itself is something to be grateful for. Take that as a nudge toward resolving to live bolder by focusing on the present—on this moment where you are right now—without worrying about the future. This day is yours! Value every moment. Sure, you can dream about what you can achieve and reach tomorrow, but don’t make the mistake of wasting your time daydreaming your today away.

Value Every Moment: Immerse Yourself in the Present

So, why is there value in doing something today? Well, friend, remember this thought: You can make plans and set goals for the future, but there is only one today, and you never know if you’ll get to wake up tomorrow. (I don’t mean to sound so sordid, but it’s just the truth.) So, value every moment, every breath you take. Focus on the present, on “the right now”, and enjoy life and do something you love today.

Go to the beach. Take a long road trip with your family. Hang out with your best friend for the weekend. Go on that trip to Greece you’ve been saving up for. Eat at that 5-star restaurant you’ve been eyeing for a while now. It’s good to make a plan for the future, yes. But savor the present, today, while you consider the steps you need to take toward your goal for tomorrow. As long as you are working with your best to build a better future while doing something today, don’t worry about your future. Accept your “now” in life as it is. There is value in living life one day at a time.

Finding that Necessary Balance

The balance between doing something TODAY and also planning for TOMORROW is key for you to value every moment. Indeed, enjoying the present moment is terrific. Nevertheless, there is worth in having a vision for your life, of what you want to achieve in the future. Just like a tightrope walker, you must find the balance.

Here are three tips to help you focus on and make the most of today and remain rooted in achieving the future you envision:

1: When you wake up in the morning, resolve right there and then in your mind that you’re going to value every moment and relish the day while still mindfully holding onto the future you want to see.

2: Write your plan of action—including the steps you need to take—to reach your main goal for the future. But stay grounded on enjoying today.

3: As you go throughout your day, be wise in reveling every moment of your day while enacting your plan for your future.

Make the Most of Today—of the Now!

Want to start living a bolder life? Here’s our Bold Life Checklist of 48 Simple Actions that Yield Big Results. Take a breath and think about where you are right now. Take in this moment as it is. Be grateful. Then move and boldly live out your life doing what you love and accomplishing what you can today for a great day and a better future.

If Elle knew the value of doing something today, perhaps her life would have turned out differently. Maybe she would’ve enjoyed her life each day. At the same time, she would’ve also kept a list of the things she wanted to do and accomplish to reach a vision she had for her future. Perhaps, she would have spent each day enjoying her life to the fullest without sacrificing her long-term dreams. Perhaps, she would’ve lived a bold life. Don’t let the “would have” or the “could have” in Elle’s life be true in your own life. Choose today. Relish the now. Just do something.