Tag Archives: seize the moment

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Moment by Moment

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Although it is not clearly defined as the exact amount of time involved a moment is defined as a short period of time.  It is used in communication as an inexact place holder.

For example:

  • take a moment before responding (is this 10 seconds or 2 to 3 minutes, it is unclear how long you have to ponder but the intent is to be brief)
  • the crash occurred in a moment (the impact and follow up repercussions were brief but exactly how long the crash lasted is not typically known)
  • it was a historic moment (implying whatever occurred was highly impactful but did not last long, or the sense of it was brief

Moments Matter

In reality, we live our lives moment by moment.  That is everything we see, do and think begins in a brief flash although these individual moments combine to a unique, still on their own moments’ matter.

There is a preponderance of literature advising us to live fuller lives by staying in the moment.

There are a number of definitions and explanations supporting this practice but in short and simple terms, your life is a series of moments and each one counts so don’t waste it.

Paying Attention

This advice is not about staying in the moment, that is really not possible, we are fated to move on no matter what.  Rather this is paying attention to each moment.

Through constant attention, we are able to ensure the appropriate outcomes and memories are derived moment by moment and ultimately this leads us, enables us,  to take control of our life.

 

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Wasting Time

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In simple terms devoting time to a useless activity is a waste of time.  I would expand this to include time and effort spent on low priority, low impact items.

In our lives, when we wait another day we waste another moment.  Everyone’s lives will end, your moments are limited.  It is trite to say so but make every moment count.

Recharging

It is important to acknowledge those moments we spend recharging (e.g, sleep, meditation, inactive) are as important as those active moments when we are challenging, stretching, searching, learning, growing.

These moments, when in essence we are recharging our batteries, are not wasted time.   The balance between living to the fullest and be ready to live to the fullest (i.e., resting) is different for everyone.

Focus on the Mostest

Given our limited number of living, moments will expire choosing how to spend your time should focus on your personal goals.  For most people, this entails some form of achieving maximum pleasure.

Things that make us happy, provided they don’t make others unhappy provide the greatest value.  Sometimes we can’t be sure what the value of something will be, these things we should not shy away from.

However, mundane tasks we choose to undertake to fill time are often just a waste of time.  Is that something we really want to do?  Instead of wasting time, maybe we could just undertake a recharging activity (perhaps a moment of rest and silence).

This recharging prepares us to charge forward and seize the moment and opportunity to experience the joys life offers when we can.

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Play the game for yourself

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Showing up and participating might get you a pass but if you want to win more is needed.  Viewing life as a game (yes, a tired and worn out analogy) places your role as a competitor.

Being part of the play can be very enjoyable.  I wonder though if something is missing.  If we equate success to winning, achieving your goal (i.e., success) should be a win.

Just being not enough

If your objective is just to show up, it probably is not a real objective and probably is not enough.  Building on the game analogy my suggestion is to study the rules, players and potential outcomes.

Based on this analysis, as your goal pick an outcome that will maximize your enjoyment, without negatively impacting others.  Don’t kid yourself, maximizing your enjoyment requires more than just showing up.

A servicable performance should never be taken as a complement.  The feeling of real accomplishment is like a stimulating drug, it feels good.  That is just basic human nature.

Play to win every time

The very key to the ideas proposed in this post is repeatable consistent behavior.  Whatever the activity of the moment never mail it in.  This is of little benefit to yourself.

Seize every moment with gusto, not unfocused energy but rather excitement and purpose.  I cannot think of any occassion when just going with  current is a worthwhile approach.