General
For years, in every speech I’ve given and every book I’ve written, I’ve been whispering a single philosophy to you: Be mindful in every moment and build the best version of yourself.
So, why am I emphasizing “second by second” in particular? Because this approach actually means being mindful of your life. It means being aware of the moment you’re in, appreciating its value, and using that moment consciously to create the person you want to be and the life you want to live.
When I say you should make the most of every moment, I don’t mean you should work nonstop like a robot, striving endlessly. I mean you should appreciate the value of every moment. Because sometimes the best way to use a moment is to work like crazy. But sometimes it’s hugging your child, sometimes it’s holding the hand of the person you love, and sometimes it’s mustering the courage to take that first step. And sometimes it’s doing nothing at all—just pausing to appreciate the beauty of the life you’re living. That’s what it means to live in the moment.
Exiting Autopilot
We must stop living our lives on autopilot and simply watching as the days slip by. We must stay awake and present in our own lives. Because you cannot consciously manage a moment you are not aware of. But the moment you become aware—right at that very second—you can make a choice. And every conscious choice you make creates a newer, more evolved version of yourself.
Please don’t forget this: Becoming the best version of yourself doesn’t mean simply becoming a more successful, more disciplined, or higher-earning person—not at all! Not at all. The ideal person I’m talking about is someone who appreciates the value of life. It’s someone who knows how to love and laugh. It’s someone who creates and grows, but doesn’t forget to live while striving to grow. It’s the person who works when necessary, pauses when necessary, rests when necessary, and sometimes can simply look up at the sky and say, “What a beautiful life I’m living.”
The Equation Is Actually Very Simple
So, why are we doing all this? Why are we constantly striving to develop our minds and ourselves? To live that beautiful life we envision.
The equation is actually that simple: More conscious choices lead to better days, and when those better days come together, the amazing life you’ve always dreamed of takes shape. Maybe right now, at this very moment, you can’t change your whole life all at once. That’s perfectly normal. But you can make a conscious choice right now—and sometimes, even a small choice can change the entire course of your life.
Be mindful of this very moment you’re in right now, appreciate its value, and ask yourself this question: “What would the best version of me be doing right now?” Answer that question and do it immediately. Because you won’t create your life on some distant day in the future; you’re creating it right now, second by second.