How to Enjoy the Journey and Live in the Now
Goals are like the shiny stars we aim for in the night sky. They guide us, motivate us, and give us something to strive for. But what if I told you that those very goals might be holding you back from living your best life right now? As a personal trainer, I’ve seen firsthand how focusing too much on the finish line can sometimes make us forget to enjoy the race. So, let’s explore why it might be time to rethink how we approach our goals and why living in the present can be the key to feeling fantastic every single day.
The Problem with Being Future-Focused
Let’s be honest—having goals is great! They give us direction and a sense of purpose. But here’s the catch: when you’re laser-focused on a future outcome, you might be missing out on the amazing stuff happening right in front of you. It’s like being so intent on reaching the top of the mountain that you forget to enjoy the beautiful views along the way.
When we get stuck in the mindset of “I’ll be happy when I achieve X,” we start living in a constant state of “not quite there yet.” It’s like your happiness and fulfillment are always just around the corner, but never quite within reach. That’s no way to live!
Why I Focus on Daily Feelings, Not Just End Goals
As a personal trainer, I’ve seen how focusing on an aesthetic or physical goal—like losing a certain amount of weight or hitting a specific number on the bench press—can sometimes backfire. Sure, it’s great to have those targets, but they can also lead to frustration, burnout, or even disappointment if things don’t go exactly as planned. Life is full of unexpected plot twists, and those rigid goals don’t always allow for the flexibility we need to handle them.
Instead, I like to flip the script. Rather than fixating on the end goal, I encourage my clients to focus on how they want to feel every day. Do you want to wake up feeling energised? Do you want to feel strong and confident in your body? How about feeling less stressed and more at peace? When you make your daily feelings the priority, every workout, meal, and healthy habit becomes an opportunity to feel good right now—not just when you reach some future goal.
The Joy of Living in the Moment
When we shift our focus from the destination to the journey, something magical happens. We start to enjoy the process. We begin to appreciate the little wins, like feeling more alive after a great workout or noticing how much stronger we feel after a few weeks of consistency or appreciating how more energised and productive we feel after a good nights sleep or a yoga nidra. These are the moments that make the journey worthwhile.
Plus, by being present, we open ourselves up to new opportunities and possibilities. Maybe you start out with a goal to lose weight, but along the way, you discover a love for hiking or yoga that you never expected. Or perhaps life throws you a curveball, like an injury or a big life change, and being flexible with your goals allows you to adjust and still find joy in the journey.
Embracing the Unexpected
Life is unpredictable, and that’s part of what makes it exciting! But when we’re too focused on a specific outcome, we can miss out on all the wonderful surprises along the way. By staying present and open to change, we can adapt, grow, and even discover that our original goals weren’t what we really wanted after all.
It’s like setting out on a road trip with a specific destination in mind, but along the way, you stumble upon a hidden gem of a town that ends up being even better than where you were headed. If you’re too fixated on getting to that original destination, you might drive right past it without even noticing.
So, What’s the Takeaway?
Goals are important—they give us direction and purpose. But they shouldn’t be the be-all and end-all. By focusing on how you feel and making that your intention, every moment of every day, you not only reach for the stars... you become them.
If you would like to work with me to feel great from the inside out, I am opening spaces for one to one Holistic Body Coaching in the autumn. Personal Training, Breath, Mindfulness and Radical Self Care to help you love the skin you're in!
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