Being in the moment forces us to come face to face with our present selves. For many that can be quite uncomfortable and even embarrassing. Yet, if we don’t stop to reflect on where we are, we will miss opportunities to change our directions and to potentially live our best lives.

Being In The Moment Requires Courage And Patience

It takes courage to peel back the layers and see the mistakes we have make. It will also take courage to accept the reality that our current lives are the results of the repeated unhealthy choices we have made. Yet, the most important thing that will require courage, is in deciding that it is time to change direction. That is where patience comes in, we need patience to allow the process of change to unfold. Unfortunately, this is where many people stumble. They are too impatient and when it takes time for the obvious evidence of change to manifest, many people lose their focus and their drive.

It Takes Mindfulness To be In The Moment Comfortably

Stopping and examining one’s life requires the ability to look, examine, and notice without criticism or judgment the areas that need to be renovated. Yet, one must be realistic when making a plan. A plan that takes into consideration multiple factors: the damage that has been done; the time that it will take to repair the damage; and finally, the possibility that the damage done will never be completely reversible.

Acceptance Is Required To Live In The Moment Joyfully

Accepting that some things cannot be changed is often quite painful for many of us to cope with. Worse, is accepting that we have made some mistakes that have had horrendous consequences. Consequences that may be irreversible. Yet, the inability to accept gracefully our mistakes is responsible for keeping so many of us trapped in recriminations and failure.

Graceful acceptance includes the ability to graciously let go of our past mistakes and embrace the opportunity of the present moment to effect a healthier and positive change. In other words, learn to forgive yourself. Make this moment an opportunity to do something new, something different, and something that will move you in the direction of achieving your total health goal.

The Final Ingredient Needed For Living in The Moment

Without this ingredient, our best laid plans will amount to naught. So, you have the courage, patience, mindfulness, and you have mastered the art of acceptance, but you are not or have not been able to effect sustainable positive change in your life. Your frustration is palpable. What is the missing ingredient? Discipline. Without the discipline to control yourself in any situation, you will continue to respond in unhealthy ways when you encounter your triggers, or when you are most vulnerable.

Improve Your Discipline And Self-Control

• You must accept that there will be some discomfort
• Be decisive and remove temptations
• Stop letting your feelings dictate your choices
• Know your strengths and weaknesses
• Be consistent daily in taking the healthy little steps
• Start small and create new habits and rituals
• Believe you have an abundance of inner strength
• Utilize the implementation intention method, which involves a contingency plan
• Get a mentor or coach, someone who can be objective
• Remember to forgive yourself and keep moving forward

Remember your WHY and remember to be patient, then trust in the power within to give you the strength to take the next healthy step. Focus on the next step, not the thousands of miles you have to go, and you will be more successful in achieving your goal.