Brianna Wilkins

Imagine this: I was racing through my day, juggling meetings and to-dos, when a sudden power outage plunged my entire house into darkness. While fumbling for candles, I stumbled across an old photo album. Flipping through it, I was struck by a vivid image of a serene beach scene. That moment hit me hard—I’ve been so absorbed in planning my next big adventure that I’d completely overlooked the beauty of the present.

This jolt of realization set me on a path of reflection about balancing the thrill of future plans with the need to appreciate the here and now. It’s all too easy to get lost in planning and prepping. The days keep slipping by, and while my mind races with tasks and to-dos—“Did I remember to finish that?”—my actual progress feels like it’s crawling.

Here’s what I’ve learned and how you can apply it to your own journey:

1. Savor the Present: Take a moment to enjoy where you are right now. Whether it’s a sunny day or just a quiet moment with a good book, being in the moment can bring a lot of joy. Ask yourself: What small joys am I missing in my everyday routine?
2. Embrace Flexible Planning: Instead of sticking to a rigid to-do list, create a plan that adapts to your needs. This way, planning can be less stressful and more enjoyable. Think about: How can I make my planning more flexible while still keeping track of what’s important?
3. Engage with Your Current Projects: Dive into your ongoing projects and passions. My desk is full of creative ideas and books I want to read. Reflect on: What projects or passions can I focus on right now to feel more fulfilled?
4. Balance Structure with Spontaneity: Habits and routines are great, but don’t let them control your every move. I’ve learned that being too strict with habit tracking can lead to burnout. Consider: How can I balance structure with a bit of spontaneity in my life?
5. Celebrate Small Wins: Don’t forget to celebrate the little victories. Whether it’s making progress on a project or enjoying a simple pleasure, recognizing these moments can boost your motivation. Think about: What are some recent small wins I can celebrate today?

By keeping these ideas in mind, you can enjoy the present while still making progress toward your future goals. It’s all about finding joy in the journey itself.

I’d love to hear from you! How do you balance preparation with enjoying the moment? Share your tips or ideas in the comments below.

For more tips and inspiration, check out my TikTok and YouTube channels where I dive deeper into these topics. Let’s explore and find balance together!