One of my masterclass students recently asked, “You emphasize being fully present and in the moment, and to experience life as it unfolds. Yet, on the other hand, you also speak of having a compelling vision far in the future. How do we reconcile the two?”
This is a very fair question, especially since the two approaches can come across as advice to take two divergent directions to the same destination.
The simple answer – it is about aligning your actions today with the future you aspire to create. If what you do in the present resonates with your long-term goals, a beautiful meeting point emerges—a space where presence and purpose can come together to create a harmony between ‘the now’ and ‘the future’.
Nadia, a central character in my book, SPARK: Journey from Success to Significance, gives us a perfect perspective of this approach. As an artist, adventurer, and humanitarian, Nadia has masterfully merged her passions with her purpose. She is always open and responsive in the present; always calibrating and recalibrating her path, as needed, to enjoy her journey – never foregoing an opportunity to conquer items from her bucket list, like successfully scaling Mount Everest. All the while using each accomplishment to progress toward her ultimate dreams of being more than just an accomplished mountaineer, but a giving human being with a greater good desire and determination.
Let’s delve into both states—presence and vision—to better understand how they create a powerful meeting point when harmonised.
Moment Mode: Being in the Now
The “being” mode allows you to experience life fully in the present moment. When you’re in this state, your mind isn’t preoccupied with goals or obligations. Instead, it’s open and aware, allowing you to connect with the world as it is now. Being present has a profound impact on your well-being. It’s an opportunity to slow down, reset, and recharge.
In this state, you’re less affected by external circumstances because you’ve learned to accept and appreciate what is. By accepting things as they are, you reduce stress and enhance your creativity, resilience, and energy. This mindful presence brings a sense of peace, enabling you to perform at your best without feeling depleted.
Vision Mode: Creating the Future
While being present grounds you, your vision pulls you forward. In vision mode, you design the future around your purpose. For example, mapping out how you’ll meet the evolving needs of your business or industry. A well-articulated vision roadmap links your purpose with your value proposition, offering tangible steps and milestones to guide your path. Visionary companies and leaders don’t just respond to market needs; they lead with a clear vision while anticipating shifts in their field, staying one step ahead. While your vision roadmap isn’t set in stone, it helps keep you focused on your long-term objective, and helps convey your direction to your customers and other stakeholders, both of which inspire confidence and build alignment.
To achieve this, it’s critical to balance the vision with present action. Rather than being overly optimistic or rigid about your plan, adopt a pragmatic approach that lets you pivot as you learn more from customers, partners, and the market itself.
Having a well-articulated, purposeful vision helps weave each decision into a unified direction, making it easier for you and your team to work together effectively toward a bright future.
The Beautiful Meeting Point
Over-focusing on any one state can create an imbalance, diluting the power of your actions. Over-focusing on the present may lead to a sense of aimlessness, while an intense focus on the future can cause stress and burnout.
The true power lies in combining these two states. When we align our present actions to our future goals, we function in a perennial “beautiful meeting point”—a state of purposeful presence. In this space, each moment becomes a meaningful step toward our vision. We are fully engaged in the now, yet every action resonates with a deeper purpose. This meeting point allows us to be adaptable, and to shift as needed without losing sight of our ultimate destination. In essence, we experience the best of both worlds: a calm, focused presence and an inspiring sense of direction.
Practical Strategies for Harmonizing Presence and Purpose
Here are some practical strategies to integrate the present moment into your future vision to maintain a sense of balance:
- Set Intentional, but Flexible Goals: Define clear objectives, but remain open to change. Instead of rigid deadlines, consider markers of progress that allow you to stay mindful of the journey, not just the destination.
- Practice Mindful Reflection: Regularly reflect on how your current actions align with your broader vision. Journaling or mental check-ins can help you assess if your daily choices are purposeful and contribute to your larger goals.
- Employ Visualization with Presence: Visualize your ideal future, then return to the present and take one small step toward it. This practice grounds your vision in present action without losing yourself in future projections.
- Embrace Micro-Goals: Break down your vision into micro-goals to focus on immediate tasks that align with your purpose. This makes each task valuable and keeps you grounded in the moment while working toward long-term aspirations.
- Operate with a Purpose Anchor: In stressful times, reconnect with your purpose by asking, “How does this contribute to my vision?” This helps you stay grounded in the present while keeping your bigger picture alive.
True balance isn’t about choosing one over the other, but weaving them together to create a meeting point where each moment is a step toward a meaningful and enriching future. This meeting point, where daily actions align with long-term goals, becomes a space of growth and fulfilment.
Use the comment section below to share if you have found your beautiful meeting point or are working towards it. I would love to hear how you work on harmonizing your present and future states.