Living your best life: Striking the balance between enjoying life now or enjoying it later

Life is a journey filled with twists, turns, and surprises. In the quest for success and fulfillment, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that achieving our ultimate goals is the only measure of living our best lives. However, what if living your best life means something more attainable and within reach every day? In this LinkedIn live conversation between Dr. Yewande, a medical doctor and psychotherapist, and Jackie, the importance of celebrating wins, embracing the present, and challenging all-or-nothing thinking was dissected.

The All-or-Nothing Trap

One of the common traps many of us fall into is the all-or-nothing way of thinking. We tend to believe that either we have it all, accomplishing all our goals, or we’re complete failures. This thinking pattern can lead to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction, as it often sets an unattainable standard for success.

Dr. Yewande and Jackie suggest that it’s crucial to move away from this all-or-nothing mentality. Life is not a linear path to perfection, but rather a series of ups and downs. They encourage us to focus on the things we have going well for us and to seek out the silver linings in every situation. What might appear as a setback today could be a valuable lesson for tomorrow.

The Wins Diary

A practical way to shift your perspective and avoid the all-or-nothing trap is to maintain a “Wins Diary.” This diary allows you to keep track of your wins, no matter how small they may seem at first glance. Instead of solely focusing on the major milestones you have yet to achieve, take time each day, week, or month to reflect on what has gone well in different areas of your life.

Dr. Yewande suggests breaking your life into various domains or aspects, such as health, finances, career, family, relationships, and personal goals. By acknowledging your wins in each domain, you can gain a more holistic view of your accomplishments. It’s a powerful exercise that reminds you of your progress and helps cultivate gratitude for the present moment.

Micro Vacations and Small Pleasures

Another key takeaway from the conversation is the importance of finding joy in small pleasures. Waiting for the big dream vacation or that ideal future home can lead to a sense of postponement and dissatisfaction. Instead, consider embracing the concept of “micro vacations.”

A micro vacation is a short, intentional break you take to indulge in something you love or to simply rest and recharge. It might be as simple as dedicating an hour to read a book, watch a favorite TV show, or practice a hobby you enjoy. By prioritizing small pleasures and self-care in your daily life, you can infuse more happiness into the present moment.

Challenging Your Worthiness

One of the emotional barriers to living your best life now is the belief that you don’t deserve it. Some individuals struggle with the idea of taking breaks, celebrating achievements, or finding joy in everyday moments because they feel they haven’t reached a specific milestone. It’s essential to recognize that you don’t need to earn happiness or a sense of accomplishment.

Dr. Yewande encourages us to challenge these thoughts and acknowledge that we deserve to enjoy life, even amidst challenges and imperfections. By releasing the notion that you must achieve everything before experiencing happiness, you can find fulfillment in the here and now.

Final Thoughts

Living your best life doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing endeavor. It’s about finding beauty and joy in the journey, celebrating wins along the way, and embracing the present moment. Through reflection, self-awareness, and the practice of gratitude, you can uncover the treasures in your life and live more fully every day.

So, take a moment to appreciate your progress, acknowledge your wins, and seek out the small pleasures that bring you joy. Remember that living your best life is not a distant destination but a daily choice to savor the journey.

Watch full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAPr4MjJ8LI

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