Simplify the Present with These 3 Questions

Simplify the Present with These 3 Questions

Last update: 27 July, 2018

“Enjoy the present” is an excessively used expression that we actually don’t apply as much as we should. Living in the moment involves reflecting on our existence, on a personal and professional level, something that very few people currently do.

Maybe because of the lack of time or daily stress, we set aside healthy habits such as checking up on ourselves and stopping to enjoy the present moment. We forget how important it is to ask ourselves how we’re feeling or how we could enjoy life more. The answers to these questions allow us to evolve and to address our personal growth in a more effective way.

Anthony Robbins, one of the most renowned life coaches in the world, said: “The quality of your life is based partly on the quality of the questions you ask yourself daily.” That is why reflecting on what we’re living, on how to simplify the present, and what we want to do in the future will help us enjoy our “here and now” more.

Benefitting from our internal well-being involves simplifying our life path while making sure that we’re walking in the one that will lead us to an environment filled with enriching people while making it easier for us to be better and to get what we desire. In order to do that, ask yourself these 3 questions.

“We are born to live, that’s why the most important thing we own is time. It’s as short as our life on this planet. It’s a terrible idea to not enjoy every step and every moment of the way, with a mind that has no limits and a heart that can love so much more than we assume.”

-Facundo Cabral-

a person walking barefoot in the grass

Why are you making an effort in the present moment?

It’s true that not all people make an effort to reach a goal or to simply feel better, but instead let time pass on by while unconsciously complaining about not making any progress. If you feel this way, identify what efforts you’re making every day, having in mind the goals you want to reach. 

Both aspects are important to simplify the present and enjoy it. It’s not enough to have a goal that you don’t work to achieve, nor is it useful to make an effort without knowing clearly what you’re doing it for. However, most people don’t take these two variables into account. If you’ve ever asked the people in your environment why they have a routine and why they’re stressed out, they’ll probably reply that they were simply doing what they were supposed to do.

If we ask ourselves why we’re making an effort, it will help us realize that we usually stress out about the things we still don’t have, forgetting about what we do have. The answer to this question can make you believe that you’ll never feel good or happy until you don’t get everything you think you need. On the contrary, when you start putting in the work to reach your goal, you’ll notice how your well-being increases almost immediately.

Simplifying the present requires being aware of why we’re making an effort here and now and where we’re headed. 

What’s holding you back and what can you let go of?

Holding on to something or someone, even if it harms us, is a habit that all humans have since birth. We find ourselves doing a bunch of activities and keeping bad habits that we’re not able to let go of.

We know very well the power that some toxic people have on our self-esteem, beliefs, and feelings. These bad influences harm us in ways that, ironically enough, we’re not able to let go of.

Therefore, if you want to start simplifying the present to enjoy it more, think about what you may be holding on to at this moment and let it go. When you find what it is, you’ll realize that often your problems are completely inevitable. 

Simplifying the present consists of dropping everything that distracts you from the here and now. 

woman freeing birds

Who do you want to spend more time with?

One of the most famous quotes in the world about personal development is: “You’re the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with”. However, most of us haven’t consciously chosen the people we want to spend our time with. You should start thinking about who you want to be around to thus enjoy the here and now more. 

To do that, try to  visualize the people that contribute most to your life. How can you prioritize their company? In spite of it being difficult sometimes, limit the rest of the activities that don’t contribute anything to your life and you’ll see that it becomes possible. Take care of the people that do bring value and set aside some weekly time to hang out with them.

Furthermore, value what other members of your group can offer you. Remember to not spend time with those who don’t want to be around you and simplify your existence by staying only with those who are truly worth it. Put your mind into letting go of the rest of the people, while thanking them for having been a part of your life.

“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.”

-Oscar Wilde-


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.