James Carter
When someone is constantly checking their phone, they’re likely not fully present. If they’re always worrying about the future, they’re definitely not living in the now.
Easy enough to understand, right?
Not quite. The human mind is a mystery and sometimes, small habits can hold us back from fully embracing the present moment.
But don’t fret! I’ve got you covered with eight specific habits that might be the culprits. And the best part? They’re all backed by psychology.
So, are you ready to dive in and start living in the here and now? Let’s get to it.
1) Overusing your smartphone
We all do it, right?
You’re waiting in line at the grocery store, and you pull out your phone.
You’re watching TV, and you’re mindlessly scrolling through social media at the same time.
It’s easy, it’s convenient, and it’s a habit that most of us have fallen into.
But here’s the thing: every time you pull out your phone, you’re pulling yourself out of the present moment.
You’re not really living in the now; you’re living in a digital world that’s constantly changing and updating.
Don’t get me wrong, smartphones are fantastic tools.
But when they start to take over our lives, they can prevent us from truly embracing the present.
Next time you feel the urge to check your phone, pause for a moment and ask yourself: am I really being present?
Small changes can make a big difference.
2) Worrying about the future
I’m no stranger to this one.
There was a time when I spent every waking moment worrying about the future. What if I make the wrong decision? What if things don’t go as planned? What if, what if, what if…
The future seemed like a giant, looming thing that was constantly hanging over my head. And it was preventing me from fully living in the present.
As a result, I missed out on a lot of beautiful moments that were happening right in front of me. I wasn’t living in the now; I was living in a future that hadn’t even happened yet.
It took me a while, but eventually, I learned to let go of my worries and start embracing the present. And let me tell you, it’s made all the difference.
Worrying about the future is natural. But when it starts to take over your life, it’s time to take a step back and refocus on the present. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
3) Multitasking
Multitasking might seem like a great way to get more done in less time. But did you know that only 2.5% of people can actually multitask effectively?
For the rest of us, juggling multiple tasks at once can lead to decreased productivity and a lower quality of work. Not only that, but it also pulls us out of the present moment.
When you’re trying to do multiple things at once, your attention is divided.
You’re not fully engaged in any one task, which means you’re not fully present.
So, instead of trying to do everything at once, try focusing on one task at a time.
You’ll likely find that you’re more productive, your work is of higher quality, and you’re much more present.
4) Neglecting self-care
We all have those days where we’re running on empty, trying to cross off every item on our to-do list.
But here’s something you might not realize: neglecting your own needs can actually pull you out of the present moment.
Think about it. When you’re tired, hungry, or stressed, your mind is focused on those feelings of discomfort. You’re not fully present because part of your attention is focused on how you’re feeling.
Taking care of yourself isn’t just about feeling good. It’s about giving yourself the best possible foundation for staying present and engaged in the world around you.
So, take a few minutes each day to check in with yourself. Are you hungry? Tired? Stressed?
If so, take some time to address those needs. Your future self will thank you.
5) Living in the past
I know this one all too well.
There was a time when I was constantly reliving past experiences, particularly the ones I regretted or wished I could change.
I was stuck in a loop of “if onlys” and “what ifs,” and it was preventing me from living in the present.
I had to learn the hard way that no matter how much time I spent dwelling on the past, I couldn’t change it. All I was doing was robbing myself of the present.
I’ve found that it’s okay to reflect on the past, but you can’t live there. You have to let go. Only then can you truly embrace the present moment and all it has to offer.
It’s a lesson I carry with me every day.
6) Seeking perfection
Sounds like a good thing, right?
Striving for the best, not settling for less, always pushing for perfection. But here’s the catch: perfection is an illusion, and chasing after it can actually pull you away from the present moment.
When you’re focused on achieving an ideal, you’re not fully engaged with what’s happening right now.
You’re fixated on a future state that may or may not ever be reached.
Instead of seeking perfection, try embracing the beauty of imperfection. Accept that mistakes and flaws are part of life, and they’re what make us human.
Remember, it’s in the journey, not the destination, where the present moment truly resides.
7) Being overly critical
We all have an inner critic. It’s that little voice in our head that points out our mistakes, doubts our abilities, and tells us we’re not good enough.
But here’s the thing: constantly listening to that inner critic can prevent you from embracing the present moment.
When you’re constantly criticizing yourself, you’re focused on what’s wrong instead of appreciating what’s right. You’re dwelling on negatives instead of living in the now.
Next time your inner critic starts to speak up, acknowledge it, but don’t let it take over. Remember, being kind to yourself is just as important as being kind to others.
Embrace who you are in this moment, flaws and all. The present is where you’ll find your true self.
8) Ignoring your surroundings
This is arguably the most significant habit that prevents us from embracing the present.
When we’re not paying attention to our surroundings, we’re not fully present. We’re missing out on the sights, sounds, and experiences happening around us.
Take a moment to really engage with your environment. Notice the color of the sky, the smell of the air, the feel of the ground beneath your feet.
Being present means being fully engaged with the world around you. Take a deep breath, look around, and truly live in the now.
Embracing the now
If you’ve read through this article, hopefully, you’ve started to see how small habits can have a big impact on our ability to live in the present.
Being present isn’t about ignoring the past or not planning for the future.
It’s about fully engaging with the world as it is right now. It’s about appreciating the beauty of each moment as it unfolds.
As Lao Tzu once wisely said, “If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present.”
In other words, embracing the present is a key step towards finding peace.
Take a look at your own habits. Are there any that are preventing you from being fully present? If so, know that it’s never too late to make a change.
The present moment is all we truly have. Let’s make the most of it.
