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Balance Life Now and Grow for Tomorrow

Balance Life Now and Grow for Tomorrow

There’s an age-old dilemma when it comes to trying to improve your life: how do you focus on the long-term goal while also enjoying life right now?

It can often feel like a trade-off — I should go to the gym (or study, write, work on that hard project, etc.) … but I also want to relax, veg out while watching TV, eat donuts, play video games, etc.

Should I enjoy myself now, or do what’s good for my future? Should I work hard and then get the reward, or forget about the hard stuff and just enjoy this moment?

For me, there is no right answer … but I learned a “trick” that helps me combine the two approaches into one.

Here’s how it works:

  1. I figure out what will make me happiest in the long-run — what is the life that I really want?
  2. Then I figure out what I can do today to make that happen. What steps can I do repeatedly to build the life I want?
  3. Then I find a way to love the hell out of that activity.

Let’s dive into these things to really put them into action in our lives.

Take the Long-View

People often make the mistake of mostly taking a view that’s too short-sighted — spend all my money now on shopping online, instead of save and invest. Eat all the sweet things, instead of going for the run.

Now, to be clear, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with enjoying yourself! Savor the sweets, treat yourself! The problem is when the short-term becomes your main view. It becomes more a matter of impulse than doing what will benefit your life.

So I like to take the long view more often than not. What do I want to build for myself over time? For me, that might be things like a meaningful impact at work, health and longevity, learning and growing, and loving relationships.

What would it be for you?

Find the Repeatable Actions

Once I have some clarity on what matters most over the long term, I ask myself: what steps can I do on a regular basis that will lead to that long-term vision?

Things like daily exercise, eating whole foods, daily writing sessions, spending meaningful time with loved ones.

These things might come into conflict with short-term impulses (distractions, junk food, laying on the couch) … and so I try to prioritize the long-term over the short-term … most of the time. Not always, but if I’m doing those repeatable steps on a regular basis, then I’m golden.

Love the Hell Out of Those Steps

Here’s the trick: learn to absolutely love the repeatable steps that lead to long-term success. You don’t have to sacrifice your happiness when you do those steps.

For example, if you love eating junk food … but eating mostly whole foods is what will lead to your long-term health … then could you love the whole food diet? For me, the answer is absolutely yes! I eat delicious bowls of beans and veggies, topped with avocado and hot sauce. For me, that’s eye-rollingly good!

For exercise, I’ve been playing basketball lately and going on walks. I adore these kinds of activities!

I write my latest book on most weekdays … and while those might be more of a struggle, I find ways to bring curiosity, service, love and play into those writing sessions.

You can bring play and curiosity and a sense of wonder into anything. Including those things that are good for you over the long term. It just takes a willingness to find the delight in those beautiful actions.

Credit

Btw, if you want to train with me, ​check out my Fearless Living Academy​.
Zen Habits is about finding simplicity and mindfulness in the daily chaos of our lives. It’s about clearing the clutter so we can focus on what’s important, create something amazing, find happiness. My name is Leo Babauta. I live in Davis, California with my wife and six kids, where I eat vegan food, write, run, and read. 
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© 2025 CrystalWind.ca & Author | All Rights Reserved | No reproduction without permission | Awakening Souls Since 2008.
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