Often times I grapple with a couple of different approaches when moving through life. Obviously, I have over-simplified these ideas for the purpose of this blog, but nevertheless, you get the idea.

One avenue is having a fairly-strict discipline and grinding it out keeping focus on your intentions making progress, yet hitting it daily, learning as you go relying on my sheer perseverance and tenacity to get me the results I’m looking for.

The second is a much more “care-free” approach and enjoying the journey of life wherever it may take you and enjoying yourself along the way. Accepting exactly where you are knowing it’s the perfect place for the moment. And not getting too caught up in the results, but focusing more on the moment and the journey along the way.

It’s no secret: The blend of the two perspectives serves as the best way for me to move through life. Just as a commercial jet must constantly adjust it’s course heading on a flight from L.A. to New York, I must adjust my direction and methods in order to maintain the most efficient and effective approach for where I am in that moment.

We all want a finished template to use in proper situation in order to get the perfect results. Unfortunately, life doesn’t work that way. It’s a moving target and we must stay on our toes and make adjustments.

I would like to think that I will never stop refining my skills in life. The opposite would be to coast I suppose. Waiting for something to happen to me rather than making the changes myself.

Additionally, it’s not important to micro-manage your approach. Rather, the movement of going forward sets the precedence, not the “how”. You will get to where you need to be – or should I say, supposed to be – as long as you continue to move your feet and your intentions are true.

There is always room for improvement. We all know this, but don’t let it paralyze you. Striving for perfection as an ideal and not a reality. Find the gems along the way and definitely stop and smell the roses – after you get yourself an ice cream.

I read a really great story about a dignitary years ago and I have always done my best to keep it in mind as I continue this journey through life.

The story goes like this: One day in a high-ranking officials office in a distant country, he was having a meeting with another politician of importance when the discussion began to get a bit heated and this VIP couldn’t help himself and got caught up in the moment and began to raise his voice when all of the sudden the door to his office opened immediately and a very professional looking woman walks into the room with confidence straight to the man of purpose and whispers into his ear. He immediately nods his head and a calms down, then continues his conversation with his guest.

Not much longer into their conversation, he begins to work himself into a bit of a lather once again – as his voice intensifies and begins to raise. Moments later the door to his office opens and the same woman walks into the room straight to the man’s ear and whispers into it. He nods his head, mumbles “Yes, yes. Thank you.” He continues his conversation grounded and calm.

Several minutes go by and once again the luminary starts to raise his voice when his office door opens quickly again and the professional woman enters, whispers into his ear and walks out closing the door behind her.

After the third time the guest turns to the politician and says, “I’m sorry to interrupt our conversation, but I just have to ask you, what is that woman saying to you when she comes into the room?” The man responds, “Oh, that’s easy. She tells me to remember Rule #6.” His guest, nods his head and says, “Oh. Okay” He pauses for a moment and then asks, “What is Rule #6?

The officeholder tells his guest, “Rule #6 is: Don’t take yourself so Goddamn seriously.” The guest takes in this information as he nods and then says, “What are the other rules?” The dignitary replies, “There are no other rules.”

No matter how many times I see it, I’m still amazed when I place a tiny seed in the ground, cover it with dirt and water it, only to find after a couple of weeks a little green and white shoot peaking out of the earth. I get a thrill every time.

I took it for granted when I was younger and my parents had a huge garden. Maybe it was because I had to weed it or spread grass clippings throughout and between the rows of carrots, radishes and green beans. But now I thoroughly enjoy watching tomato plants and bell peppers appear on the vines as though it were magic.

A specific and honorable intention, proper steps (planting the seed, watering, etc), some hard work and a whole lot of faith. Sounds reasonable to me.

Could life really be that simple?

Yesterday is gone and there is nothing that can be done. Tomorrow is off the table, so don’t even entertain the thought of it. But, today is here, so what are you going to do about it?

So often we get caught up on our mistakes that took place yesterday, we end up dragging that baggage into the present moment tainting a perfectly pristine opportunity. Or we work ourselves into a lather about what hasn’t happened yet in the future (tomorrow).

Immerse yourself in today – better yet in the moment and whatever you do don’t put it off until tomorrow. Life is short and we must all learn to seize the moment.

“These have to be the good ole’ days.”

Adam Consolo