“People in the West are always getting ready to live,” Chinese proverb. If we spend all our time becoming, hoping for a payoff in the future, we fail to appreciate the present fully. Now is the currency of life. If we believe the future will be better, for whatever reason, we will focus our attention on it. However, how will the future improve if we don’t make an effort now, to change our current situation?

And, if we dwell on the events of the past, good or bad, that ruminating can stifle our present efforts and planning. If we feel that the best is behind us, that condemns us to a lesser future.

The key to this past, present, and future dilemma is balance and perspective. Here are some ideas for you to consider.

• Admit that the present moment is the one we have available for thinking, planning, and doing.

• Look at the past as a series of photographs, some old, some new, some clear and bright, and some faded and worn.

• Look at the future as rolls of film with potential to capture a nearly infinite array of new images and experiences.

• Look at the present as your assignment as a photographer. Every time you blink your eyes, you capture another image from the present, which was yesterday’s future and will be tomorrow’s past.

• Take regular times in the present to remember your past. What are your favorite memories? What are some memories that you would like to forget? What can you learn from the past? What mistakes did you make that you do not want to repeat? What are your greatest past accomplishments that you want to repeat?

• Take regular times in the present to think and plan for your future. If you plan for the future that you want to experience, and then work in the present on fulfilling that plan, you increase your chances of having the future you desire.

• Live in the present. Be aware of your current tasks, duties and opportunities. Give full attention, effort, energy and resources to right now. Remember, Yogananda’s quote, “Live this present moment completely, and the future will take care of itself.”

• Enjoy life one moment, one event, and one day at a time. Actively look at and for the good in your life each day. If you find parts that are not good, work to find ways to make them better. If you can’t make a situation better, can you change your attitude about it? “If you can’t do what you love, learn to love what you do.” I don’t remember who said that, however, it has held true for me for many years.

Tim O’Brien designs continuing-education courses and presents seminars on stress management.