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Becoming Minimalist

Own less. Live more. Finding minimalism in a world of consumerism.

10 Tips to Start Living in the Present Moment

Written by joshua becker · 189 Comments

holding a camera - how to live in the moment

“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.”

One of the best, unforeseen consequences of simplifying our lives is it has allowed us to begin living our lives in the present moment.

Eliminating nonessential possessions has freed us from many of the emotions associated with past lives that were keeping us stuck. And clearing our home has allowed us the freedom to shape our lives today around our most important values.

Living in the present moment means no longer worrying about what happened in the past and not fearing what will happen in the future. It means enjoying what’s happening now and living for today.

Choosing to live in the past or the future not only robs you of enjoyment today, but it also robs you of truly living. The only important moment is the present moment.

With that goal in mind, consider this list of ten tips below on how to live in the moment.

How Do You Live in the Moment?

1. Remove unneeded possessions

Minimalism forces you to live in the present. Removing items associated with past memories frees you and allows you to stop living in the past. Once the past no longer has power, you can begin to live in the moment.

2. Smile

Each day is full of endless possibilities! Start it with a smile. You are in control of your attitude every morning, keep it optimistic and expectant. Be intentional about it and you’ll find yourself doing it every day without even realizing it.

3. Fully appreciate the moments of today

Soak in as much of today as you possibly can – the sights, the sounds, the smells, the emotions, the triumph, and the sorrow. These are in our daily lives but we often forget to take them in and truly appreciate them.

4. Forgive past hurts

If you are harboring resentment towards another human being because of past hurts, choose to forgive and move on. The harm was their fault, but allowing it to impact your mood today is yours. Let go and choose to be present in the moment instead.

5. Love your job

If you just “survive” the workweek constantly waiting for the next weekend “to get here,” you are wasting 71% of your life (5/7 days.) There are two solutions: find a new job that you actually enjoy, or find something that you appreciate about your current career.

6. Dream about the future, but work hard today

Dream big. Set goals and plans for the future. But working hard today is always the first step towards realizing your dreams tomorrow. Don’t allow dreaming about tomorrow to replace living in the moment. Dreaming about the future is only productive when combined with action taken today.

7. Don’t dwell on past accomplishments

If you are still talking about what you did yesterday, you haven’t done much today. There is still plenty of time to build upon past successes and create more memories and achievements for future-you. In the future, you’ll be cherishing the memories of today.

8. Stop worrying

You can’t fully appreciate today if you worry too much about tomorrow. Realize that tomorrow is going to happen whether you worry about it or not. And since worry has never accomplished anything for anybody, redirect your mental energy elsewhere.

9. Think beyond old solutions to problems

Our world is changing so fast that most of yesterday’s solutions are no longer the right answers today. Don’t get locked into a “but that’s how we’ve always done it” mentality. Yesterday’s solutions are not today’s solutions and they are certainly not tomorrow’s solutions.

10. Conquer addictions

Addictions in your life hold you hostage. They keep you from living a completely free life and removes your focus from the moment. Find some help. Take the steps. And remove their influence over your life. Allow yourself to live in the moment addiction-free.

Learning how to live in the present moment is an essential ingredient in a happy life.

If you can only live one moment at a time, you might as well make it the present.

***

Further Reading

How to Enjoy a Life You Don’t  Need to Escape From


Comments

  1. Cyrus Mwangi Muruthi says

    March 3, 2023 at 11:49 AM

    Very impressive lessons learnt here

    Reply
  2. Mark Tyler says

    March 2, 2023 at 3:02 AM

    I am really very happy with your blog because it is helpful and informative for new readers.

    Reply
  3. Mark Tyler says

    March 1, 2023 at 1:39 AM

    Wonderful post. I hope within a few days we will get more post from you like it. Thank you.

    Reply
  4. Marcel Spielmann says

    February 23, 2023 at 11:24 PM

    I don’t really know how I got here. The content hear i just read made me realise many things. And also the people’s comments had so much to understand.

    Thanks to all.

    Reply
  5. Survival tools says

    December 13, 2022 at 7:13 AM

    Huge thanks for a great read!

    Reply
  6. Hasan Babar says

    December 3, 2022 at 10:07 AM

    Very inspirational. I liked this post.

    Reply
    • Rona Stokes says

      December 9, 2022 at 3:03 AM

      Just transforming life from sorrows and mishaps, to positives. my

      Reply
      • Karen Coffey says

        January 19, 2023 at 4:27 AM

        Love this read!!!, very inspirational!! My Father always told me to never leave the house without my smile!! Some advice I have practiced my whole life!! Part of my early morning motivations are all your articles!! Thanks Josh

        Reply
    • Rona Stokes says

      December 9, 2022 at 3:05 AM

      Just transforming life from sorrows and mishaps, to positives.

      Reply
  7. Desaraju maliķrjun says

    November 27, 2022 at 1:10 AM

    If you focus in present your future will be Good at the same time your present becomes past so what I mean to say is live in present, work in present enjoy in present what ever you do actions emotions it should related to present everything is possible.

    Reply
  8. Sarita Mian says

    May 29, 2022 at 9:36 AM

    I t was a great read especially when I myself had written about the same subject. To read your post was something that added more to my wisdom.
    What I concluded was the three rules that will help one to focus on Present.
    1. Future holds nothing if you do not hold anything for it.
    2. Future is not a gift, the Past is not a waste and the Present is never permanent.
    3. What you do with your Present, Future will do it for you.

    Value what you have, work to make it more valuable and look back on it as your pride memory.

    Reply
    • Marcel Spielmann says

      February 23, 2023 at 11:20 PM

      I like the comment u have posted. And I also noted you also had written something like the same can I see it

      Reply
  9. Greg P says

    April 21, 2022 at 10:35 AM

    YES, THANK YOU

    Reply
  10. Fukru Umer says

    March 3, 2022 at 2:20 AM

    How to live in present, if present is too painful and you made so many things during depression. That make you feel bad about it today.

    Reply
    • Sarita Mian says

      May 29, 2022 at 9:38 AM

      “The greatest of all miracles is that we need not be tomorrow what we are today, the greatest of all insights is that we cannot be tomorrow what we do not do today. That is why Today matters”

      Reply
  11. Jules says

    October 5, 2021 at 2:09 PM

    Living in the moment sounds good, our present is forged by our past and will influence our future lives. Sometimes we need to look back to understand how we got here and to heal our present self.

    Reply
    • asad imran says

      January 20, 2022 at 6:34 AM

      okk great

      Reply
    • E says

      September 15, 2022 at 7:31 AM

      I agree, everyone says it’s really easy to move forward, and move on, but the past shapes the future. Moving forward is harder then people lead it on to be. It is especially harder because you are dependent on other people and their actions. For example, you move in with someone, and they may decide they do not want you there. Or you may file for something in court, but Covid closes the court and so no action can be taken by the judge. Are you may have signed a document in the past, that you cannot unsign. You may have been set up to be cheated. This may have happened without your awareness of it’s going on.

      Reply
      • Lynne says

        December 29, 2022 at 9:53 PM

        You can always undo mistakes or choices made. There’s usually a solution for everything.

        Reply
  12. Sun says

    July 3, 2021 at 1:01 PM

    I have been working soo hard these last
    Years
    Just don’t know where it is going to get
    Me

    I din’t Think
    There is someone
    Foreseen it
    xx

    Reply
  13. Stu says

    March 22, 2021 at 4:45 AM

    How can you live in the moment, when everything is so bad still. Been in lockdown for 5 months now, see nobody, wish the days away because its so pointless. Try to keep busy but ultimately can’t concentration, and this hole of purposeless and loneliness grows by the day.

    Reply
    • Aka says

      March 26, 2021 at 3:35 PM

      It is true that we cannot see the end of this but still you can help yourself by reading good books, quality content online (You are here now), excercising or singing to yourself. You can try by small talks at gas station, coffee shop etc. Sometimes it is enough to wish someone a good day….Actualy if you feel like you say you do, I think this is wrong article for you…. Anyway, this will pass. Good luck.

      Reply
      • Joyce Walden says

        December 3, 2021 at 11:36 PM

        ❤️

        Reply
      • Joyce Walden says

        December 3, 2021 at 11:38 PM

        ❤️ great advice. Minimalism article is truth! Freedom to live your real life

        Reply
    • Joyce Walden says

      December 3, 2021 at 11:30 PM

      Truth

      Reply
    • Joyce Walden says

      December 3, 2021 at 11:40 PM

      Gives you time to find what you really want. Love others. You reap what you sow

      Reply
    • Sarita Mian says

      May 29, 2022 at 9:42 AM

      There are times, when your present comes up with a challenging situation that you are not prepared for and the pioneering thought that crops up in such a demanding Present is, Escape.

      You turn out to be a newcomer to such a demanding present that longing for a future that can comfort you, is all that you start chasing for.

      The problem is not that you are ignorant of how life is lived, what hinders you to still not live in the present, is because your mind is clenched with thoughts of how you wish life to be.

      How good it was comparatively from the time now is one aspect that keeps you clung to the past and how bad it was is another that haunts you for life. But then Past was supposed to just take the learning from and not dwell in it.

      And when it comes to future, The attribute “desire” to have something that you have not yet had is more powerful than the contentment of having what you desired back then.

      This is what keeps you chasing the future.
      No mentoring can bring a shift, until and unless you are not shaken by this misleading way of living life.No matter how great a life can turn if you understand and believe the philosophy of living in the present, you still will be captivated by the future and drawn off and on into your past.

      Despite the non-existence of the past and future, you will find yourself trapped in them.

      And the only reason is, Human minds fail to settle for the things they have!

      Reply
  14. Bella says

    December 27, 2020 at 9:54 AM

    I don’t know what is happening to me. I’ m so depressed about how my future would be. My parents are aged. I’m so sad thinking about a life without my parents. Overthinking kills me. I can’t accept their physical changes. I can’t enjoy my teenage life , thinking about them.

    Reply
    • Jesh says

      January 3, 2021 at 11:53 PM

      Well, re read the article again and again . Read it 100 times and absorb each word that’s said . May be you can flush the worries away and be happy, joyful, and grateful that you have parents and a home to live with them . Enjoy each moment with them.Let’s start with this —> make them smile everyday and see how things will change for you soon ! Everyday ah ?? Can you do it ? Or keep crying about the problem ? You choose it’s your life .

      Reply
      • Joyce Walden says

        December 3, 2021 at 11:41 PM

        Loving advice

        Reply
    • Olakpa eseoghene says

      January 6, 2021 at 1:35 PM

      Hey Bella… sorry you’re facing this at this time of your life dear… I don’t know if this would work cos I faced similar issues too— and I conquered it.
      Try living with them than being afraid for them. Spend more time with them. Ask them questions tell them how you feel about there health and how much you care for them cos that is living. Wake up early and say a prayer together with them start from there and trust me wuth God helping your heart will be open more to live with them as there are then being afraid of what they will become.

      Reply
      • Joyce Walden says

        December 3, 2021 at 11:42 PM

        Excellent loving advice.

        Reply
    • Odile uwitije says

      October 29, 2021 at 11:23 AM

      Please stop doing that to yourself. Live in the moment and be present in the moment.

      Reply
    • Joyce Walden says

      December 3, 2021 at 11:34 PM

      There is hope. Get to know the God who loves you. We all have storms and scars, but we power through because of Jesus and eternal life. He is our hope!
      Consider this please

      Reply
    • Med Benzida says

      December 25, 2021 at 12:47 PM

      Well , listen my friend stop thinking about things you can’t change in life and begin thinking about things you can definitely change in your life, that is how you will live better and solve most of your problems.best wishes .

      Reply
  15. Veronica Crosby says

    November 20, 2020 at 2:48 AM

    WOW THIS IS AMAZING.

    Reply
  16. The Apathetical Man says

    June 17, 2020 at 9:49 PM

    Everyone has a purpose in life. Each and every person is born into this world for a certain reason. Some people can easily find their purpose early on in their lives, while others might have to spend half of their lifetimes trying to figure out the reason why they are here. Nonetheless, regardless of time, everyone has the capacity to find meaning in life.

    Reply
    • Glen Schmidt says

      July 25, 2020 at 10:49 PM

      so true,

      Reply
    • Joyce Walden says

      December 3, 2021 at 11:49 PM

      Oh yeah! Right on! We have choices in every situation. Surround yourself with people who will make you feel good and content about yourself and know you are loved by an ever lasting God.

      Every day we have a purpose. And make lots of mistakes along the way. Forgive yourself and others. That’s freedom. And for me, God helps make it possible. We gotta let go ??

      Reply
  17. Q says

    June 17, 2020 at 7:19 PM

    This was super helpful God Bless you and Thank you! I’m looking forward to the daily emails and exercises.

    Reply
  18. Gratiaen Hewa says

    June 8, 2020 at 12:20 AM

    Thanks.I still didn’t find a solid answer to my request “How to live in the PRESENT!

    Reply
    • tiron says

      December 22, 2020 at 9:16 PM

      you are not alone.

      Reply
    • Odile uwitije says

      October 29, 2021 at 11:24 AM

      Only You can answer that.

      Reply
    • Med Benzida says

      December 25, 2021 at 12:49 PM

      Well , you might need this advice : try to think about the things you can change in life and you can improve , and ignore thinking about things you can’t change and might luck be with you.

      Reply
  19. tasha says

    May 15, 2020 at 12:43 PM

    My husband filed for divorced because of his mistress and told me has know feelings for me anymore. It was tragic for months without my husband. My mom did her best to see us back it couldn’t work. I actually want him back he was the only man i have loved all through my life we started when we where both young. i never give up because i always believe what is mine will always be mine, i visited a site solution to a relationship problem, where i found someone talking about manuka help her marriage, It very clear to me he can also put a stop with the nonsense going on in my marriage, i pick up the contact i met on the site to see if he could help me as well. but today with the stress of the covid-19 going on am a testimony to priest manuka who restored peace back to my life. what shocked me most was My husband who hasn’t come visit in few months came home to talk about how sorry he was, He never left since that day I can never be more grateful. The buddhist  Old religion priest is a very holy and powerful man, I have never seen anything like this.It is a good remedy  to resolve marital problems. anyone can also be a testimony to manuka temple his contact.. lovesolutiontemple1@ gmail. com

    Reply
  20. Ebonye-Jae says

    September 21, 2019 at 2:25 PM

    Reading thisnhelped me understand what it is I wanted to look for within myself. I’m seeing insight on “being in the now” how when I work a 9-5 I’m constantly drained in the negative of it and focusing my energy on the hate for being present in that time I’m there, or when I’m spending time with people I’m mentally away. This helped me to understand that while I’m in the moment I need to pay attention and be present within my surroundings and what is happening. Instead of stressing on the things of tomorrow I should take my journey a step at a time and focus on decisions that help me better the future to come. So thank you . While it is a work in progress I’m learning that mindfulness can help me see thing clearly and make moves that affect my entirety rather than momentarily.

    Reply
    • Merwin says

      November 27, 2019 at 7:35 PM

      Very effective! and who would have figured that you do nothing to gain everything! So I will start a new daily routine by simply putting it it in “Neutral” and be prepared for whatever the present task at hand requires and positive in mentality upon my engagement. Thank you sincerely! It’s a method commonly perceived as ineffective by the simplicity in method but, it’s guaranteed 100% if you truly commit to surrendering self condemnation and initiate that mindfulness/humility moral asset combo instead!

      Reply
  21. Sherry Lucas says

    February 9, 2017 at 6:45 AM

    Really, REALLY needed this inspiration today! Thank you!

    Reply
  22. K.V.Mahatha says

    January 28, 2017 at 3:23 AM

    see we are three in home . My daughter never spend time with me. Even my hubbi. always i am in frustration, because there is no value for the truth.. lot of malpractice in my work place . how to be happy

    Reply
  23. Bert says

    January 9, 2017 at 6:35 AM

    Good article and advice.

    I was consumed by genealogy research. I felt I was dwelling in the past constantly thinking about dead relatives I nver met. I found myself looking back… literally… all day long!

    Reply
  24. Stephen says

    October 8, 2016 at 12:51 PM

    Being in the moment is an absurd concept. I suppose that if you had a monastic lifestyle where your day is planned for you so that a bell rings to wake you up, another bell for time to eat, and for hours a day blankly staring at a wall or slowly walking from one place to another then being in the now may be somewhat approached. I suppose that such a lifestyle or going on retreats are designed that way. Could you read a book in the now? All the plot, character development and so on would not exist, only the word you were reading, if that. The idea that I started this comment calling being in the now absurd would have been lost to you if you were reading this in the now and any negative reactions to that statement also… gone.
    Of course one could say well when I remember something that I am remembering it now and when I write a grocery list for the future use I am doing that in the now also. Of course that means there is no thought action or observation that is not in the now.

    What I am guessing people mean by being in the now is to have the focus of attention on the senses, the stream of information from the nervous system from causes outside the body or internally, not from memory or emotions. Even there I doubt this would be a better state of awareness than having the full benefit of associations of memory and emotions, sort of like watching a movie with the sound off.
    Taking our lives personally, obsessive dwelling on problems that have no immediate consequence should probably be avoided if possible. Spending time watching you breathing may be some kind of answer, but so would taking a narcotic.

    Reply
    • Sal says

      January 15, 2020 at 2:42 PM

      Thank you! Someone who thinks like me! I always found it hard to grasp the concept of ‘living in the moment’ because as easy as it sounds, how in the moment are we talking? As you say, just simply reading a passage would have you getting to the end only to have forgotten the beginning. So are we to accustom our thinking to adapt to different situations? Ie planning for a vacation at the weekend means you have to think ahead. Simple daily tasks require planning…. Grocery shopping, meal planning etc. It is simply not possible to live in the exact moment in which we are in

      Reply
    • Kanishka says

      May 6, 2020 at 8:50 PM

      Living in the present doesn’t mean not thinking about the future. It means not worrying about the far away future that is uncertain.

      Reply
  25. Bimalendu Nayak says

    September 12, 2016 at 8:32 AM

    This is an inspiration .I like very much.thanks

    Reply
  26. Haseen says

    September 1, 2016 at 6:33 AM

    Great article! I totally agree with you. Like if we want to conquer the anxiety of life we should live in the moment, live in the breath.

    Reply
  27. comment devenir riche rapidement says

    August 28, 2016 at 4:42 AM

    This paragraph is really a pleasant one it assists new net people, who are wishing for blogging.

    Reply
  28. Cheri Joiner says

    July 24, 2016 at 9:47 AM

    This inspired me but depressed me too. I am in a difficult place right now and have issues with most of your points. #1. I am embracing this and requiring it of everyone in my household. #2. Ok with this as happy moments catch me off guard especially around my grandchildren. #3. Have problems with this as the past has such a hold on me. #4. I have wasted the past 14 years unable to forgive or move forward after my divorce. #4. I have no job due to a injury on the job in 2003. #5 & 6. Looking toward the future is impossible. I don’t see a future of possibilities. Can’t work, can’t enjoy anything that I used to enjoy. There is no joy and don’t see any prospects. #6. Past accomplishments are all I have. #8. Don’t really worry. I’m numb. See no future, No worries. #9. Solutions, I dream about them but there’s always an unrealistic theme where someone comes to the rescue #10. Addictions, cigarettes, pain medicine. Working on the first, debating the second.
    So, you see, I’m stuck. Waiting for disability to be approved, depending on daughter for support, spend days, weeks in bed sleeping or just starring at walls, try to make myself get up to just move to a living room chair doing more of the same. Daydream about going to sleep and never waking up. Removing myself as a burden for everyone. Don’t worry, I’d never put my family through that. I do read, a lot. Posts like this which helps me focus and see more clearly what’s wrong just can’t see how to fix. Thanks for the article, it’s the first time I’ve put into words and actually written them down. Maybe a journal would be helpful. I’ve always been able to write better to express myself. Good luck in your endeavors and please keep these articles coming. They help me hold on.
    Sincerely,
    CJ

    Reply
    • RhoRho says

      October 8, 2016 at 9:31 AM

      Get rid of things that remind you of your past relationship. Let those things go by giving them away, selling them, or transforming them into something new. Renew your mind and focus on the good. Create new memories to replace the old. I truly understand your pain. Divorce appears to be more painful than death. Letting go of the past is freeing. Make every effort to turn your pain into something creative and profitable to live out your days joyful and triumphant. Try to get off those pain meds asap as this is most likely an added ingredient to your listlessness. Most of all, seek God to restore You from those hurts. ❤️????????????

      Reply
      • Every "1" says

        November 27, 2019 at 8:15 PM

        Very effective! and who would have figured that you do nothing to gain everything! So I will start a new daily routine by simply putting it it in “Neutral” and be prepared for whatever the present task at hand requires and positive in mentality upon my engagement. Thank you sincerely! It’s a method commonly perceived as ineffective by the simplicity in method but, it’s guaranteed 100% if you truly commit to surrendering self condemnation and initiate that mindfulness/humility moral asset combo instead! GODSPEED my family! I love you always♥ √π™

        Reply
    • joe says

      February 26, 2017 at 9:32 PM

      Wow.. Almost identical to my life!!

      Reply
  29. Pure says

    July 24, 2016 at 8:25 AM

    Why not dwell or at least remind oneself of past accomplishments from time to time? It promotes self confidence and positivity, especially when feeling insecure and needing strength. Not understanding this one.

    Reply
  30. Mel says

    July 21, 2016 at 5:18 AM

    I have realized that I can’t take action yesterday and I can’t take action tomorrow but I can take action today. I recommend literature about the teachings of Gautama “Buddha”. Just my opinion.

    Reply
  31. Anonymous says

    May 3, 2016 at 1:22 AM

    Thanks so much for this post. It really helped me emotionally especially in my love life. When my bf said this I thought that was all coupled with different thoughts and advice from people even thou I sort of have a positive side towards it but just couldn’t help but to dwell more on the negative. While trying to deal with the situation I stormed on this link. Read through n saved it on my phone as a reminder every morning. Its been helpful and all I am doing now is living in the present,enjoying,loving and appreciating myself more.

    Reply
  32. Corey Devin Perich says

    March 24, 2016 at 10:51 PM

    We live life in dreams of love
    What is we are that truth above
    Not what was, as it may seem
    Love life here now and live the dream

    Reply
    • M. Bond says

      March 22, 2017 at 9:42 AM

      Great advice! The trick is staying focused! If we can concur that we’ve got it made! Working on it!
      M. Bond ????

      Reply
  33. Noor says

    February 8, 2016 at 4:29 PM

    To live in present is not an easy job specially for one who is living same life everyday same food everyday no friends no outing nothing new or courageous
    Well bit only a hope n strong will power to change the mind n soul can bring change
    It’s not easy when u lost ur love ur family ur friends
    Well God bless us all

    Reply
    • Cecelia says

      April 13, 2017 at 1:13 AM

      I have felt the same way as you Noor. It’s not easy but
      each morning I wake up I do something different. I am here for
      a reason yes my loved one’s may have passed away along with
      many friends and family member . I try not to focus on them
      Because it will make me sad so I smile and say I am enough!

      Reply
  34. Younger The Elder says

    January 24, 2016 at 2:48 PM

    Why would I wanna live in the present when you can’t eat what you want, can’t smoke, can’t do anything.

    Reply
  35. simon carter says

    January 16, 2016 at 10:19 AM

    Hi my names Simon I’ve struggled with drug addiction for more than 20 years until recently when I read a book called the power of Now which opened my eyes and I started putting it into practice,not easy at first to grasp the concept but read it three times over for it to really understand it. We can only be truly happy by living in the present moment there is no other time than the now.

    Reply
    • Ken O. says

      April 28, 2016 at 8:03 PM

      Simon, Power of Now is a great book. I am smiling.

      Reply
      • Odile uwitije says

        October 29, 2021 at 11:30 AM

        Yes it is ? read The grates secret.

        Reply
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