I seem to have this conversation with clients every year, before the month is even halfway through, my clients’ brains start moving ahead to September plans.
There are new routines, work schedules to consider. There are the obvious school arrangements, appointments. Things we want to organise and of course, things we think we “should” get sorted before normal life begins again.
Before we know it, we have mentally moved into September while we are still standing in August.
Planning ahead.
Of course, planning ahead can be helpful and as you know, I am a big fan of a plan.
A bit of preparation can reduce stress, make transitions easier and help us feel more in control, but there is a difference between planning for what’s next and constantly living there in your head.
Living in the moment.
When we spend too much time thinking about what is coming, we can miss what is happening now – the ordinary moment that we don’t notice because our brain is already three weeks ahead.
And this isn’t just about summer; we do this all year. We think about Monday during Sunday, we think about the next job before finishing the current one, we think about the next stage of life before allowing ourselves to experience the one we are in.
Feeling productive.
Sometimes looking ahead feels productive, but actually it’s just worry wearing a more organised outfit. Anticipatory anxiety is NOT a friend of joy!
So, if you notice your mind racing ahead, try asking yourself:
“Is there something useful I can do about this today?”
If yes, do it.
Write the list.
Make the appointment.
Put the reminder in your diary.
Then come back to now.
If the answer is no, it might just be your brain trying to solve something that doesn’t need solving yet.
September will come and the routines will return. The lists will still be there.
But August is still here.
And whatever this month looks like for you, holidays, work, family, quiet days, busy days, there are still moments worth noticing before you rush into the next thing.
Enjoying today.
Planning ahead is useful. Living permanently ahead is exhausting.
Sometimes the best thing we can do is remind ourselves:
“I’ve got a plan for later, but I’m allowed to enjoy today.”
