What Does the Saying “There’s No Time Like the Present” Truly Mean?

“There’s no time like the present” is a genuine, empowering understanding of the reality of time.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Proverb, adage, whatever you call it — you’ve likely heard or read the phrase “there’s no time like the present” at some point. It may seem trite — but it’s quite powerful.

Because of the complexities of human thought, we can get lost in ruminations of the past and plotting notions for the future. In truth, we can get so caught up in past or future thinking that we don’t bother to be in the now at all.

That might seem ludicrous, but think about — how many times have you found yourself mulling over something you did or experienced in the past? Have you ever staid your hand from taking an action because of fears of repeating a bad past experience?

Now turn that the other way — how many times have you gotten so focused on future outcomes that you had to fight anxiety over them? Have you ever hesitated or been indecisive because you were focused on consequences that might or might not occur?

Have you ever experienced depression because of past matters and anxiety over potential futures? I think Lau Tzu best explains that with,

“If you are…