“Two Things to Live By Each Day”

“Two Things to Live By Each Day”

This morning, I was challenged to focus each day on two things.

First… work toward something that will pay off years from now. It’s that small, daily investment that compounds over time. When you do a little bit every day, it might not look like much in the moment, but years from now, the return is undeniable.

Second… appreciate something that’s happening right now.

As I sat and thought about that, I realized one of the things I want to get better at over the years is connecting with people. I want to build stronger relationships… to really see what others are carrying in their “backpacks” of life — the memories, the struggles, the lessons — and help them learn from it and move forward.

And when I think about what I can appreciate right now, I see how my body is getting stronger, my self-control is improving, and my discipline is becoming more consistent. Whether it’s working on my body or sharpening my mind, each small act compounds.

Every time I read, study, or learn something new, I feel that discomfort of not knowing — that sense of uncertainty. But I’ve learned that if I stay in that place long enough, and keep showing up, I begin to grow more certain. Growth doesn’t come from what we already know; it comes from what we’re willing to step into and learn.

Years from now, I want to look back and see progress in who I’ve become — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. So if that’s the goal, what does it look like today? It looks like small, daily action. Reading. Writing. Studying. Investing. Listening. Showing up when no one’s watching.

If you can get just 1% better each day, that growth compounds into something extraordinary. But it requires balance — not living too far in the future, nor stuck in the past — but grounded in today. Appreciating how far you’ve come and still taking that next step forward.

Because one day, your future self will look back with gratitude and say, “Thank you for the seeds you planted.”

It’s the simple rhythm of life:

Do something today your future self will thank you for… and appreciate something today your past self could only hope for.