This was in my drafts since July 27, 2025.
I used an LLM to spell check it and lightly reshaped some phrases to make it easier to read.
Otherwise, it would still be sitting in the drafts.
The thoughts and structure are mine.
Introduction 🔗
Recently, my workplace went through some significant changes, and I had very little time for anything on the side - including writing new posts for this blog.
Honestly, I didn’t even have a subject worth writing about.
This post will be a bit different from what I usually publish - more personal, something closer to self-reflection and observation.
Disclaimer: I’m not a psychologist and have no formal education in this field. These are just my own observations and thoughts.
Observation 🔗
I’ve been observing how people behave - myself included - and noticed an interesting patterns. I’m sure that is nothing new for some people but I can clearly see them now.
It seems that most people naturally fall into one of four categories based on how they relate to time.
1. Living in the Past 🔗
Some people spend much of their mental energy in the past.
They think of themselves as the sum of their experiences - what has already happened - and rarely see themselves as still being on a journey.
The past defines them.
Reflection is important, but when it becomes your main place of living, life stops moving forward.
The past should inform you, not trap you.
2. Living Only in the Present 🔗
Then there are people who live entirely in the moment.
They don’t spend much time thinking about their future or learning from past mistakes.
They want things now - a new TV, computer, smartphone, or car.
They often act on impulse rather than purpose, driven by desires and immediate satisfaction.
This mindset can make life exciting but often leads to poor planning and instability - especially around finances or personal goals.
3. Living in the Future 🔗
The third type of person lives mainly in the future.
They plan, schedule, and prepare constantly. They need structure and goals.
There’s nothing wrong with that - until it goes too far.
Sometimes they forget that today exists and end up not taking action.
I know this one well because I consider myself as one of them.
I spend too much time saving, delaying experiences, telling myself “I’ll do it later.”
The movie Yes Man with Jim Carrey was a small but real inspiration for me - a reminder that living only for the future can mean never actually living.
4. Moving Freely Between Times 🔗
The fourth category is where we all should aim to be.
This person can move freely between past, present, and future.
They learn from the past - even from the uncomfortable parts.
They live the present - aware that today matters and won’t come back.
And they prepare for the future - thinking about what’s ahead without being consumed by it.
Of course, it’s not always possible to live fully in the moment or perfectly balance everything.
Work, routine, and life make it difficult.
It’s not easy. Work, routine, and pressure make it hard.
But there’s usually time before or after work to do something meaningful — time for yourself, your health, or people who matter.
Being intentional with that time is what creates balance.
Understanding “Now” and “Future” 🔗
People sometimes don’t realise where the “now” ends and the “future” begins.
To make sense of that, I like to think in terms of tactics and strategy.
Tactics - The Short Term 🔗
Tactics are actions you can take in the short term - today, tomorrow, this week.
They’re things within reach and under your control.
Send that message.
Go for a walk.
Learn new thing.
Fix the small problem that’s been bothering you.
These are tactical steps - immediate and actionable.
Strategy - The Long Term 🔗
Strategy, on the other hand, is long-term thinking.
It’s about direction and goals, the bigger picture that guides your smaller actions.
Our brains aren’t naturally good at it - we’re built for reacting, not planning - but strategic thinking can be developed over time.
It’s about asking questions like:
Where am I heading?
What kind of life do I want to build?
What habits or systems support that future version of me?
Without a strategy, tactics lose meaning.
Without tactics, strategy never becomes real.
Conclusion 🔗
Balance means being able to move between past, present, and future.
Remember your past, live your present, and shape your future.
That’s the real journey.
Inspired by couple self-improvement books, people around me and movie.