Repeat after me...

Throughout my adult life, I've been trained to visualize my goals and break them down into smaller steps to make them happen. I usually make a list and a timeline, so you can imagine the kind of frustration I subject myself to whenever said plans fail to come to fruition.

I'm also thinking that, perhaps, I should start focusing on living in the moment. I've noticed a pattern of my relishing and enjoying my achievements (or simply realizing I had any) months, or even years they've happened. Maybe because I'm always comparing myself/my work/what I'm doing to others and I tend to set high standards and that's probably why I always feel like I'm not doing enough, no matter how busy things get.

A recent episode of Oprah guested finance maven, Suze Orman, and an audience filled with people who have lost their jobs and homes, all now in despair and feeling a deep loss. Orman pleaded to the grieving audience to follow this piece of advice:

"Think about what you have instead of what you had."

It's so simple yet so straightforward and true. For those who have lost value in their homes, this is how Orman urged them to phrase their sentiment:

BEFORE: "My house was worth $500,000 and now it's just $200,000."

AFTER: "My house is worth $200,000."

The second statement is uplifting and propels one to a more proactive mindset. (Of course everyone is allowed a grieving period.)

So whenever you find yourself with the blues and the what-ifs; saddled with regret and longing for all that was lost in the past, heed this mantra and watch a small ray of sunshine brighten up a clouded perspective.