“The key is this: Meet today’s problems with today’s strength. Don’t start tackling tomorrow’s problems until tomorrow. You do not have tomorrow’s strength yet. You simply have enough for today.” 

-Max Lucado

Optimism is the belief that the future will be better than the present.

And, in my opinion, this is essential to success.

However, “optimism” can lead one to focus solely on the gold at the end of the rainbow.

And this is where the problem lies.

This is where optimism meets “overwhelm”.

“Overwhelm” when left unchecked, can lead to disappointment, resentment, envy, anger, and potential despair. Or worse, quitting long before the race is over.

So, what is the solution to enduring motivation that leads to success?

Be optimistic. Wake up thinking about all the great things you WILL accomplish.

And,

Spend the rest of the day in the present.

Make something. Anything. It doesn’t matter.

Make your bed, put on a different outfit, brush your hair, call a friend, text a friend, organize a drawer, go for a walk, pet the dog, brush the dog, journal your thoughts.

Again, make something. Anything. It doesn’t matter.

I tell you this, because this is my  “go-to” when I feel overwhelmed.

That said, I promise it works.

The beauty is, more often than not, you will not stop there. You WILL want to “make more”. And as you make, God WILL give you the strength, the vision, the inspiration to continue “making”.

Now, I know what you are thinking (and what I am tempted to think each morning)….. “Making my bed isn’t going to help me solve my ACTUAL problem.”

And you are right. 

Optimism about your circumstances without action is worthless. And yes, I have seen this trap as well. 

Optimism opens the door to think about the problem with openness.

Once your mind is open to the possibilities…. 

1. Break the problem down into it’s smallest possible components
2. Set an intention for the day. Just one. What do you want to accomplish today and how will you accomplish it? 
3. Now, take a breath. A proven technique to combat anxiety about the future. 
4. Do the thing you promised yourself you would do (#2)

At the end of today and every day……

1. Reflect with compassion on the day’s actions. Make special note of the accomplishments and how you can build on them tomorrow. 
2. Celebrate the wins
3. Share it with a trusted friend/support system. 

And ALWAYS remind yourself, progress over perfection. 

You have what it takes. You MUST believe in you. 

“The key is this: Meet today’s problems with today’s strength. Don’t start tackling tomorrow’s problems until tomorrow. You do not have tomorrow’s strength yet. You simply have enough for today.”

-Max Lucado