Most of us have heard of the phrase “seize the day.” Indeed, it is etched into plaques in colleges and universities or part of their emblem or flag. Furthermore, it is also frequently printed on motivational posters or pinned to personal vision boards. Even companies have taken it on as a phrase to incorporate the business ethic. Some individuals have chosen to have it tattooed on their bodies. “Carpe Diem” has become ubiquitous.
However, it seems to be a buzzword that people misuse to justify reckless behaviour.
Specifically. it is sometimes used as a motivational push to break from rules and take advantage of the present moment without regard for consequences. The logic goes: make the most of the time you have since the future is not guaranteed. Therefore, why not skip work and spend the day on the beach?
Where did the phrase "Carpe Diem" come from?
The phrase “Carpe Diem” appears in the Roman poet Horace’s Odes book. Specifically he wrote:
“Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero.”
This Latin phrase can be translated to mean “seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the next one.”
Fundamentally, the message is that tomorrow is not guaranteed. After all, who knows what it may bring. Consequently, we can only live in the present moment. Since time is fleeting and we cannot control the future, we often waste the present time worrying about it instead of living it.
Does it encourage reckless behaviour?
Seizing the day does not mean quitting your job on impulse or avoiding your responsibilities. Spending your savings on a whim is not the goal. This does not ensure happiness even in the short term.
So what is it about?
Firstly, it is all about the decision that you make to stop waiting for the perfect moment to arrive before a project is started. Deciding to make the first step on a journey toward a goal has to be taken, or a difficult conversation is to be had.
Second, life is here to be lived intentionally. The time right now is the only time we can enjoy, the future is uncertain.
Third, learn how to appreciate the here and now. Make the most of experiences, opportunities and the important people in your life. Be there to celebrate the highs and be there for the lows.
The waiting room
Unfortunately, somehow we seem to treat life as a waiting room. We are waiting for the right moment. Waiting for something to happen. Focused on sometime in the future. Planning our lives way ahead of time. However, the future is just a series of “nows” that we are currently ignoring. We are constantly deferring our lives to a hypothetical tomorrow or next week. We risk waking up one day and realising what have I done? What life have I lived? How much time have I wasted?
How to reset your way of thinking
There does not have to be a grand gesture or some kind of public announcement. Learning how to use “seize the day” in a personal and positive way can be simple. There are some small and intentional shifts you can make in your everyday routine.
1. The "one thing" rule
Every morning when you wake up ask yourself “If I could only accomplish one thing today that has meaning to me what would make me feel proud tonight?” Make that one thing your priority for the day. Don’t get distracted by all the outside noise. Responsibilities are still met and things are done. You are only changing your priorities. The boost you feel at the end of the day as you acknowledge “yes I have done it and it feels good.” is empowering.
2. Stop waiting for the "perfect moment"
We often think we have to wait for the stars to align to begin. Waiting to be in the right mood or have enough money. The weather will improve next week. Stop waiting for it. Who is to say what is the perfect moment. You only have right now. It does not have to be perfect you just need to start. Get the momentum going.
3. Be present in the moment
When you are eating, just eat, don’t scroll on the phone. When you are walking, just walk. Don’t listen to a podcast, just enjoy nature. If you are talking with someone, just listen to them and be attentive. Stop the distractions that divert your attention away from the main thing. If you have your favourite hot drink in your mug use both hands to hold it and take in the aroma of the drink. Savour the taste and the whole experience. Notice what is going on around you right now.
The benefits of seizing the day
Learning how to seize the day can have so many positive benefits.
Boost motivation. It gives a clear and immediate call to action.
Encourages mindfulness. Focus is shifted to the here and now. Forget about the past and don’t worry about the future. Life is what is happening right now.
Productivity is increased. The boost in confidence of achieving that one thing encourages you to do the next thing,
Encourages well being. Making the time to enjoy experiences opens yourself to new ones. Spending time catching up with friends or family and being present with them.
Resilience is built up. It shows us that opportunities may be fleeting and you may only have one chance to seize the moment.
Gratitude. Recognizing the rare moments in each day. Feeling grateful for the positives.
Connections are strengthened. Being able to spend quality time with family and friends strengthens the relationships and boosts overall health.
Promotes personal growth. Being open to new experiences or learning new skills builds up self confidence and opens the mind.
Taking ownership. Being aware of the decisions that you make in your every day life and how they impact you in a positive way.
Living intentionally. Acting now can lead to new skills learned, new connections made and new experiences achieved. The door is opened to new opportunities, self-confidence is built and inspiration is gained.
Seize the day
Importantly, seizing the day does not have to be a command that you have to conquer the world or take over your current life. Rather, it is just a reminder to stop sleepwalking through your life.
Admittedly, we cannot control the future or what will happen tomorrow. No one knows how long we have. However, we can choose to make the most of the here and now. Therefore, let us enjoy our life and be present in the moment. Let us stop waiting for the right moment and not allow fear to get in the way.
If it all seems to much to take in right now stop and take a moment to focus on your breathing. Take a long deep breath in. Hold it for a few seconds and slowly breathe out again. Take a moment to look around you at the moment. Notice the sky above you and the ground beneath you. Take in another slow deep breath and repeat.
Life is here to enjoy right now. Today is your day. Seize it and learn to appreciate the simple things.
