Progress, Presence, and the Space In Between

So what if it takes me longer? It takes longer because in between, I’m living my life. I’m living more life. The life I worked so hard to create. So I balance—the act of working toward what I want while fully enjoying what I’ve already earned.

This thought hit me as I looked at my project list for the year. At the start of the year, I mapped out five key projects and set aside weekly time for each. Naturally, some have taken priority—either because they feel more doable or simply pull me in more—while others have taken a backseat. But my mindset has shifted: I’ve been more efficient and effective this year than ever before.

I’m executing at a level of consistency I’ve never reached in the past. It’s not perfect. I’m not entirely on schedule. But I have the freedom to be off schedule, to adapt, to move things around—because one of my biggest goals in life is to enjoy it while I have it.

I love my work. I love seeing lives change and knowing I’m making an impact. But work is not my whole life. I can’t pour from an empty cup. I’m the driving force behind everything I create, and sometimes that means stepping back—reading an article, working out, or taking a nap instead of forcing productivity. Those moments matter. They’re not wasted. I’m still moving forward. And if I rushed through everything in half the time but felt drained and disconnected, what would I really have gained?

Life is made up of all the moments. Not every one needs to be productive. Not every one needs to push me forward. Some are simply meant to be lived.

Most people chase freedom. Money is often mistaken for that freedom, but it’s only a resource—not the full picture. The truth is, we can often build a life that makes us happy with far less than we think. The real question is: How much of a price are we willing to pay for the version of freedom we seek?

Too often, I see people overcommit, sacrificing everything in the name of a future they hope will bring them the freedom they crave. Or they cling to the struggle, believing the sacrifice itself gives their life meaning. I don’t fall into either camp. I don’t know how long I’ll get to be here. What I do know is that I want to enjoy as many moments as I can—while still making an impact, still providing value, still creating something meaningful, and still progressing toward my goals.

I get to choose the speed. That’s one of the greatest resources of freedom—having control over how fast or slow I go. And right now, I have that. So I’m using it the same way others might use wealth—to shape a life that feels right for me.

I’m not working toward some magical "later." That’s not me. I care about the balance of both—right now.

I guess in sharing this, I hope that for those of you looking for validation or permission to take time for the small moments, you get it—because life doesn’t have to be a 24/7 grind. Are you racing toward an end, or are you trying to live a meaningful and full life?