When the Stress of Today Doesn’t Let You See the Future

I had a big realisation the other day. I always speak about designing your best life, a career and lifestyle that feels balanced and sustainable. 

When I walk people through my full framework — that helps you enjoy today while building a better tomorrow — I can often see some people immediately nod, while others look puzzled.

This is the full 9-point matrix at a glance, in case you haven’t seen it yet.

The tricky part comes when we get down to business and start some deeper conversations. That's when most people ask: “What future are you talking about if I’m sinking right now and can’t see past today?"

And they’re right. You can’t think about tomorrow if today is draining you.

That’s why I’ve decided to take a step back and focus on one piece at a time, to set the right foundation. Today, we begin with the most important part: Today, so you can create space for yourself while keeping the bigger vision in view.

In the coming weeks, we’ll explore the rest of the journey, so you can see the full path without feeling overwhelmed. 

NOW: Building a Strong Foundation 

No matter how big or small your vision and goals, everything rests on the everyday choices and habits that structure your day and drive your energy.

Even people I’ve worked with for years, or those who feel they’ve “figured it out,” still need to revisit these basics over time. Returning to them isn’t a setback; it’s strengthening the base that supports the rest of your journey.

 1. Presence is about more than just noticing what’s happening — it’s about choosing how you want your day to flow and how you show up for yourself and others. It’s the way you see and imagine your day unfolding, from the time you wake up, your first meeting or all the interactions during the day, with intention rather than being carried along by chaos.

Presence is the subtle superpower that turns small choices into meaningful changes. When you practice it, you notice the moments that truly matter and align your energy with what counts most,  for you and for those around you.

Reflection question: “If you could show up exactly as you want today, what would it look like? What would you feel, what would you do differently?”

2. Habits aren’t just passive routines; they’re the small, deliberate actions that shape your day, your energy, and your focus. Every day, we make about 70,000 decisions, and that constant choice-making is exhausting. Habits act like pre-made decisions, guiding you through the maze of daily life. They answer the hard questions in advance: What will I do when X happens? Where will I stay firm, and where am I willing to compromise?

By defining and practising key habits, you give your energy, attention, and time a place to grow instead of slipping away. They are the practical guardrails that turn intention into action, helping you show up fully — for yourself and for others.

Reflection question: “Which habit could I start or reinforce today to protect my energy, focus, or joy?” 

3. Focus is where intention meets action — the engine that turns presence and boundaries into real results. It’s the conscious effort to direct your attention where it truly matters.

Focus requires three key elements: clarity on your top priorities, removing distractions, and intentional tracking to know if you’re moving in the right direction. Even small, deliberate steps compound, turning attention into meaningful progress that feels effortless compared to frantic busyness. Focus transforms potential into results and chaos into clarity, helping you reclaim your day and set the stage for tomorrow.

Reflection question: “What one step can I take today that moves me toward my ideal day?”

Action for Today

Start by practicing presence in one simple moment, it could be your morning coffee, a meeting, or a conversation with a loved one. Pause, notice your energy, and decide how you want to show up. Then pick one small habit that will support that energy. Keep it simple and consistent.

Notice how tiny, intentional steps can transform your energy and focus. This is the first step toward reclaiming your day, one moment at a time.

Hit reply and tell me what small habit you’ll practice - and if you’d like, we can even find it together in a quick 15-minute chat. 

In the next article, we’ll explore how to move beyond today with clarity and deliberate steps. If you’re not yet receiving all the articles in your inbox, you can subscribe here.

See you soon,

Serena