Present vs. Future Focus: Why My Wife Is Way More Fun Than I Am

The brief essay that completely changed how I see myself and others.

The most impactful audio I listened to in 2022 was Derek Sivers’ essay “Are you present-focused or future-focused?” from his excellent book Hell Yeah or No.

It was like watching Wheel of Fortune when a critical letter reveals the answer to the puzzle.

Suddenly, so many issues, hangups, and preferences became clear. Additionally, it increased my understanding of my family, co-workers, and friends.

The Premise

Sivers proposes that we all lean towards a present or future focus.

If you’re present-focused, most of the time spent in your head is about the “here and now.” What’s going on around you? What’s happening in the very near future? What do you need to react to?

The present-focused individual’s superpower is the ability to be “in the moment.” They’re the life of the party. They’ll squeeze every ounce of enjoyment out of a situation. They can buckle down and focus like no one else because, well, all that matters is this task at hand!

But there’s the other side of the coin: the present-minded tend to struggle with goal setting (it requires thinking about a future result), long-term planning, and even personal health (it’s difficult to imagine a future unhealthy self).

If you’re future-focused, most of your time is spent imagining life down the road. What’s on the horizon? What opportunity do you need to take advantage of today to make tomorrow better? What are you not worried enough about that’s going to end up hurting you? I mean, there has to be something to worry about!

The future-focused individual’s superpower is preparation and readiness. They have a plan. Always. And they have a plan B, too. (They also have a plan C, but they don’t tell you that because you’d see them for the weirdo they are.)

The downside to the future-focused: they struggle to enjoy today. Either tomorrow will be better, so “let’s just get to that!” Or tomorrow is going to be worse, so “let’s get to work fixing it!”

The Takeaway

Some might read this and think about how to “fix” their mindset. I don’t think that’s the takeaway. Instead, I believe our efforts should be spent doubling down on our strengths and shoring up our weaknesses via systems and the people around us.

Are you uber-present-minded and the life of the party but fail to save for a rainy day? “Cheat” and set up a direct deposit and other automation to ensure future you does not hate present you.

Or are you always living ten years from now in your head, ignoring the incredible world right in front of you? Surround yourself with folks you enjoy so much that you can’t help but relish the moment. For the love of all things, lighten up! (Can you tell I’m talking about myself?)

Think about this concept as you go about your upcoming week. Observe those around you and see if you can tie their actions or perspectives back to one of the focuses.

Books of Note: My favorite biographies highlight the individual and clearly describe the world around the subject. The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt by TJ Stiles does this masterfully, bringing the early and mid-19th century to life before your eyes. One of my favorite books of 2022!

If this post brought you value, I’d be honored if you’d subscribe to my newsletter. I’d also love a follow over on Twitter and Linkedin, as I post things there that are either too brief for the newsletter or are just entertaining things I come up with over a responsibly-sized serving of Blanton’s.