Running, eating healthier, reading the Bible, homework, getting in contact with someone, cleaning, checking your email, laundry, sleeping, the list goes on and on. But hey, I’ll just start tomorrow!

If I actually kept track of how many times this thought goes through my head or is even said out loud, I think I’d be pretty embarrassed. It’s not that this phrase is bad, it’s just that it does not convey a feeling of urgency or accomplishment. Normally my “I’ll start tomorrow” mentality is also related to, “I don’t feel like doing this” or “this won’t be getting completed anytime soon”.

Why does this thought always creep up on me in the moments that I need to be the most productive? Probably because a small piece of me just wants a break. It is so much easier to “take a second” to sit back and watch some Netflix, catch a few Zzz’s or to even scroll aimlessly through social media checking out everyone else’s lives versus taking care of our own. We live in a world that is continually going and sometimes it can be pretty hard to keep up.

It is so tiring to constantly throw things to the side or to put them off until tomorrow. Because when tomorrow comes and you have that list of things to do from yesterday, odds are, you will still just tell yourself that “you’ll start tomorrow”. Words are easy to say while actions are a little more difficult to carry out.

Living life in the present allows you to use the time you’re given to start today. It goes back to the cliché of “what if today is your last day”, “we aren’t promised tomorrow”, and “live like you’re dying”. Take a second to realize that while these throwaway lines are just things that people continually say, they hold a lot of truth. Life can flash in front of you pretty darn fast and if you aren’t ready, that list of things that you’ll start tomorrow may never be started at all.

I think it’s important to start thinking with an “I’ll start today” mentality. I am all about some personal growth and by focusing on what is most important in your life and following through with what you can do today. Maybe it isn’t even a list of things to do around the house or upcoming assignments and deadlines. Maybe it’s an idea in your head for a goal or a plan that you’ve dreamed about. Start today!

Do what you need to do to motivate yourself to be on top of your game! Get some coffee, dress your best, surround yourself with people who support and care about you, turn on your favorite Pandora station, give yourself a pep talk like Kid President, and do whatever it takes to allow yourself to be the best version of yourself!

Let’s kick that “I’ll start tomorrow” mentality into yesterday and let’s start today. Pace yourself, give yourself room to breathe, but keep in mind that this day was given to you with a purpose. As the cold days begin to roll in more and more and the desire to slip into bed and sleep sounds continues to sound like an even better idea, use this day to get work done and to live the day with purpose. Let's start today.