Today is a new day, a fresh start, an opportunity to love well, be fully present, make an impact, and invest in others.
You don’t have to scale mountains, win awards, make a viral video, or save a life in order to use today well. Just do the next right thing.
Whatever that next right thing is.
Focus fully on it. Give it your all. And finish it. Then, do the next right thing.
Repeat this all day long. That’s how you use your days well.
Don’t think about what you’re not doing. Don’t stress over what you think you probably should be doing. Don’t beat yourself up over what she’s doing that you’re not doing.
Just do the next right thing. And the next right thing. And the next right thing.
That’s the secret to a life well-lived. It’s also the secret to a lot less stress, a lot less time wasted worrying, and a lot more peace and joy.
Eliza says
Such a simple statement, and yet so hard to remember sometimes! I have used this mantra when dieting, just make sure that the next thing you eat is nourishing,not junk. Sometimes the message sinks in, sometimes fleshly desires take over.
This is a very timely message as I am currently working in a situation that has me in a place of temptation on a regular basis. I am working on avoiding giving in to temptation, and this mantra of ‘do the next right thing’ might be just the ticket!
Thanks Crystal
Karen says
This is SO true. I’m going to post this on the fridge so that when the kids
come over they can mull that over while they are young adults.
Shell says
Thank you for your email about the world version of “How Great Is Our God” . . . One of my absolute favs! This particular post today is tremendous! I wake up just like Kim. Feeling terribly debilitated, I cannot motivate myself to push through my list, or most days, I move so slowly with lots of wasted time . . .and lots of squandered opportunities. Really, really appreciate you Crystal for helping clear the clutter from mi cabeza and moving power into practice. You are such a sweet gift from above.
Crystal Paine says
Aw, thank you so much for your kind encouragement! I’m SO grateful that this inspired you — and I’m so glad you loved that song, too!
Anne says
I needed this today, too. I’m 34 weeks pregnant and having lots of uncomfortable contractions. We have a toddler with special needs and my mother in law just began hospice for terminal cancer. You think I’d give myself a break, right?! There is so much to do to get ready for the baby and just keep up with basic life but all I can today is the next right thing, then the next right thing.
Janet Tandus says
Good word for today, needed to hear it. I am feeling like I need to be all, do all lately. Need to slow down and be present and be still. Last day of school for the kids….woo hoo!
Kim says
Gosh Crystal, I desperately needed this. I’m laying her in bed trying to find something to motivate me. Most days I paralyze myself with my thoughts, of what I need to be doing. Then end up not getting much done. Im unmotivated and struggling to get out of bed most days. I’m trapped in a thinking cycle, I can’t seem to break!
Crystal Paine says
I’m SO glad that it inspired you. I’m cheering for you! You can do this!
Taylor says
Great advice, Crystal! Thank you, I needed to hear this:)