The actions we take today are the foundation of our future. We create our own future, meaning we reap what we sow. We are the architects of our lives, and the future that awaits us is the one we are creating now. To live the life we’ve imagined, there is one important thing to remember: Our future starts today!

The reality is that none of us know exactly what will happen in the future, but the actions we take in the present give us clues about what’s to come. It’s as simple as this: what we do—or fail to do—has consequences. Every action shapes our future, so it’s up to us to create today what we want to experience tomorrow.

Yet, we’re often caught off guard when life hits us hard with the truth—the truth that time has flown by, and we find ourselves far from living the life we dreamed of. That’s the moment we ask ourselves: What have I done with my life? How did I end up here when I wanted something different? The answer? You’ve been busy doing something else instead of focusing on creating the life you envisioned.

“The past, the present and the future are really one: they are today.” – Harriet Beecher Stowe

The problem is that we view the future as distant when, in fact, it’s not. Life moves quickly—very quickly—and if we’re not mindful, we could end up far from our dreams. To avoid this, we must focus on the life we want, take the right actions to create it, and start today—not tomorrow or the day after.

We often procrastinate because we don’t realize how close our future really is, but in truth, it begins today. Every little action shapes our destiny. Everything you want to achieve in the future requires action now. It may be tough, hard, and unpleasant, but if you want to reach your goals, you must take those necessary steps to succeed.

“The future depends on what you do today.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Our future is unknown, but we have two options: take action now to create the life we want, or leave it to chance and see what happens. Do you want that degree and to become the person you’ve always imagined? Start today—study, work hard, and create the person you want to be. Do you want to be successful? Don’t act like a failure, and expect to magically become successful one day. Act successfully now. Take the actions that will make you the person you aspire to be. Do you want your own business? Great! Work hard today and take the necessary steps to make it a reality. If you want something tomorrow, do something today that moves you closer to it.

The point here is simple: you don’t need to worry about the future if you’re actively creating the life you want. Live in the present, enjoy every minute, but remember that your future starts today. Don’t gamble with your life or leave it to chance. Don’t create a life today that you’ll regret tomorrow.

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” – Mother Teresa

Ask yourself: Is what you’re doing today leading you toward the future you want, or are you just drifting? Is what you’re doing today helping you achieve your true desires? Be honest. The answer is either yes or no—there’s no room for “maybe” or excuses like “I don’t have time” or “I don’t have money.”

If your answer is yes—congratulations! Keep going! If the answer is no, you can either continue down that path and see what the future holds or start now, with no excuses, no delays, and no distractions, to create the future you desire.

Life is like a “Choose Your Own Adventure” book. You’re writing your own story, and the choices you make create the ending. Life can be unpredictable, and some circumstances are unavoidable, but for the most part, we are the creators of our own destiny. Choose to create the future you dream of now!