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- You’re being too kind to your future self
We’re all trapped in a cycle.
We crave freedom in the future.
So, we sacrifice our present freedom to achieve it.
But here’s the truth: the present is the only thing that’s real.
The businessman and the fisherman
Let me tell you a story:
One day a fisherman was lying on a beautiful beach, with his fishing pole propped up in the sand and his solitary line cast out into the sparkling blue surf.
He was enjoying the warmth of the afternoon sun and the prospect of catching a fish.
About that time, a businessman came walking down the beach, trying to relieve some of the stress of his workday.
He noticed the fisherman sitting on the beach and decided to find out why this fisherman was fishing instead of working harder to make a living for himself and his family. “You aren’t going to catch many fish that way,” said the businessman to the fisherman.
“You should be working rather than lying on the beach!”
The fisherman looked up at the businessman, smiled and replied, “And what will my reward be?”
“Well, you can get bigger nets and catch more fish!” was the businessman’s answer.
“And then what will my reward be?” asked the fisherman, still smiling.
The businessman replied, “You will make money and you’ll be able to buy a boat, which will then result in larger catches of fish!”
“And then what will my reward be?” asked the fisherman again.
The businessman was beginning to get a little irritated with the fisherman’s questions. “You can buy a bigger boat, and hire some people to work for you!” he said.
“And then what will my reward be?” repeated the fisherman.
The businessman was getting angry. “Don’t you understand? You can build up a fleet of fishing boats, sail all over the world, and let all your employees catch fish for you!”
Once again, the fisherman asked, “And then what will my reward be?”
The businessman was red with rage and shouted at the fisherman, “Don’t you understand that you can become so rich that you will never have to work for your living again! You can spend all the rest of your days sitting on this beach, looking at the sunset. You won’t have a care in the world!”
The fisherman, still smiling, looked up and said, “And what do you think I’m doing right now?”
The future is an illusion
Here’s the irony:
You’re giving up freedom in the present for a freedom in the future that might never come.
It’s a dangerous trade.
And you might not realise until it’s too late.
One day, when you're older and the clock is running out, you might look back and wonder:
“Why did I sacrifice my only real freedom for an idea of tomorrow that never arrived?”
"The past and future are real illusions. They exist in the present, which is what there is and all there is."
How you perceive the past and future isn’t reality - it’s just a projection of how you feel right now.
Here’s an example:
Think of a time when you were in a flow state, fully immersed in your work. Tasks flew by, ideas clicked, and it felt effortless. Your outlook on the future was likely positive.
Now imagine the reverse.
You’re stuck. Distracted. Unmotivated. The same future suddenly looks bleak.
But what actually changed about the future?
Nothing.
Only how you thought of it in the present moment.
Build a life of present freedom
“So, should I stop working entirely then? Because I am working now to build a better future for myself, aren’t I?”
You’re missing the point.
The point is to stop waiting.
Stop sacrificing everything for a hypothetical future you might never reach.
Work is essential. But so is living meaningfully in the present.
The problem isn’t work - it’s our perception of it. Society has painted work as a necessary evil, something to endure until we’re “free.”
But work, when done with presence and purpose, can be deeply fulfilling.
The solution is simple:
Build a life where present freedom is the foundation of your day-to-day.
Here’s how:
Prioritise meaningful work over busywork. Focus on what moves the needle in your life, not just what fills time.
Create moments of presence. Whether it’s enjoying your coffee, taking a walk, or simply breathing, be in the now.
Design your life with space for joy. Don’t wait for retirement or some milestone to “finally relax.” Integrate freedom into your everyday routine.
When you stop chasing a future you can’t control and start living in the now, you’ll find freedom isn’t something to earn. It’s something to choose.
Talk soon,
Rory :)