Redefine “one day”

When we talk about doing something “one day,” it’s usually said with an air of wistfulness.

I’ll take that trip one day.
I’ll write a book one day.
I’ll leave my job one day.

Talking about your dreams this way infuses them with resignation.

Your desires become things you might do, off in the distant future, if only your current life would give you a break.

It doesn’t have to be like this. You can flip the script on “one day.”

Instead of saying you’ll get to something one day—essentially putting it off indefinitely—ask yourself this question:

How can I use this one day to move myself closer to what I want?

You might be thinking, I can’t travel around the world / write a book / quit my job in one day!

Sure, there’s a reality to what we can do in one day. Some goals are long-term endeavors.

And, that doesn’t mean you can’t take action on them one day at a time.

Create a budget that includes a travel fund.
Block 30 minutes on your calendar to write.
Connect with one person whose work interests you.

Taking action—any action—moves your dreams from fantasy to reality.

When you’re in action, you’re by definition no longer waiting for your life to change. You’re in the process of creating the life you want.

What will you do with this one day?