This past month, amidst work, family commitments, and speaking engagements, my family and I made a quick trip to Egypt. I’ve always wanted to go and see the pyramids—a dream that had been sitting on my list for years. But as I sit here on our overseas adventure, watching my children explore the cobblestone streets of this ancient city, I’m struck by a profound realization.

My laptop sits open beside me, emails and notifications piling up, while the sound of my daughter’s laughter echoes through the air as she discovers a hidden gem in a tucked-away alley. In that moment, I feel the weight of this balancing act—the pull of work, the desire to be present, the challenge of doing both well.

This morning, I was up before dawn, sitting in our hotel room with my laptop, trying to get through a deadline while the rest of my family slept. The glow of the screen was the only light in the room, the hum of the air conditioner the only sound. The weight of my to-do list sat heavily on my shoulders, even as I knew that in just a few hours, we’d be out exploring a place I’ve always longed to visit.

Later, as we walked through a bustling market, I caught my mind drifting—thinking about an upcoming project, wondering if I should check in on something—until my daughter tugged at my hand.

“Look!” she said, pointing to a street vendor making art from sand in a bottle.

The sheer joy on her face pulled me right back to the present, reminding me why we took this trip in the first place. It was never about escaping work or responsibilities; those things will always be there. It was about making sure that life—the fleeting, irreplaceable moments—was not lost in the process.

That evening, I paused to reflect on this constant balancing act we all face as parents, as professionals, and as individuals navigating a fast-paced, modern world. And I realized something simple yet powerful:

There are two types of people in this world:

1. Those who stress over what’s waiting for them.
2. Those who embrace what’s in front of them.

But what does that actually look like?

The first type wakes up already thinking about their to-do list. Their mind is in a constant state of calculation—what needs to get done, what they haven’t done yet, and what they might forget. Even in moments meant for rest or joy, they are mentally elsewhere, running through obligations, playing out worst-case scenarios, and convincing themselves that they must always be ‘on’ to stay ahead. They may physically be present at the dinner table, on vacation, or at a child’s recital, but mentally, they are locked in an endless cycle of worry. Their body is in one place, but their mind is in another.

The second type understands that responsibilities don’t disappear, but they also recognize that presence is a choice. They still have deadlines, emails, and work to do—but they also make a conscious decision to put those thoughts aside when the moment calls for it. Instead of letting the weight of everything steal the joy of the now, they practice compartmentalization. They embrace the mindset that work will be there when they return to it, but this moment? This moment won’t wait. They allow themselves to fully see, feel, and engage in what’s in front of them without guilt.

So, how do we shift from being the first type to the second?

1. Practice Awareness – The first step in shifting our mindset is recognizing when we are slipping into stress mode. Ask yourself, “Am I here right now, or is my mind somewhere else?” This simple question can act as a reset button, pulling you back to the present.
2. Set Boundaries with Work – Create designated times when work is the focus and designated times when life is the priority. If you’re answering emails while playing with your kids, neither task is getting your full attention. Allow yourself the permission to be fully in one role at a time.
3. Reframe Your Thoughts – When the anxiety creeps in, remind yourself: The work will be there when I return. This moment, however, is fleeting. Ask yourself, If I look back on this moment a year from now, what will I remember—the stress or the joy?
4. Anchor Yourself in the Present – Use sensory triggers to bring yourself back when your mind starts drifting. Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. Listen to the laughter of loved ones. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that this—right now—is where life is happening.
5. Give Yourself Permission to Let Go – Many of us feel guilt when we’re not constantly productive as if taking a break means we’re falling behind. But the truth is, presence makes us more effective, not less. When we allow ourselves to truly rest and connect, we return to our responsibilities with renewed energy and clarity.

At the end of the day, we all have a choice. The work, the emails, the deadlines—they won’t wait for us to be ready. But neither will the moments that truly matter.

So today, I choose to be present. To be grateful. To soak in what’s irreplaceable.

Stress will always exist—but what are the moments we miss? We don’t get those back.

Which kind of person will you choose to be today?