Since it's impossible to completely let go of past experiences and future expectations, it's difficult for people to live fully in the present. The biggest challenge is self-awareness; only after achieving it can one truly focus on the present.

Self-awareness has two directions: looking back and looking forward.

Looking back, we review and remember what we've already accomplished and feel grateful for the past. Since we've come this far, we can confidently avoid retreating. The force pushing us from behind, our inner 'why,' gives us this confidence.

Looking forward, we envision and keep in mind our ideal life, filled with hope for the future. Although the journey is still long, as long as the direction is correct, we can trust that by taking one step at a time, we'll get closer. The force pulling us forward is our external 'vision' (or 'goal').

The deeper the emotions stirred by our why, the stronger the push. This force can even reshape how we interpret the past, making it feel as though everything that has happened was laying the groundwork for the present. This sense of gratitude and appreciation changes our behavior and emotional reactions.

The clearer our vision or goal, the stronger the pull. This force can be so powerful that it alters our self-perception, making the future feel like it's already in progress. This confidence, in turn, influences and changes our actions.

The internal push and external pull are not static forces; they must align in the same direction to achieve balance. When the push weakens, the pull compensates, and when the pull fades, the push holds us steady.

Like a small boat on a vast ocean, we must carry enough water and food (physical and mental health), avoiding aimless drifting and instead navigating carefully and consciously.