Life is What Happens When You’re Busy Making Other Plans. – John Lennon

You’ve probably heard the quote, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” It’s one of those quotes where once you listen, it stays in your head rent-free for a long time. 

But why shouldn’t it? It’s a powerful statement that reminds us of the unpredictability of life. 

We often get so caught up in planning for the future that we forget to live where we should — in this exact present moment. That is why, in this blog post, I’ll explore the idea of living in the present and the importance of planning for the future. I’ll also share some tips on how to strike a balance between the two, so you can make the most out of your life. 

So, whether you’re a busy student, a working professional, or a stay-at-home parent, read till the end because this post is for you! Let’s dive in and explore the idea that life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.

Meaning of the Quote, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.”

The quote “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans” originates from the song “Beautiful Boy” or “Darling Boy,” written and performed by John Lennon in 1980. The song was part of Lennon’s album “Double Fantasy,” The lyrics were written about his experiences with his son Sean and his wife, Yoko Ono.

The quote suggests that life is unpredictable and that often we get so focused on making plans for the future that we forget to live in the present. 

We make plans for our future, thinking that everything will go as planned and that we will be able to achieve all our goals, but life always has a way of surprising us. Things happen that we didn’t expect, and we find ourselves having to adjust our plans.

It’s a reminder that while it’s important to have goals and make plans for the future, it’s also important to be open to the unexpected and to be present in the moment. We should take time to enjoy the journey rather than just focusing on the destination.

The quote in the song appears as,

Before you cross the street, take my hand.

Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.

The importance of planning for the future

Let’s talk about planning for the future. It might not sound as fun as living in the moment, but trust me; it’s just as important.

Think of planning for the future, like mapping out a route before taking a road trip. Sure, you could just wing it and see where the road takes you, but wouldn’t it be better to have a plan and make the most of your journey? 

That’s what planning is all about.

Setting goals and making plans helps us to have a clear direction and purpose. It also enables us to measure our progress and make necessary adjustments along the way. Planning helps to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and increase productivity. Plus, it gives us a sense of control over our lives, reducing stress and anxiety.

It’s also about being prepared for the future, anticipating and preparing for any obstacles that may arise. This leads to better decision-making and problem-solving skills.

However, it’s important to remember that while planning is essential, it’s also important to be flexible and open to change. The plan is just a guide, but life may have other plans for us, and being present in the moment, open to change, and enjoying the journey is also important.

The downside of being too focused on the future

Alright, now let’s talk about the downsides of being too focused on the future. When we get too caught up in planning for what’s to come, we often miss out on the good stuff happening right now.

For example, have you ever been so busy planning for a vacation that you didn’t even enjoy the days leading up to it? Or have you ever been so focused on a big project at work that you didn’t take the time to appreciate the little wins along the way? Don’t worry. It happens to the best of us.

Another downside of being too focused on the future is that we might miss out on opportunities that present themselves in the present moment. We might be so busy planning for our dream job that we don’t see the fantastic opportunity right under our noses.

And let’s not forget about the FOMO (fear of missing out) that can come with being too focused on the future. If we’re constantly thinking about what’s next, we might miss out on all the fun and joy that’s happening right now.

So, don’t forget to stop and smell the roses, people! While planning for the future is important, it’s also essential to enjoy the present moment and make the most of what’s happening right now. And who knows, you might just find that the best things in life are the ones you didn’t plan for.

The importance of being present in the moment

Being present in the moment is all about enjoying the journey rather than just focusing on the destination. It’s about taking the time to appreciate the little things in life and making the most of every moment.

Think about it like this: Imagine you’re on a road trip, and you’re so focused on getting to your destination that you don’t take the time to appreciate the scenery along the way. You’ll miss out on all the beautiful views, the interesting people and places, and the fun experiences that make the journey special. But if you take the time to be present in the moment, you’ll be able to fully enjoy and remember the journey.

Being present in the moment also allows us to live in the now, enjoy the current situation and not worry about the future or regrets of the past. It helps us to focus on the task at hand, giving us a sense of clarity and better decision-making. It also helps to reduce stress and anxiety as we are not constantly worrying about the future.

Staying in the moment also helps foster stronger relationships and connections with people. When we’re fully present, we can truly listen, understand and connect with others. It allows us to create meaningful memories and build deeper connections with the people around us.

So, let’s take a step back from our screens, put down our to-do lists, and enjoy the present moment. Take a walk, have a conversation with a friend, or simply sit and enjoy a cup of coffee. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about where you’re going, it’s about how you got there.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planning for the future and being present in the moment are both important for living a fulfilling life. Planning for the future gives us a clear direction, purpose, and the ability to measure progress. 

It also helps to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and increase productivity. 

But on the other hand, being present in the moment allows us to enjoy the journey and make the most of every moment.

It’s essential to strike a balance between the two and avoid getting too caught up in either one. Planning for the future is important, but it’s also important to be open to the unexpected and to enjoy the present moment. And it’s important to be present and not miss the joys of the present while planning for the future.

Like all things in life, it’s all about finding that harmony. In this case, it’s about finding harmony between your present self and your future aspirations. So, set some goals, and make a plan, but remember to stop and smell the roses along the way. 

Life is a journey, not just a destination, and we should enjoy it every step of the way.