Most of us have heard the term “Carpe Diem”, which translates into “Seize the Day”. Again, we all likely understand the general meaning of the philosophy in that we should make the most of each day and take advantage of the opportunities presented to us. This is all great and seems simple enough. I would even guess that the majority of people likely do this. Why wouldn’t you try to do the best that you can and make each day as great as possible? I highly doubt many people wake up each morning and think, “I’m going to waste this entire day and make it the worst day of me life.”

However, the above approach to seizing the day seems to be more of a reactionary one. It is a pretty generic and simplistic version of how to live one’s life. There is little planning or thought that goes into it. As life moves along, we will just make the most of our opportunities and do the best that we can with them. It just feels that there could and should be so much more to it. Why can’t this philosophy be one of action? Why can’t we go out and create opportunities, rather than simply wait for them to come to us? Why can’t we attack life with a purpose and passion, bending the laws of the universe to our will?

Well, I’m under the belief that we can do just that. When you “seize the day” you should be going after the things that you want in that day with a ferocious tenacity. It all starts with long term goals. What do you want? Make a lofty goal. Do not be afraid to dream big. Too often people in today’s society sell themselves short. Crazy dreams create crazy possibilities and opportunities. Then break this goal down into smaller accomplishments or steps. For example, in order to achieve this goal first I must do this. Then I need to do this and so on and so forth.

After this is done, you can start planning out smaller segments of your life. For instance, this week I need/want to accomplish these things. Next, break it down into each day. What do you need to do each day in order to complete your weekly goal? Make a statement, “Today I will do this in order to become this.” Now you just put it into action and you make it happen, no matter what. You must understand that adversity will get in the way of what you want. Life happens and your routine gets off track. Plan for this and make sure that you get your daily goals done anyways. If you don’t get enough sleep, you have a big test, or a family event, make sure that you get what you need done before or after this. You have to do it anyways, even if you don’t feel like it. Set the precedent. Set the routine. Make it happen.

Now that this strategy is put into place you really can “seize the day”. Wake up each day with an action plan to get one step closer to your dreams. Attack your day, refusing to be denied or fall short of the goals for that day. Do not be denied what you want. Get after and take it. The world is not going to sit back and just let you accomplish extraordinary things. You have to push yourself into the world and make these things happen. Dream big. Act big. Be extraordinary. Do something great with your life. Make a difference. Do not just exist and assume that these things are for someone else. You can seize whatever you want out of life if you simply decide what it is that you want.