May 6, 2025- We have talked many times about the importance of living in the now and not allowing the past to control the present as well as excessive worrying about the future. With that said, present happiness on a daily basis is greatly enhanced when someone has a plan for the future. Whether the planning relates to economics, romance, professional development, specific career choice, better relationships with people or whatever the plan might be for the future. The point is when people are planning for the future and see successes on a daily basis leading to whatever goals they desire to accomplish, then daily happiness is greatly enhanced. The problem with people that worry all the time or do not plan for the future is that there is no certainty in their lives. They could live day-to-day with a certain level of happiness, but their moods can drift like a dry leaf in the wind when bad or unexpected things happen. Future planning is critical in an age that Social Security is not seen as guaranteed income in the future by many financial experts, retirement plans no longer have for the most part guaranteed pensions when you retire, and inflation is seen these days on a daily basis eroding the value of one’s savings and earnings. My point is not to be negative, but to indicate one must plan taking into account the realities of a constantly shifting and changing world. Changes have always taken place, but obviously the importance for those of us living at this particular time is that we make choices based on good planning for our lifespace. One example of poor planning in a university town like East Lansing is where many people get degrees in areas with very few job opportunities. One may enjoy the period they are learning something about ancient archaeology or some other area that has little job opportunity, but in the long run, there is going to be little happiness if one has huge debt and is not able to obtain a good job and be able to have the type things that people desire. These would include a home, a nice car,vacations,eating out,job opportunities and some form of a family that often includes a loving spouse and children. When one hears what we are discussing today, it seems very simple. The problem is so many persons who find themselves mired in anxiety, depression, debt, bad job opportunities, and poor relationships are often the result of poor planning and simply living day-to-day and not making good decisions for the future. When one makes good decisions for the future, they see the progress along the way, and there is a level of stability and happiness in themselves that is reflected in the success in their lives. It also can lead to a person being able to sacrifice in the present with the recognition that the sacrifices will lead to a much better life in the future. My father always told me that if you prepare the first 10 years after high school, the rest of your life will be so much easier. He was right and I give that same advice to persons I encounter in my work and in life.