We are all on a missive collision course with our future selves.

You are either actively influenceing who you are becoming or passively walking into tomorrow, merely reacting to events.

In life, we constantly collide with our present self and the future we yearn to be. Every step we take, every decision we make, and every obstacle we overcome shapes us into the person we are meant to become.

Jose Ortega y Gasset, a philosopher and essayist, said it beautifully, “Life is a series of collisions with the future; it is not the sum of what we have been, but what we yearn to be.”

Gasset’s statement reflects the nature of life and the human experience.

It suggests that life is not merely a linear progression of events but rather a series of collisions with tomorrow’s events.

It highlights the interconnections between our past, present, and future and the role of relationships and ongoing growth and development in shaping our sense of identity and purpose.

In other words, life is constantly moving forward, and we constantly encounter new challenges and opportunities as we navigate through it.

The sum of what we yearn to be is the driving force behind our actions and decisions. It is our aspirations, hopes, and dreams that give us the motivation to keep going.

We strive to be better, to achieve more, and to make a difference in the world. These yearnings push us out of our comfort zones, challenge us to grow, and help us reach our full potential.

Every collision with the future unfolds us.

Every encounter with the future — whether a new experience, challenge, or opportunity — has the potential to shape who we become.

Every hurdle we overcome, and each challenge we face is a building block in the foundation of our future selves.

The sum of what we yearn to be is the culmination of all our good and bad experiences. It is the person we aspire to become, the goals we strive to achieve, and the legacy we hope to leave behind.

And it is through our collisions with the future that we can achieve these aspirations.

Gasset’s statement is a reminder that desires, goals, and aspirations shape our lives. What we yearn to determine the choices we make and the actions we take.

Don’t collide with the future without an active plan

“You spend your whole life stuck in the labyrinth, thinking about how you’ll escape one day, and how awesome it will be, and imagining that future keeps you going, but you never do it.” — John Green

Our journey through life is not always easy.

Sometimes, we may feel stuck or lost, unsure of where we’re headed or our purpose.

But it’s during these times that we must stay focused on what we expect for ourselves and keep moving forward. We must trust that each collision with the future leads us closer to our best selves.

If we want to take control of the direction of our lives, we have to define and design how we want tomorrow to unfold clearly.

It is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind or on the path of others who know what they want from life.

But if we take the time to reflect on our values and goals, we can start to make choices that are aligned with our true values and desires.

So what do you yearn to be?

What do you expect for your future self?

If you had one decision to make right now, to change the trajectory of your life, what would you choose to experience? Which direction will you take your life?

Ortega y Gasset’s quote also suggests that life shouldn’t just happen to us but rather something we should actively participate in.

Life is a dynamic process of growth and change.

You are either causing that change or someone else is controlling your outcomes. You have the power to shape and influence through your actions and decisions.

Tomorrow is a blank canvas

The best way to live forward is to design the future.

The future is a vast, uncharted territory ripe with possibilities and opportunities.

It’s a blank canvas waiting to be painted by those willing to take risks and accept the responsibility of consciously creating the life they want.

It’s up for grabs for anyone willing to put in the effort, dedication, and commitment to shaping their destiny.

Those who are content to sit back and let life happen to them will always be at the mercy of fate.

But those who are willing to take charge of the collision with tomorrow and consciously create the life they want will be the ones who thrive.

We live in a world of infinite possibilities, and the future is no exception. With the right mindset and skills, we can shape the future and make it what we want it to be.

Adopting a proactive approach and taking calculated risks is essential to achieve your goals.

As you collide with tomorrow, remember to make it a deliberate, intentional and mindful experience.

Approach your becoming with a sense of clarity, purpose, and presence. That means be intentional about the choices you make, rather than simply reacting to events as they unfold.

“The best possible preparation for the future is a well lived present,” George H. Brimhall said.

Consciously or unconsciously, we are evolving. Remember to fully engage with the people and experiences in your life and make the most of the opportunities that come your way.

Because in the end, it’s not about how long we live, but how well we live.

This article originally appeared in Medium.