The proverb goes, “No amount of guilt can change the past, and no amount of worrying can change the future,” and we are all familiar with this saying. But how often have we allowed our concerns about the things that could happen in the future or our regrets about things that have occurred in the past to take control of the situation? Too frequently!

It is easy to get stuck ruminating on things that have already happened or worrying excessively about potential outcomes. Both of these mental traps are easy to fall into. It’s possible that in retrospect we feel guilty for not having done something differently, or that we feel anxious because we don’t know what the next step will be. This way of thinking is a foolproof way to drain your energy and keep you mired in a cycle of doing nothing productive with your life.

However, it does not have to be like this at all! Instead of wasting time feeling guilty about decisions made in the distant past or worrying about what the future may hold, you should direct your attention toward taking constructive actions in the here and now so that you can shape a better tomorrow. You are not helpless, despite the fact that it may feel that way at times. In point of fact, guilt and worry won’t do anything but prevent us from achieving genuine happiness. On the other hand, courageously confronting the difficulties of life head-on with determination will bring us closer to creating meaningful lives filled with joy and purpose.

Therefore, rather than allowing negative feelings to continue to consume you, begin to live your life by the following mantra: Because feeling guilty about the past won’t change it, and worrying about the future won’t change it either, you should instead let these powerful words motivate you to live in the present and make the most of every moment.