We each have a narrative in our heads of how we think our lives should go. We picture ourselves as the best version of what we may become: Perhaps that’s an author, speaker, mother, businessperson, or philanthropist.

But more often than not, our current actions vary wildly from those that might lead to that positive outcome. We neglect to write, but want to be a world-renowned author — or let the fear of failure to limit business potential, but want to teach people how to run successful businesses.

I think it’s prudent to do one of two things:

1. Find a way to reconcile the difference between who you are now, and who you want to become by taking decisive action to actually become that person in real time.

2. Allow yourself the freedom to let that dream go. It may sound nice in theory, but your present reality indicates you may be happier and more at peace by dissolving the fantasy instead of chasing it endlessly.

The future is always one step ahead. You owe it to yourself to be your best self today, not tomorrow. You’re free to be whoever you want, just don’t passively wait for the right opportunity to start acting as if it is so.