If You Live in the Past, Don’t Expect the Rewards of the Present

Short Definition

A principle encouraging present-oriented attention and action, arguing that current rewards depend on current engagement.

Expanded Description

The phrase frames attention as a limited resource: persistent fixation on past conditions can reduce participation in present opportunities that generate real outcomes.

It fits Adams' broader focus on agency, framing, and directing mental effort toward actionable contexts.

Related Concepts

• Whatever You Think About The Most Is Who You Are
• Reframing
• Systems vs Goals

Source Note

This entry is based on recurring livestream framing, including Real Coffee with Scott Adams Episode 2951 (Sep 7, 2025), plus clip circulation on X.