I happened upon a video today that reminded me of this point made by Thomas Sowell, and possibly others too. Everything in life seems to be about tradeoffs. Certainly everything to do with money. We like to think there are absolute solutions but really they are just more, or less, palatable tradeoffs.
What would you need to be true, to be happier? Have you considered this? Do you have control over any of these items? Why not start doing the things now to make yourself happier?
We don’t stray too far from our comfortable identity. Often people don’t improve their identity either. While being the same as you were 20 years is nice, weren’t there any areas in your life that could have been stretched and improved? What is the identity you’d like to grow into in the next 2 years?
Approach challenging topics head on. Avoiding them doesn’t make them any better.
Rather than tell people, sometimes it’s better to ask them. Let them be the person having to come up with a good answer. Often you’ll be surprised at how they rise to the occasion.
No matter how good or tough, enjoy this moment, right here, right now. Savour the next one minute. See how many wonderful things go through your mind in 60 seconds. Go.
There was an ad in the 80’s that we used to quote often and the key line was, “Is it real or is it Memorex?”. It was promoting the incredible sound recording on a cassette tape. With AI improving day by day, we may start saying something similar. Don’t get fooled.
Would you rush into a burning building to save a child? If so, why? Honestly. Would you lend a friend £1,000? Is it your risk tolerance at play here? Or perhaps you’re a giving, charitable or empathetic person?
What motivates people fascinates me.
Be brave and learn about yourself. What makes you tick and what do you avoid and why? If something impacts you, figure out why. Ask yourself questions. Push your own buttons. It’s not easy but you’ll be a better person for it.
We all have issues. Get to know yours. Take the time and be patient. Learn about yourself. It might be quite uncomfortable and you may not like what you learn. But you will be a better person for it.
