A great life is a wonderful mix of both spontaneity and planning. Although one must be aware of how you use them. Too much of one can be detrimental though the opposite could be beneficial. Spontaneously eating while planning to lose weight will not be helpful. Whereas spontaneously going to the gym frequently might benefit your plan.
No matter what the sport, event, or situation, victory is delicious. The taste and delirium can be overwhelming depending on your perspective. If only everyone could experience the profound joy of a sensational and meaningful win.
Even if you’re only 15, start planning now. You might simply note the years that you’ll be 60, 70, 80 and 90. Perhaps you’ll write down how much money you’d like to have flow into your pocket each month from your passions, savings and investments. Then you know what you need to accumulate to reach that income goal in 50 years.
Sort your will, funeral arrangements and inheritance planning. Get an outline of these things together and speak to people in these areas or read books and magazines about it.
Spend some time and money to create a very simple and effective plan. You’ll sleep better knowing it’s done and everything has been taken care of. And your family will greatly appreciate it when you’re gone as they can focus on mourning you rather than racing around to sort out the estate, plans and time-constrained challenges.
How can you add a little variety or fun in your life? Do you even know what feels fun anymore? Better have a think about it!
It is often said that 40 is mid life. But I’d argue 50 is more the middle. We don’t remember much from under 12. Then 12-18 is a wild ride of changes and growing up, though for most people many things are done for them by parents or boarding school. Food is covered and so is lodging.
So adult and independent years start around 20. Then 20 to 50 is 30 years. And 30 more years puts you at 80. That’s a great lifespan for those that make it.
So 50 is the mid point. Stay healthy and fit, both physically and mentally, so you increase your chances of a long and enjoyable life!
Whether it’s welfare, tractors in Africa, lower lending standards, or government covid policies, when people with good intentions get involved, the long run outcome can be worse.
Of course the immediate benefit is observable and often desirable. Unfortunately, the second and third order implications can be less beneficial, or even damaging or disastrous. (Though rarely for the people that initiated the policy).
Many of the world’s modern issues are derived from well intentioned people getting in the way and trying to control outcomes. Most often, people would be better served if there was less human intervention and they let the natural course of events take place. There is balance in the universe. Sometimes we should respect that and be patient.
Think of things that are fun. Are they the same things you found fun 10 years ago? Are they free or expensive? Can you do them alone or need others to go with you?
Fun can be different from adventure. Adventure isn’t always fun.
Make a list of fun things you would like to do this year. Then set about doing them!
My son asked me tonight, when is it time to quit something? This could be school, a job, a relationship, a bad habit or a sport, club or activity.
It’s a tough question with no perfect answer. Each case will depend on the people and factors involved.
Steve Jobs made a good point that if you aren’t enjoying something for a long time or too many days in a row, it’s probably time to mix things up or at least assess what is going on.
I use this benchmark: Am I prepared to say this is as good as it gets in this area for me. I’ll probably never soar higher than this right now. Am I really ok with that? Or shall I press on a little longer?
If you are going to err on one side or the other, I’d say stick with something longer, even if you’re unsure. You may regain the joy or find your enthusiasm again!
It’s a personal decision. Good luck.
You need different perspectives to assess what could have happened. Why would a court call several witnesses to the stand? Because each one may have seen things slightly differently.
The totality of what they witnessed gives a much better picture than just the one observation point. Remember this the next time you go and judge someone based only on your views or that of only one other.
The number one weapon of people with no viable argument is to discredit someone. They are unable to address the precise issue head on and stick to that. They aim to discredit the person to win the argument rather than use sound facts or relevant information. This is usually because they don’t have a strong, or any, case.
If this happens, remind the person to remain on topic. You can also remind them that you’d prefer that they not engage in personal attacks or make this personal. If they continue, discontinue the conversation as clearly they are less interested in discussing the point or feel they have lost the argument so they try to drag you down in some form.
