Excited for the next chapter

For the past year or so I’ve been trying to get back into writing; if anything, for the therapeutic benefits! However I have sucked on the “write more” front.

This is mainly because I’ve been even more focused on getting some downtime and recharging, especially for the past month.

After twelve years of go-go-go, foot firmly on the accelerator, I have taken the huge step of recalibrating my life — deciding that 2017 would be different. So, for the majority of January and February I’ve been reflecting on what I want from the remainder of my life, as well as what the next chapter is.

It feels good to come up for some air.

I have probably watched Steve Jobs’ commencement speech at Stanford one hundred plus times — two things have stood out from the first time I watched it.

First.

“Stay hungry, stay foolish”

This quote has always resonated with me. I’ve pretty much used it as my mantra for as long as I can remember. I always ensure that I don’t get trapped in a rut for too long. I read this piece a few months ago which gives a brief insight into the biggest regrets people have before they die. Most of them resonated with me, or least I understood why they were in the list; however, one especially struck a chord “I wish I pursued my dreams and aspirations, and not the life others expected of me”. If you don’t stay hungry and stay foolish, this will happen to you.

My mission in life, and I think I share this with quite a few people, is to garner as much happiness and peace as possible.

Granted, for the past twelve years I’ve been focusing on establishing the means to be able to focus on happiness. I thought I needed a boatload of cash to do it. But last year, I recognised that you don’t have to “establish the means” to focus on happiness. As there’ll always be a next thing, a new target to hit. Once you hit a certain wealth level, you’ll become numb to the lifestyle it affords you, and aim for the next level. I’ve witnessed this time and time again.

Happiness and contentment is to do with your state of mind.

I have noticed the times when I have been most depressed or unhappy have been when I have set expectations on how something should turn out.

e.g. Unhappiness = Reality — Expectations

And, I’m not alone, there’s a tonne of research to suggest that this has scientific grounding.

Through meditation, which I’ve been doing on-and-off for the past year, I’ve become more fluid. Reducing my expectations. Living increasingly for the moment. I don’t need to achieve a certain goal personally or professionally to get the certification that I’m “doing well in life”. I’ve now started to largely ignore other people’s opinions on success and whether someone is doing well. Just think of the happiest and most content person you know — what do they do? What do you think makes them happy? I guarantee they won’t be the wealthiest person you know, or the one who is publicly most successful.

Now, for the second thing that stood out from Steve Jobs' speech, and again a quote that I revisit quite often to ensure I’m navigating well through life.

“When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: “If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.” It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” And whenever the answer has been “No” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.”

Upon reflection, it is quite similar to the first — e.g. if you stay hungry and stay foolish, why would you put up with waking up in the morning and do something you knew you weren’t going to enjoy.

I think this quote helps practically remind you, literally every morning — what is your state of mind. Are you enjoying life? What would you change? What’s dragging you down? Why are you unsatisfied with life? Can you change it? And if it is no too many days in a row, what’s stopping you from changing it?

This post isn’t going to have some definitive conclusion — I’m still too much of a rubbish writer and plus, I’m still working things out, I’m still planning what’s next.

However, one thing’s for sure, I am more happy and I am thinking more clearly than ever before. I’ve accomplished this by taking a moment to ensure I’m following the values who make me, me.

What are your values? Have you thought about them recently?

Be clear in what you want from life, make sure you understand it. Make sure you have time to reflect — meditate, go on walks, don’t work too hard. When trouble hits you personally — your boss or your company are probably not going to be there asking how to help.

Understand what makes you happy and how you’re going to get there.

Reduce the things that cause stresses.

Hang out with happy people.

People who have good moral compasses and who will make you a better person.

Righto, hopefully this is the start of me getting back into writing. As always if the article struck a chord with you, make sure to recommend or share. Lots of love,

-Scott