Using What You Got
Steve Jobs famously said, “Innovation is saying ‘no’ to 1,000 things.” This philosophy provided him with the legendary focus and drive to help create Apple, the most profitable company of all time.
However on his deathbed he lamented:
I reached the pinnacle of success in the business world. In others’ eyes, my life is an epitome of success. However, aside from work, I have little joy. In the end, wealth is only a fact of life that I am accustomed to.
In a world with ever increasing options and opportunities it can become difficult to say “yes”. How many times have you turned down an opportunity to spend time with people that matter or to pursue a passion?
“No, I won’t meet an old friend because I need to watch TV”
“No, I won’t go on my dream trip because it’s too expensive”
“No, I don’t exercise because I’m already too out of shape”
To have extreme focus is very important to reaching your goals. It can also sometimes be a burden to your relationships and present well being. Don’t always neglect the importance of now by always saying “no”.
Sometimes it helps to follow the wise words of my forever smiling hotel owner in Indonesia named Happy and say, “Why not?!”
There are always obstacles, obligations, and excuses. However, making the effort to pursue the important priorities in life is worthwhile. We only have a short time on this planet, so might as well make the most of it.
Either time or resources are always in limited supply, so here are three ways to use what you got to stay active, keep life exciting, and spend time with those you love.
Get Creative
Visiting the Maldives is on nearly every surfer and traveler's bucketlist. The sandy archipelago in the Indian Ocean is a tropical paradise and place I never thought I could afford. It wasn’t until I was in a surf camp in Sri Lanka when I learned I could book a local airline and ferry to a small guest house near one of the best surf breaks in the Maldives.
Self-made filmmaker and YouTuber Casey Neistat began his career with a $100 point-and-shoot camera and free Apple iMovie editing software. His films and videos now have over 100 million views on YouTube. Casey says, “There is absolutely no defined path.”
Whether pursuing a lofty goal or crossing another line off the bucket list there are alternative ways. Get creative and keep an open mind.
Microadventures
When was the last time you tried a new route home from work? Do you do the same thing every weekend?
National Geographic Adventurer of the Year Alastair Humphreys has cycled round the world, walked across India and rowed the Atlantic. He is also the champion of microadventures or an adventure that is close to home, cheap, simple, short, and yet very effective.
He writes, “Adventure is only a state of mind.”
Microadventures don’t need to be epic journey, but a simple challenge like walking home from work, cooking dinner over a fire, or sleeping outside in your backyard.
Keep it simple. Make it a new challenge for you. It also helps to share the experience with people you care about.
Living in Japan can also become routine. However, living abroad offers a great opportunity to try or learning something new to me. From visiting a new restaurant to getting lost on the train, these are all microadventures waiting to happen.
Enjoy the Present
Aspiring for a better life or to live out your dreams can make your present reality miserable. Being unhappy with your current situation can make the road to achieving your dreams even more daunting.
I can remember living in Hawaii working as a tour guide on a snorkeling cruise and being miserable because I wasn’t traveling in some exotic foreign country. Looking back, I regret not appreciating how lucky I was.
Leo Babauta advises on his blog Zen Habits to accept your current reality and find the goodness in the present, rather than comparing your present life to your ideal life. He writes, “The reality isn’t so bad if we let go of the ideals and just see the present moment as it is”
Life can move fast. It is easy to lose sight of the people and things that are important along the way. Instead of saying “no” all the time use the resources that are available to say “why not”.
As Steve Jobs said, “Whichever stage in life we are at right now, with time, we will face the day when the curtain comes down. Treasure Love for your family, love for your spouse, love for your friends. Treat yourself well. Cherish others.”
Phil Luza is a professional dharma bum and Adventure Capitalists on an endless pursuit of a life worth lived. Recommend below and be sure to also follow on Instagram and Twitter
