“Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years.”
― Bill Gates
Lifelong Commitment
I don’t subscribe to overnight success or quick fixes. Instead, I believe anything worthwhile takes time and dedicated effort.
Hence, I play the long game of committing to my vision which is a lifelong journey.
To keep myself focused and stay on track, I design short-term goals for myself.
They also provide tangible rewards in the midst of the arduous and necessary process for building character and developing intrinsic traits such as the following:
- Perseverance
- Appreciation
- Wisdom
- Patience
It is those attributes and the amount of growth I gain that are the real benefits. Any external attainments are mere bonuses.
I commit to self-mastery for fulfillment and personal development.
And after doing the necessary work, I have created self-belief and trust. Deep down, I would be fine if everything I have is taken away from me.
That’s because I can rebuild it again.
By having gone through the journey, I know the requirements to get back there. And more importantly, I would be willing to perform the demanded tasks again.
It is these intangible characteristics that are the true rewards of growth and becoming a better man.
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
― Jim Rohn
Create an Empowering Environment
I am the product of my environment.
This includes my material possessions and social circle such as:
- Colleagues
- Friends
- Family members
- Partner
- Mentors
- Clients
Through osmosis, I will eventually resemble similar behaviors, thoughts, and words of those who I spend the majority of my time with. This will impact every area of my life such as the following:
- Job/Business
- Health
- Relationships
- Mindset
Whether these facets become positive or negative depends on the people who I choose to be with.
This is a very powerful choice I have in selecting who I want to be influenced by.
Although I can’t change (nor do I want to) others, I replace my environment by selectively choosing the right people and things that add value to my life.
That is always possible.
If I want to grow and learn from others, I must surround myself with individuals who are also actively doing that.
A strong sign when I should switch environments or make new connections is I’m constantly the smartest person in the room.
While this is okay when I’m mentoring others, that’s not beneficial for my own growth if I’m not around others who operate at a high level and pull me forward.
“To be content does not mean that you don’t desire more, it means you’re thankful for what you have and patient for what’s to come.”
― Tony Gaskins
Practice Contentment
No matter what I currently have and where I am in life, I am already enough at this moment.
Additionally, I learned to avoid the comparison trap.
To achieve this, I eliminate the personal use of social media.
That’s because in that virtual realm, I can see the whole world ranging from all my friends to celebrities.
And what others post is usually their highlight reel. This is an unfair comparison to my blooper clip.
I realized that no matter where I am, there will always be someone who is better.
Regardless of the category, even the current best in the world will diminish with time.
By focusing on my unique journey, I will always be the hero.
Life is not a race.
It’s a fun rollercoaster ride and I’m the only character in the movie.
And If I were to ever compare, it would only be with my former self.
That’s the only logical one.
In it, I would reflect back and focus on the amount of evolution I have acquired and the progress I have made.
Despite the billions of dollars that are put in marketing that make me think I “need” to buy this or that to feel whole or accepted, I’ve reinvented my definition of success to live an intrinsic-driven life.
This is done through growth, service, and a positive contribution to the world.
Closing Thoughts
Life is precious and you’re not ever too early or too late to start living your dream by doing activities that truly matter to you.
Begin with the end in mind and play the long game.
Realize this important fact:
Lasting achievements take years and even decades to build.
Put in the necessary work and enjoy the process.
Along the way, make time for fun and build loving connections.
And no matter where you are, appreciate what you already have and choose contentment.
The intangible rewards are the traits you’re cultivating and the person you’re becoming.
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