Author: cbarney.45

When things don’t go according to plan, ask yourself, “why is this happening for me?” Most people ask, “why is this happening to me?” But that puts them in a victim mindset. You are giving away all power. When in reality, you have the power to make the change you want.

Don’t focus on what’s in the rearview mirror. Look at the windshield…it’s not where you’ve been, it’s where you’re going. You can’t change what has already happened. What you can change is your outlook on future events by making the right actions in the present. 

Watch out for lifestyle creep. As we start earning more, most of the time, we start spending more. Then that becomes our new normal (or baseline spending). We expect to always be able to afford this new and “improved” lifestyle. 

But what if when you earned more, you kept your same lifestyle and saved the difference? You’re already used to living on your existing paycheck, so why not continue to do so and invest the extra income? If you’re able to do this, you will become much wealthier, much more quickly than you expect. 

Buying “things” won’t make you happier. Going on spending sprees gives you a temporary satisfaction, but it is fleeting. Soon you’ll become used to whatever object you purchased and it will no longer give you joy. Why spend extra to try to fill whatever void you feel that is lacking? 

Let’s try a thought exercise for a minute…Remember the first big boy/big girl job you had? I remember when I came out of college and made $35k at my first job. I thought I was rich! It’s funny to think about, but it’s true. And the thing is, I was happy making that much (or little) money. It proved that I can be happy with far less than I make now.

Times and circumstances have changed, but your mindset regarding money and material objects should not. Don’t fall into lifestyle creep. Be content with what you have. Understand the difference between a need and a want. Be smart with your earnings – make sure that you’re always investing some (make that money work for you), giving some to others (tithing/charity), and enjoying some for yourself (spending on experiences with loved ones). Focus on living a great life surrounded by those you love, and who love you, and don’t worry about buying “things.” Because it is not the things that make you happy…happiness comes from within. And if you are able to find it, you will live a great life.

“Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees, they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.” – John 12: 42-43

I understand this and struggle with it myself. I believe in a higher power. I struggle with what I don’t understand though and I let others’ opinions influence my thoughts or actions. 

Think to yourself, whose opinions really count? Don’t act in accordance of seeking out praise from others around you. Even if you don’t believe in God, you know deep down what is right and what is wrong. Do what you know in your heart to be right. It may not make you the most popular person, but life is more than a popularity contest. 

“The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus.” – Bruce Lee

When it comes down to it, we are all basically the same. I’m not noticeably different than my neighbor, who isn’t noticeably different than the neighbor across the street. Sure, we may have different strengths and weaknesses. But for the most part, there isn’t an innately massive gap between one person’s skill set and another person’s skill set. How the gap grows is what we choose to focus on. One person may focus on science in a lab setting while the other focuses on becoming a master carpenter. After years of practice and experience, the gaps between one person’s innate skill set and the other person’s developed skill set can be dramatic.
Are you choosing to excel in any areas of life? If so, what are you doing to improve in those areas? Are you studying and applying what you’re learning or do you just go home and mindlessly do nothing all night? Take a moment to reflect on what you’re doing with your life. There is no right or wrong answer here unless you are unhappy with your present situation. If you are, you can’t sit there and expect life to get better. You need to focus on becoming the successful warrior.