Author: cbarney.45

Taking asymmetric risks

What has a very low cost, but could have a major reward (or save you from disaster)? This should be thought of in terms of any of your resources (most importantly, your time, money, and energy).

For example, buckling your seatbelt takes two seconds, but it can save your life (or save you from an expensive ticket). The reward (living and/or saving money) seems to be well worth the cost (a few seconds).

Where can you find these asymmetric risks in life? Whenever you find them, make sure you take advantage of it.

Your problems are your own

Your problems are your own. Don’t blame your spouse, your parents, your coworkers, or the president for any problems you think you have. They are your own and you must take ownership of them.

The first step to getting rid of the problem is to own it. Once you own the problem, you now have the authority to do something about it. How can you fix it?

Everything can be figured out with enough time, energy, or money. Sometimes it only takes one of those items, while other times it requires all three. Regardless, if you want it to change, you have to want it badly enough to sacrifice the time, energy, or money to get it done.

Why reading 5 pages per day will change your life

5 pages per day x 365 days per year = 1,825 pages per year.

If a book averages 300 pages (which seems high), you would finish 6+ books per year.

What you read daily changes the way you think. If you can change your thoughts, you can change your life.

We all need constant, little reminders of how we should be acting. By going too long without thinking about something (leadership, business, marketing, sales, relationships, finance, etc), we often forget what we should be applying in everyday circumstances.

A parent’s (and spouse’s) responsibility

Your number one responsibility is to be able to put food on the table and keep the lights on for your family. After that, then you need to focus on doing something that you love. You don’t even have to love it at all the time. But as long as you like it enough and it pays the bills, stick with it. If you are miserable, find something else, but remember your responsibility to your family. Making sure you’re setting them up for success (more than just surviving, but thriving) should be your top priority.

Five things to always work on for self-improvement

Things to always work on…

1) Do not get defensive. If someone is critical of you, listen to them. There is probably at least a grain of truth that you are blind to.

2) Do not make excuses. If something didn’t go your way or there was an accident, sincerely apologize. Don’t diminish your apology by then giving an excuse for why it wasn’t your fault. Some things will always be outside of your control, so focus only on what you can influence.

3) Eliminate can’t from your vocabulary. Sure, there are some things we literally can’t do (I can’t teleport, read minds, or fly). But, for the most part, when we say we “can’t” do something, it’s because we’re not willing to make the necessary sacrifices to do that thing. It’s more like we won’t do that or we haven’t prioritized that.

4) Be nicer. Treat others how they would like to be treated. Find ways to help others get what they want.

5) Do not avoid difficult situations/conversations. Life is full of tough decisions. The best way to live without regret is to have the courage to face your fears. Always act in alignment with your core values.