Strategies To Safeguard Your Future

Issue #120

We all make mistakes; it's an undeniable part of being human. However, what if you could sidestep certain pitfalls and enhance your path to a greater life? In the wise words of Charlie Munger, "Invert, always invert." Instead of focusing on how to make your life better, let's explore 13 ways to avoid ruining your future:

1. Express Your Authentic Self: Being true to yourself may bring about conflict, but the authenticity you project fosters deeper connections. Embrace your uniqueness, and the relationships that form will be more meaningful, built on a foundation of genuine interaction. Avoid being too “politically correct” around your friends, acquaintances, and colleagues.

   Don't compromise your values in environments that don't suit you. Embrace standing out occasionally, as authenticity often demands it. Stay true to yourself, and you'll attract the right people into your life.

2. Choose Your Circle Wisely: Discerning who you spend your time with is a crucial step toward living your own dream.

   

   Surround yourself with individuals whose values align with yours. This not only prevents unnecessary conflict but also ensures that your journey is a reflection of your aspirations. Recognise that saying 'no' to requests misaligned with your life goals is a powerful act of self-care.

3. Combat Procrastination: Procrastination is a silent thief that steals moments and opportunities from your ideal life.

   

   Each action postponed is a step away from your true potential. Procrastination not only impacts self-esteem and confidence but also diminishes our effectiveness and increases uncertainty. Recognise that the discomfort of discipline weighs far less than the regret of opportunities lost.

4. Learn Early: Life lessons, when learned early, pave the way for a more authentic and purpose-driven existence. The sooner you grasp these truths, the more aligned you'll be with your true self and desires. Education, money or life lessons – the earlier they start compounding, the better off you are. 

5. Honour Commitments: Following through on your commitments, whether to yourself or others, is a testament to your reliability.

   

   Trust is the foundation of meaningful relationships, and honouring your word enhances your reputation. There is nothing worse than having a reputation as untrustworthy.

6. Take Personal Responsibility: Assess your circumstances honestly, as this is the first step toward improvement. Taking personal responsibility empowers you to change your situation, ensuring that you're the CEO of your life. Blaming others essentially robs us of the power to change our circumstances.

   This is why a victim mentality can be so detrimental. Nearly everyone has a tendency to hold someone else responsible for aspects of their life, hindering personal improvement. Of course, we have all been wronged. However, dwelling on grievances for an extended period achieves nothing positive and only serves to poison your path to success.

7. Invest in Your Future: Decisions made today shape your future. Embrace short-term discomfort for long-term gain, making choices your future self will be grateful for.

   If you start investing five thousand rupees a month in the stock market at age 25 rather than 40, you might end up hundreds of thousands or even millions of rupees richer later in life. If you invest in a mentor early in life you will not waste your precious time trying to find what’s right for you. 

8. Prioritise Relationships: Cherish your loved ones, spend quality time with family, and prioritise relationships that bring meaning to your life.

   

   The connections you foster today prevent regret in the future. It is very common to take loved ones for granted and regret this later in life.

9. Prioritise Health: Your overall well-being is the cornerstone of a fulfilling life.

   

   Prioritise health by allocating time offline, engaging in activities that nourish your mind and body. Health means not just physical but your emotional well-being also. Eat right, move more, react less and believe in a super power.

10. Money Isn't Everything: While financial stability is essential, true happiness stems from perspective and gratitude. Understand that money alone won't solve deeper issues or foster lasting contentment.

    Of course, having money is better than not having money, everything else being equal. It allows you to live more carefreely and afford more things such as a nice car and a big house. But it cannot cure loneliness or fix broken relationships.

11. Be Present: Living fully requires being present in the moment. Constantly dwelling on the past or worrying about the future hinders your ability to experience the richness of life. Slow down and allow others to rush ahead in the busy times we navigate. Paradoxically, this approach can lead to increased productivity and a more enjoyable experience.

12. Practice Gratitude: Cultivate gratitude as a daily practice. Reflecting on the positive aspects of your life fosters a mindset of abundance and increases overall happiness. Gratitude stands not just as a virtue on its own but serves as the foundational source from which all other virtues emerge.

13. Face Your Fears: Fear, when used as a compass, guides you toward personal growth.

    

    Stepping out of your comfort zone not only expands your horizons but also opens doors to unforeseen opportunities. We all have read or heard this line thousand times: Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. Everything grows in controlled discomfort. 

    All illustrations are by Kratika Singhal

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In case you missed the previous issue on changing perspectives through life, here are the key highlights:

1. Authenticity and Relationships: Being true to yourself and surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals fosters deeper, more meaningful connections, enhancing your life's journey.

2. Discipline and Procrastination: Recognizing and combatting procrastination is crucial. The discomfort of discipline is far outweighed by the regret of missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential.

3. Personal Responsibility: Taking ownership of your circumstances empowers you to change and grow, ensuring that you are in control of your life's direction.

4. Investing in the Future: Making decisions today that prioritize long-term gain over short-term comfort, whether in finances, education, or relationships, sets the stage for a more fulfilling future.

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Thank You

For an overwhelming response to Finding the Oasis. I hope it will meet your expectations. Request you to leave a review about it on the website you have purchased it from. This book maybe a game changer in many peoples journey to Deep Health. Your help in sharing and promoting the book is truly appreciated. If you haven’t ordered it yet or would like to gift someone, you may do it at Amazon or Padhega India.

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See you on next on the eighth Sunday of 2024. Take care!