Our photo this week is Team MonGo 2008 -- you'll see that Monica bought the family matching pajamas. Check out the sleeves on Lex!
Today is my 40th birthday and I managed to hold my hair this far... that seemed so important to me when I was in my teens and twenties... while my priorities 20 years ago were normal, they weren't exactly ideal.
Lesson #1: having a high capacity to work overcomes a lot of personal shortcomings.
Probably the deepest thing that I think about (now) is my mortality. Being a planner, I ask myself if I have the balance right between the short term (being true to myself) and the long term (preparing for the chance that I might live into my 80s).
I am sipping on a large latte, the SuperMan mug was given to me prior to Ironman Hawaii 2000, by Luke Wimbush (much more of a super-dude than yours truly). There are a lot of good memories associated with this mug as well as my pal, Luke.
Lesson #2: it is only with the benefit of time, that we gain context on the people that, ultimately, bring goodness into our lives.
It took me 30 years to begin the process of figuring out my personal values and a decade after that until I was able to coherently
write them down.
I derive tremendous meaning from my current life situation and have a high degree of personal freedom. Looking back, what are the habits/decisions that had the greatest impact on my current situation?
- Spend less than I make;
- Tell the truth;
- Train daily; and
- Control my desires (sugar, alcohol, food, leverage, wealth).
Interestingly, all of the above have periodically imposed short terms costs on me. They are extremely simple to explain but challenging to implement.
What skills do I enjoy using where I receive positive feedback?
- Teaching;
- Writing;
- Strategic planning; and
- Financial, legal and forensic analysis.
So... how best to create incentives for me to stick with my values; maintain my successful habits; and utilize my strengths?
First, I am going to launch a site that shares these items, more about that next week.
Second, I am going to explore pulling the last decade into a coherent philosophy and see if there is a book that can be created from what I have learned so far, sort of a how-to-manual for my daughter.
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You get a finite number of years on this planet – make the most of all of them, no matter what is going on around you. - Brad Feld
2009 is going to be a challenging year for many of our friends and family. The media is, and will be, bombarding us with adverse stories to distract us from the areas that add meaning to our lives and loved ones.
Lesson #3: back your winners.
Take time to consider if you have alignment between what brings you meaning and where you spend your time.
Make time (weekly) to do simple things that recharge your spirit and make you feel good.
Thank you Monsy for making this a very special Christmas.
I love you, babe.
gordo
