What Advice Would I Give My 20 Year Old Self To Live A Rich Life?
At the outset, I don’t believe in generally doling out advice. The most powerful learning is driven from within by reading widely, seeking out new experiences and self-contemplation. To that extent, this is merely a note to my younger self and probably a guard-rail to my future self.
Below are top 3 suggestions for living a rich life -
1. Master your mind
Everything in this world is an outcome of a thought. As they say ‘idea-to-product’ in business world but it stands ground in any situation. The thought, emanating from your mind is the driver of the action that you are going to take. And it’s imperative to remember that, You control the mind and it’s not the other way. Don’t let your mind control you.
Moreover, whatever you are struggling with - focus, discipline, fear, productivity, emotional baggage - the mind is the key to overcome those challenges. A calmer mind bursting with positive thoughts holds unlimited potential to its bearer.
Citing an example from adventure world, there are Free Divers who have attained mastery over their mind to an extent that they can overpower their involuntary actions like breath and heart beats, for a specific time. Talk about becoming an adventurous monk !
‘As you think you shall become ‘ — Bruce Lee
How do you master your mind?
Read, learn new things, meditation, sports, being in touch with nature, choosing non-emotional response in any situation, etc
2. Train your body, like an athlete
Being alive is about movement and actions; we have evolved from our hunter-gatherer forefathers who were forced to live an action-oriented life. Hence, your body is meant to do hard things.
An athlete is an embodiment of strength, stamina and agility, imbued with a strong motivation to excel. Anyone can benefit highly by following an athlete’s regime of training and imbibing that discipline and focus. A healthy body is the biggest status symbol out there esp. with growing age. So choose to climb those mountains, run that marathon, overcome obstacles (physical & mental) - you grow by pushing through challenges.
“Obstacle is the way” as Ryan Anderson put it. Do hard things, period. The key is to train with focus, discipline and get incremental improvements, not just exercise or run without any goal. (Though being active is a good goal in itself)
How ?
Exercise, adventure, sports, learn new body skills- motorcycle, swimming, skiing, martial arts, dance, etc
3. Build relationships beyond your work-identity
Most of us have social life limited by educational, work or neighborhood social circles. And at a certain life stage, we even stop building new friendships.
If you are on a path to self growth, you may out-grow your circles from time to time. Learn to build and cultivate social relationships based on hobbies and your deeply-held passions as well.
Life is experienced deeply in the right company. At the same time, the most important relationship you can have, is with yourself - if you are happy by yourself, in your own company, you can adapt to any social circles in due course of time.
How?
Pursue hobbies, connect with others through your hobbies and passion, Be available for your family and friends, volunteer for your favorite cause, give back, etc.
All human interactions and hence life experiences are experienced from within. Reality is neutral, what you experience in the moment, joy or sadness emanate from your perception, your mind. You control your reality!
