Q4’24 was an important period to me. US elections was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Between trips, long chats with friends and general contemplation about life, I have decided something — many principles (or values) don’t work for me any more.
TLDR: Those principles were useful in my 20s, to explore, learn and grow up. These are no longer useful in my 30s, as I focus on exploiting (the skills I’ve honed), leveraging and accelerating. Updated principles and values will guide me.
The main philosophy of life now is — Life is Easy.
Between Bangkok trip and brunch with Elliott, I’m reminded that life is as easy as you want it to be. Writing this now, 5 months later, everything is still a work in progress. However, I have learnt to be present (as opposed to living in the past through constant reflection and being in the future through setting weekly, monthly quarterly goals). It’s funny because the way I lived life before was the way many people want to live, and I’m finding a balance now.
Anyway, life is easy. It is as easy as you want it to be. It can be easy again. And how does that work? Reduce, declutter, simplify. This all boiled down to what my values were. It has changed. It went from legacy to freedom. And in the state of freedom, life is easy. There was ego in the way before — something I thought I’ve destroyed time and time again. But now, no ego, just living with freedom.
What does easy look like?
Keep things simple. Life doesn’t need to be complicated. This game can be easy.
Realise that there are more things outside of my control than I want. But it also means I simply have to be flexible and adaptable, as opposed to being too laser focused and add complexity for no reason.
As simple as direct flights instead of multiple layovers to get my points and keep my status. It doesn’t matter. Status is an ego game, and I’m not playing it anymore.
S L O W D O W N. This is perhaps the hardest thing to learn. It’s year 3 of slowing down to be present. I am slowly learning this and have a more balanced approach to life. My previous constant headstrong attitude was killing my body and making my body sick. A sick Lisa is a pointless Lisa. I’ve gotten my acid reflux under control now. By slowing down.
Prevention instead of cure. I saw how working those insane hours affected me. It simply isn’t sustainable. Instead, take a step back to observe and figure out how to get the same outcome in a more productive and efficient manner. Sharpening the saw, as they say. (Relevant: Hammock, Procrastination, 2022, me-time)
The great thing about these reflections is that I get to observe the patterns looking back, and improve my lifestyle because the old methods simply don’t work any more.
Life is easy.
Love,
L