Were you one of the lucky ones?

Perhaps I should instead ask “Are you still one of the lucky ones?”

Some got a pretty sweet set up in the pandemic. For many their job became less complicated. For others the unemployment and stimulus checks they got were well above the paycheck they had gotten used to. For a good chunk they finally found the free time they had been craving so they could now spend more time with their families, finally get in shape, or indulge in that hobby they wish they’d always had.

Others didn’t get these things, to put it lightly.

But there is still another group that I’m even more interested in.

That third group got all of the good but still acted like they only got the bad.

This group was/is too concerned with what they don’t have yet to take a look around. They kept working 60+ hours a week, even if it was from the comfort of their living room. They continue to look for the “opportunity” in the market that they can take advantage of without seeing the opportunity that’s literally slipping between their fingertips...a much needed reprieve.

It’s the lack of perspective that I’m most troubled by, not the work ethic, and not even the renters who are worried about making next month’s rent payment.

This lack of perspective ensures that there is still a population of modern day people that will dig us further into a societal sinkhole without ever looking away from their screens to see the world around them.

As crazy as this may sound, perspective is exactly what personal practices give us. That is precisely the reason I’m on this mission to help people develop the tools of a strong personal practice.

1. Engage in regular exercise that you find fulfilling, energizing, and challenging.
2. Honestly develop a mental training practice that breaks through the surface-level lies you tell yourself on a minute to minute basis.
3. Build a foundational eating lifestyle that supports your ability to rely on your physical and mental practices, and doesn’t punish you for indulging in mouth pleasures occasionally.
4. Most importantly stick to a simple planning process that’s primary purpose is to impose periodic reflection so you can ensure you’re dedicating the appropriate time and effort to things you actually care about.

Those four things combined equal a more well-rounded, capable, self reflective individual that sees the opportunities that life throws their way and picks up others when they get a metaphorical chest kick from the powers-that-be.

Who else thinks this is a pretty good start for most people?

-M