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More Musings about Life

SteveO

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I have been around this world for a couple of years. 56 to be precise. My perspective has changed many times along the way. Mostly for the better but there have been times that it has gone the other way.

There are always discussions around about "millionaire perspectives" and such. There are also constant posts about wanting to be mega-rich. Along with this, there are lots of people stating what they want to do with their massive cash once they have earned it.

Well, your perspectives will likely change also as you gain net-worth.

Everyone has things that they enjoy doing. Many people have a number of dreams that they want to enjoy.

There was a time in life where I had a decent job, three kids, and a very family oriented life style. I owned a motorhome, quads, dirtbikes, built up Ford Broncos, etc. We loved to camp at the beach and in the desert in our motorhome. We would travel up the west coast and take trips through the mountains. It was a wonderful life visiting wineries, sitting around campfires, etc.

Along with this I enjoyed running, softball and coaching every one of my kids through all their sports.

I am still very active hiking, running, playing softball, exploring, etc. There is nothing I would rather do than take the challenge of conquering Mt Whitney or tearing through the Grand Canyon. Grand Canyon Story Here .

I feel that most of my fun has been centered around excitement, relaxation, and challenges. The funny thing is that at some points I have had tons of money and other times, very little. There is no difference in how much fun you can have.

I know that many will argue that massive money will allow you to buy all that fun. Maybe it will for some people but not for me.

I took a trip to Europe with a large budget and little concern for money. We spent 300 euros on LUNCH in Paris, stayed in "high class" hotels, toured the Italian coast on a small cruise ship. It was not any more fun than a trip around the mountains in a 30 foot motorhome to me.

I am not saying that you should not work to become wealthy. You should. We live in a world of abundance. We should be going and getting what we want and desire.

I am saying that life can and should be enjoyed regardless of your status. Don't keep looking for the future to enjoy yourself. Pay attention to what you have now. That is what I am going to do.
 
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Robert R

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This is something that I needed to read. Although I've procrastinated taking action recently, I haven't stopped to enjoy everything that I typically do.

This post brought me back to reality to have a healthy work/play time balance, and to enjoy the moment but keep my goals in mind as well.
 

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Wow. Rep transferred. That was an amazing post! Good reminder for me - It's hard at times to balance the fact that I want to push myself every day to do more challenging and rewarding things while enjoying the fun and great moments of the now.

From your experience steveO, how did you learn to strike a balance between working to be where you wanted to be and enjoying the moment?
 

ArthurDayne

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Great post. I've come to a similar epiphany recently, and realized that while I want the resources to do whatever I want, the things I want don't cost that much. The only thing they really cost is time - a perfect example being a 3-week road trip through California.

My money will give me time, more than it will buy me physical things or luxurious experiences.

Edit: Richkid's post...

Lots of people think that you can't be happy until you're rich. Give me a good $5 used novel and a lawn chair with all the time in the world and nowhere to be, and I'm pretty happy..

That's they key - having all the time in the world. That's what my money's for.
 

SteveO

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how did you learn to strike a balance between working to be where you wanted to be and enjoying the moment?

I don't know that I learned how. I go full speed on work when it is needed. Life is so much better when you enjoy the moment at work and play.
 

Joe Cassandra

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I have been around this world for a couple of years. 56 to be precise. My perspective has changed many times along the way. Mostly for the better but there have been times that it has gone the other way.

There are always discussions around about "millionaire perspectives" and such. There are also constant posts about wanting to be mega-rich. Along with this, there are lots of people stating what they want to do with their massive cash once they have earned it.

Well, your perspectives will likely change also as you gain net-worth.

Everyone has things that they enjoy doing. Many people have a number of dreams that they want to enjoy.

There was a time in life where I had a decent job, three kids, and a very family oriented life style. I owned a motorhome, quads, dirtbikes, built up Ford Broncos, etc. We loved to camp at the beach and in the desert in our motorhome. We would travel up the west coast and take trips through the mountains. It was a wonderful life visiting wineries, sitting around campfires, etc.

Along with this I enjoyed running, softball and coaching every one of my kids through all their sports.

I am still very active hiking, running, playing softball, exploring, etc. There is nothing I would rather do that take the challenge of conquering Mt Whitney or tearing through the Grand Canyon. Grand Canyon Story Here .

I feel that most of my fun has been centered around excitement, relaxation, and challenges. The funny thing is that at some points I have had tons of money and other times, very little. There is no difference in how much fun you can have.

I know that many will argue that massive money will allow you to buy all that fun. Maybe it will for some people but not for me.

I took a trip to Europe with a large budget and little concern for money. We spent 300 euros on LUNCH in Paris, stayed in "high class" hotels, toured the Italian coast on a small cruise ship. It was not any more fun than a trip around the mountains in a 30 foot motorhome to me.

I am not saying that you should not work to become wealthy. You should. We live in a world of abundance. We should be going and getting what we want and desire.

I am saying that life can and should be enjoyed regardless of your status. Don't keep looking for the future to enjoy yourself. Pay attention to what you have now. That is what I am going to do.

This is hard for me and actually a poor trait of mine. Always looking ahead. It can actually cause strife in a marriage. My wife and I have a great marriage, but I get into trouble sometimes because we'll be spending time together but my mind is on a project: What's the next step to that project, what do I need to do, ok after that what's the next step?

I'm sure my wife wants to throw her dinner at me: "hello, Joe, can you focus on the NOW, I'm right here." She'll make side comments, "Joe, you're never satisfied, you reach a goal and you're automatically thinking about the next one."

Throughout college, I was very much "In the Now", but now that I've learned about entrepreneurship, I've changed. I'm thinking about the next goal, next step of a project. How do you focus on the now?

My wife and I just found out we are about to have our first child and we are over the moon. Yet, I feel I spend more time thinking about the project I'm working on instead of preparing for the baby. Right now, my wife isn't feeling well [baby stuff] and in bed and I'm here 2 hours later working on a prototype. How do you do both?

@SteveO I'm sure you've had this issue before. I'm 26 so I still have time :D

How can you calm a roaming mind? [HASHTAG]#lookingahead[/HASHTAG] [HASHTAG]#forwardthinking[/HASHTAG]
 
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KLaw

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I have been around this world for a couple of years. 56 to be precise. My perspective has changed many times along the way. Mostly for the better but there have been times that it has gone the other way.

There are always discussions around about "millionaire perspectives" and such. There are also constant posts about wanting to be mega-rich. Along with this, there are lots of people stating what they want to do with their massive cash once they have earned it.

Well, your perspectives will likely change also as you gain net-worth.

Everyone has things that they enjoy doing. Many people have a number of dreams that they want to enjoy.

There was a time in life where I had a decent job, three kids, and a very family oriented life style. I owned a motorhome, quads, dirtbikes, built up Ford Broncos, etc. We loved to camp at the beach and in the desert in our motorhome. We would travel up the west coast and take trips through the mountains. It was a wonderful life visiting wineries, sitting around campfires, etc.

Along with this I enjoyed running, softball and coaching every one of my kids through all their sports.

I am still very active hiking, running, playing softball, exploring, etc. There is nothing I would rather do that take the challenge of conquering Mt Whitney or tearing through the Grand Canyon. Grand Canyon Story Here .

I feel that most of my fun has been centered around excitement, relaxation, and challenges. The funny thing is that at some points I have had tons of money and other times, very little. There is no difference in how much fun you can have.

I know that many will argue that massive money will allow you to buy all that fun. Maybe it will for some people but not for me.

I took a trip to Europe with a large budget and little concern for money. We spent 300 euros on LUNCH in Paris, stayed in "high class" hotels, toured the Italian coast on a small cruise ship. It was not any more fun than a trip around the mountains in a 30 foot motorhome to me.

I am not saying that you should not work to become wealthy. You should. We live in a world of abundance. We should be going and getting what we want and desire.

I am saying that life can and should be enjoyed regardless of your status. Don't keep looking for the future to enjoy yourself. Pay attention to what you have now. That is what I am going to do.

^^^so very true and an awesome perspective. I've got a very wealthy and very good friend that lives in Florida. He lives in a nice mansion in a very wealthy, gated community. He sent me a pic last summer of his kids and some friends sitting around their beautiful indoor pool and texted "ain't life grande?". He wasn't bragging he was just letting me know what they were up to.

It just so happened my family and friends were enjoying the summer as well on the same day. I took a pic of my front yard from the road. There were a couple slipnslides, several sprinklers, water balloons, squirt guns, bbq on the grill and probably a dozen kids running around in that photo.

I shot him the pic and texted "this is how us poor folk roll" . He shot back and said "damn, I miss that shit. I wish was there".
 
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SteveO

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My money will give me time, more than it will buy me physical things or luxurious experiences.

Yes this is a fact. I have had this experience. I did not work for many years. I golfed every day, rode my bike to the gym... Did whatever I wanted. It got boring without the challenges of work. But, you are absolutely correct that you want the time WHEN you want it and the CHALLENGES when you want them.
 

RogueInnovation

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I hate the tentacles of that money kraken. One day you are just free sailing, then the next...

images



I realised something similar recently, you just need to see money as being duel sided, you can't expect sunshine everyday, sometimes its going to rain and you have to learn to "dance" in it.
 

SemiSentient

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I have been around this world for a couple of years. 56 to be precise. My perspective has changed many times along the way. Mostly for the better but there have been times that it has gone the other way.

There are always discussions around about "millionaire perspectives" and such. There are also constant posts about wanting to be mega-rich. Along with this, there are lots of people stating what they want to do with their massive cash once they have earned it.

Well, your perspectives will likely change also as you gain net-worth.

Everyone has things that they enjoy doing. Many people have a number of dreams that they want to enjoy.

There was a time in life where I had a decent job, three kids, and a very family oriented life style. I owned a motorhome, quads, dirtbikes, built up Ford Broncos, etc. We loved to camp at the beach and in the desert in our motorhome. We would travel up the west coast and take trips through the mountains. It was a wonderful life visiting wineries, sitting around campfires, etc.

Along with this I enjoyed running, softball and coaching every one of my kids through all their sports.

I am still very active hiking, running, playing softball, exploring, etc. There is nothing I would rather do that take the challenge of conquering Mt Whitney or tearing through the Grand Canyon. Grand Canyon Story Here .

I feel that most of my fun has been centered around excitement, relaxation, and challenges. The funny thing is that at some points I have had tons of money and other times, very little. There is no difference in how much fun you can have.

I know that many will argue that massive money will allow you to buy all that fun. Maybe it will for some people but not for me.

I took a trip to Europe with a large budget and little concern for money. We spent 300 euros on LUNCH in Paris, stayed in "high class" hotels, toured the Italian coast on a small cruise ship. It was not any more fun than a trip around the mountains in a 30 foot motorhome to me.

I am not saying that you should not work to become wealthy. You should. We live in a world of abundance. We should be going and getting what we want and desire.

I am saying that life can and should be enjoyed regardless of your status. Don't keep looking for the future to enjoy yourself. Pay attention to what you have now. That is what I am going to do.

Great post SteveO. Climbing Mt Whitney will be one of the few things I will remember in detail for the rest of my life and I didn't have to be ultra rich to do it.

Everyone on here has their own reason for wanting to accumulate wealth, but too many use their current lack of wealth as an excuse. Don't let your lack of money get in the way of accomplishing your personal Mt. Whitney, whatever it may be.

Holy cow SteveO! I just read your Grand Canyon post. You are crazy. I guess they need to make a new T-shirt that says "Rim to Rim to Rim"?!?!
 
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FastlaneTiger

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That's one of my problems, I can't enjoy the present because I feel like I'm wasting time that I could invest into my future.
 
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SteveO

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Climbing Mt Whitney will be one of the few things I will remember in detail for the rest of my life
It is a fantastic hike. Tell us the story.

I am going to take my grandkids out to that area to go fishing. You can see the schools of fish swimming around in the clear water up there. No crowds. Can't wait!
 

RogueInnovation

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I can't enjoy the present because I feel like I'm wasting time that I could invest into my future.

Is it because you expect money to remove all the problems you feel?
I think money is more "real" than the scenarios we imagine in our head.
So if you get lost chasing money because you think its going to remove pressure, you skip all the stuff you really should be doing.

We have to be wary that the chase is not our goal, and instead ensure that we are more sound in our choices each day.
 
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PSDSH

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Yes this is a fact. I have had this experience. I did not work for many years. I golfed every day, rode my bike to the gym... Did whatever I wanted. It got boring without the challenges of work. But, you are absolutely correct that you want the time WHEN you want it and the CHALLENGES when you want them.

I can relate. (I'm 50 years old ) I was semi-retired for five years recently...worked less than 10 hrs a week. It was great for a year or two...I learned how to golf and went several times a week. All kinds of free time. But like you experienced, it got really boring and unfulfilling.

I certainly had more fun than when I was on welfare for 4 years, decades ago, but I wasn't any more happy and there wasn't more love or laughter in my life.

Live today my friends, for tomorrow is guaranteed to no one!
 

SteveO

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I can't enjoy the present because I feel like I'm wasting time that I could invest into my future.
You can do both. Hammer some time on your business then take some mental time away. It is important to stay focused and productive. Sometimes you have to break away for yourself.
 

SteveO

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Hey @LibertyForMe , I see that you liked that post about fishing.

I was with @biophase recently on a rafting trip in the grand canyon. We fished a bit while down there. There are so many trout in that river. The fish just jumped onto our lures. You reel in a fish on about 50% of your casts! It was so easy that it almost takes the fun out. I am now spoiled....

Bio warned me that it was too easy to catch fish there. He brought the pole though.

The crew cooked them up for us at dinnertime.
 

biophase

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"There are always discussions around about "millionaire perspectives" and such. There are also constant posts about wanting to be mega-rich. Along with this, there are lots of people stating what they want to do with their massive cash once they have earned it.

Well, your perspectives will likely change also as you gain net-worth."

So true. Am experiencing this right now!!! I have 2 screens open on my computer right now, TFF and autotrader.

After spending a month and a half in Colorado, I've come to realization that my MDX is not very off-road capable, so I'm looking at a used 4runner.

Of course, during this time of browsing I just had to peek at other listings. I first went through Aston Martins, then Audi R8s, then Lambos and finally Ferraris. I feel like I'm itching to buy another car, but none of the sports car did anything for me anyone. Just weird cause I've been a car guy my whole life.

Times change. Now that I can afford a $100k car, I'm going to end up buying a used $15k 4runner. This just goes to show you that you don't know what you want until you can get what you want.
 

biophase

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BTW, here's another perspective example. Today I spent all day digging holes in my backyard to increase my koi pond's filter size. It was 6 hours of digging with a pick and shovel. I had planned to rent an excavator to do this but the cost for it turned out to be $400 for a day rental.

Now the fastlaner side of me is thinking. I can knock this out in 1 hour with an excavator and I can probably work on my business to get me a $400 ROI in the remaining 5 hours.

The cheap a$$ in my is thinking, I'm not going to pay $400 to rent something and use it for 30 minutes.

But the freedom part of me is thinking, you don't have to work today if you don't want to, so just relax and dig your hole. So I did.

It's all about freedom of choice. You'd be surprised at what you choose sometimes. It's not all about making money all day all the time.

Did I mention it was 101 degrees today?
 
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RogueInnovation

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But the freedom part of me is thinking, you don't have to work today if you don't want to, so just relax and dig your hole. So I did.

Love that
Getting greedy on your own terms, conquering the little things xD
 

SteveO

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Times change. Now that I can afford a $100k car, I'm going to end up buying a used $15k 4runner. This just goes to show you that you don't know what you want until you can get what you want.
Great example. We have a Toyota Tundra and a Camry. I have looked at nicer vehicles but just don't get it.

I would not mind having another vintage car but don't have time on my list for this project. My next door neighbor has a couple of lifts in his garage. He fits five vintage cars in there with his elevator system.

But the freedom part of me is thinking, you don't have to work today if you don't want to, so just relax and dig your hole. So I did.
I work in my yard all the time. I do so because I like to work outside. I spent 4 hours in the yard after playing a round of golf yesterday. Yep, it was hot. ;)
 

SteveO

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Holy cow SteveO! I just read your Grand Canyon post. You are crazy. I guess they need to make a new T-shirt that says "Rim to Rim to Rim"?!?!
The very first thing I did when I finally reached the top was call my wife to let her know I was okay. It hurt so bad and I told her "I will never do this again!!!!". The next day we were making plans for the next trip....

That trip was so eventful. Charging mountain goats and miles without water. Funny how the more obstacles that need to be overcome leads to better memories of the event.
 
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LibertyForMe

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I was with @biophase recently on a rafting trip in the grand canyon. We fished a bit while down there. There are so many trout in that river. The fish just jumped onto our lures. You reel in a fish on about 50% of your casts! It was so easy that it almost takes the fun out. I am now spoiled....
Bio warned me that it was too easy to catch fish there. He brought the pole though.
The crew cooked them up for us at dinnertime.

Man, that sounds awesome. I love when they hit like that. My little bro is in Colorado right now working a summer camp, and when he has had time he sneaks in some trout fishing in some big mountain lake near him. He has been catching them too.

Nothing better than fresh fish! Yum!
 

MJ DeMarco

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I'm not going to pay $400 to rent something and use it for 30 minutes.

But the freedom part of me is thinking, you don't have to work today if you don't want to, so just relax and dig your hole.

I think part of this is also a wiring in your rewards system. Digging it yourself comes with a reward and a mental stake that you did the hard work. Renting the excavator might have done the job, but it probably wouldn't be viewed as satisfying. I'd rather hit the game winning hit than walk it in by taking 4 pitches w/the bases loaded.

I helped my GF move this weekend and I could have easily hired a moving company. Instead I opted to do the move with her. Let me tell you, if you can survive an 8 hour day of moving in 105 degree heat without biting each others' head's off, you got it good. The experience was actually relationship strengthening-- teamwork, planning, and bonding. That experience, not to mention the awesome workout, would have been lost if I just sat back and hired some movers.
 
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throttleforward

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I think part of this is also a wiring in your rewards system. Digging it yourself comes with a reward and a mental stake that you did the hard work. Renting the excavator might have done the job, but it probably wouldn't be viewed as satisfying. I'd rather hit the game winning hit than walk it in by taking 4 pitches w/the bases loaded.

I helped my GF move this weekend and I could have easily hired a moving company. Instead I opted to do the move with her. Let me tell you, if you can survive an 8 hour day of moving in 105 degree heat without biting each others' head's off, you got it good. The experience was actually relationship strengthening-- teamwork, planning, and bonding. That experience, not to mention the awesome workout, would have been lost if I just sat back and hired some movers.
Amen! My wife and I met as EMS partners. You'd think our most stressful, trying times were during bad calls, but nope-it was moving that tried my patience the most. If you actually bonded over a move I'd say marry the girl!
 
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SteveO

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@Gwenqou liked this post and brought it back to attention. I forgot about this. Seems that I did not listen to my own input! I have been working too many hours. Just recently resumed some of the fun.

The real point of this post was not about fun though. It was about perspective and enjoying yourself.
 

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