Some of you really know me.
You’ve hung out with me and/or perhaps you’ve even been to my home.
You may have even met my family and friends.
You know how simple, authentic, and sincere I am.
I drive a truck, I like to camp, and at 55, I can and do ride one of my many skateboards.
I like to fly fish, workout, and occasionally play guitar.
My parents (both 85) live near me.
I have a lot of family and friends around.
Yes, here in Danville, “Everybody knows my name.”
I am blessed. I have a good life.
But in my early days, I lived in my practice. Literally.
Like you, I’ve had some good times and some bad times and as a result, I’ve learned a few “Happy Hacks” that have enabled me to stay happy no matter what.
…and here they are:
1. I practice minimalism—a process of figuring out what I truly need and value and then getting rid of everything else (people, things, and self-induced obligations). I highly recommend studying the subject yourself.
2. I am alone often… whatever it takes—even if I must get up excessively early or stay up excessively late, I make time to disconnect, meditate, read, think, plan, or do absolutely nothing at all. I also spend one 24-hour period a month away from my home and office by myself, typically in Napa, Carmel, or my new hideout, Mt. Diablo.
3. I quit my gym membership. I work out at home in my garage, in my R.V., or anywhere outside. My favorite pieces of equipment in this order are:
- The X-iser
- Pull-up bar
- A Concept One rowing machine
- The Power Push-Up
- 40, 60, and 80 pound dumbells
- A few kettlebells and kettlebell-like contraptions
- A Lifeline Wall track that houses some elastic tubing
Working out at home saves a ton of time and reduces all the sensory input you can be subjected to in a crowded gym.
I work out 7 days a week for about 20-30 minutes each day.
4. Intermittent Fasting – 8-hour feeding window, 7 days a week. To learn more, Google it. It’s probably not for everybody but for many, it’s a game changer.
5. I work 4 days a week, Monday – Thursday. I don’t really work on Fridays. Perhaps a little quick organizing and reading. That’s about it and I never work on weekends.
6. I live below my means. I don’t like financial pressure. I do whatever I can to lower my personal expenses and consumption. I work more for freedom than for money.
7. I have no plans on retiring. I will work ‘til the very end. This eliminates financial anxiety and is my way of giving myself permission to enjoy life along the way. I do not take work very seriously. I keep everything in perspective.
8. I don’t waste time. I spend most of my time thinking, reading, and relating to my strangers, friends, family, and D.C.s from all over the world. I don’t watch T.V.. I don’t particularly like sports, or anything that requires me to be a spectator.
9. I choose to be happy. For the most part, everything is a choice. I’ll just leave it at that.
10. I live in the moment. This is huge. I rarely think about the past and I don’t worry much about the future. If you can’t live in the moment, then you can’t be happy. If you haven’t LISTENED to the audio book entitled, “The Power of Now”, do it. You’ll thank me later!
Everybody is different.
What makes me happy may not make you happy.
My 10 Happy Hacks come from years of trial and error by adopting and testing new habits and ways of looking at people, things, life, etc..
One thing is for sure: there are diminishing returns with more money.
Simple is good.
…and Life is short.
