I’m turning 27 this week and I’m super stoked. What is the ideal age? Good question. Honestly I think it’s an attitude how you view your life. I would say each year of my life has been better than the last.
26 was sweet and I learned some key lessons..
1. Busy – “I’m so busy!” Being busy is not advantageous and being overly busy is unattractive. Being busy does not give you a leg up on someone else; it doesn’t make you unique or give you special privileges. Telling someone you are busy is like telling them you are breathing. We get it. I’ve learned you don’t have to say yes to every opportunity. I used to say yes to everything for fear of missing out (FOMO). I have now discovered JOMO (Joy of missing out) is a real thing. If it’s not a “heck yes!” it’s a no.
2. Self-discipline – The strongest man is the man who has mastered himself. The disciplined man is the man to be respected. The world has enough guys who are immature and haven’t grown up. The strongest man is not the man who lifts the most weight, it’s the man with the most faith. Further to the point above, I am learning to discipline myself with getting proper sleep. I am far from perfect but I am learning.
3. Embrace the Pain – Temporary pain brings long term gain. The struggle builds your character. Navy Seal Rorke Denver says “Lean into your pain because that is where bravery lies”. If we don’t go through pain we will never grow. When you’re scared to do something, just do it. It will make you stronger.
4. Health – This is the first time in my life I’ve taken health more seriously. Staying in shape physically and watching what food your put in your body is important. Your energy levels are a direct result of diet, sleep, and physical exercise.
5. Fun Factor – Keeping the fun factor dial turned up to high is really important. It is possible to work really hard and have lots of fun. I’ve had years of my life where it’s all work and minimal fun. Whatever I do in my life, I try to find humour in it and that keeps life fun.
6. Embrace Vulnerability – It’s okay to not have only the answers. It’s okay to let your hair down once in a while. I’ve learned this year to be authentic and not a polished version of myself. People want to be around real people not people who are fake and look like they are all put together. I want to be a real person. And real people make mistakes.
7. Nothing for Granted – Travelling abroad in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia only strengthened observations from 2015 that we have it beyond great in North America. Having ample clean water, quality food, education, and a hot Starbucks drink is not normal. You think these things are a given until you go abroad and see how the rest of the world lives. Travelling builds perspective real quick.
8. Party4aPurpose – We hosted 2 charity water parties this year and raised over $8000 for our water well in Nepal. I learned it’s possible to use influence and business knowledge to really do something that benefits those who don’t have what we have. It’s possible to have fun and do something good.
9. God’s Provision – All gifts come from above from God. As hard as I work and as many ideas as I have it’s ultimately God who determines my steps. (Proverbs 16:9). I’ve learned this year that my 5 year plans often don’t pan out as I had thought. I’ve learned that God gives and takes away and to ultimately submit my plans to His.
And when on the road, lock your hotel room door. It keeps unexpected visitors out of your room.. (Story for another day)
Super stoked for this year.
To end with a quote from Adam Braun one of my hero’s..
“Big dreams start with small unreasonable acts.”
D Moerman Blog 