Psychologists say that by January 8th, some 25% of our New Year’s resolutions have fallen by the wayside. By year end, fewer than 10% have been fully kept. Most of us struggle to achieve worthy long-term goals, such as healthful eating, exercise, fulfilling our career potential, or retiring early.
Remember hearing, “You can do anything if you try hard enough” or “If you believe it, you can achieve it”? Most parents offered positive affirmations that encouraged their kids to succeed. What they didn’t do a good job of was telling you what to avoid.
Got a bun in the oven? Congratulations! For millions of us, raising a family will be the pinnacle experience of life. Ten fingers, ten toes, and then … away the money goes! Make sure you’ve stashed away plenty before your tadpole squirts out.
Whatever the goals and aspirations you want to fulfill, your ability to reach those goals is largely in your own hands. Ultimately, it’s all about freedom—the freedom to choose your own path and live the life you’ve always wanted.
Think back to yourself a decade ago, compared with the person you are now. Recall how different you were then and how much you’ve changed. Now imagine yourself in 10 years. Most of us see our future selves as little changed from the person we are today.
We’re on a “treadmill of consumption,” continually buying more and more stuff. Yet, even as our incomes rise, we don’t seem to get any happier. So, future tycoons, will having more money increase your happiness? Or are you simply speeding up the treadmill?
When ancient Greeks had to make everyday decisions, they consulted the gods by drawing lots, casting dice, and interpreting dreams. For matters of utmost importance, however, they sought the words of the gods directly from the mouth of an oracle.
At one time Europeans thought that all swans were white. The phrase “black swan” derives from a common 16th century English expression as a statement of impossibility. Then in 1697, Dutch explorers discovered large numbers of black swans in Western Australia.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the top two causes of death are heart disease & cancer (in 2013, 611,000 and 585,000 deaths respectively). What’s the #3 killer today? The answer may surprise you.
Nobody gets married with the idea they will get divorced. For those who decide to untie the knot, most simply want a clean break and a fresh start. But nothing is safe from divorce attorneys and the more dysfunctional the relationship, the better it is (for them).
