As I have been more exposed to the “influencers” of today’s world, and getting to meet and spend significant time around them, I have found some inconsistencies. One of the biggest ones is it’s all about where you are going. Get up, grind, compromise anything at the cost of obtaining your “dreams”. The problem with that is the quality of life once you obtain your “dream” is not what you hoped for, and no amount of money made can make up for that. Let’s be clear, I love to make money but it’s not the only thing that matters. The wealthiest people I know have been able to navigate these waters because they remembered the cardinal rule.
That rule is “the joy is in the journey, not the destination”. When I mentioned wealth above that refers to monetary, health, relationships, and spiritually. The words balance or harmony is what most often comes from their description of how they were able to achieve their dreams, enjoy the ride, and not sacrifice what they love along the way. There are compromises and it’s not all sunshine and rainbows during the journey, that is a guarantee. If you want to be whole and have wealth in all areas of life, remember these three ideas as you enjoy your journey.
Embrace the Suck
This phrase is most used in branches of the military. The meaning of this is “to consciously accept or appreciate something that is extremely unpleasant but unavoidable”. I know it must sound odd to say “joy is in the journey” and “embrace the suck” simultaneously but it’s just a mindset. Anytime that you are growing, it’s going to be uncomfortable, but this phrase can help you find joy in that discomfort. This most often happens to me as leg day at the gym approaches. If I think about all the pain I’m about to endure, it can be overwhelming and make you want to avoid the gym altogether. Instead, I tell myself what an opportunity it is to feel that pain as that means I’m alive and breathing. Adversity and pain are inevitable but learning to “embrace the suck” can help you find joy in tough times.
Tomorrow is Not Guaranteed
“Live today to the fullest, because tomorrow is not guaranteed”. That anonymous quote sums up why living in the moment is so important. How often do we take the day, our family, or our health for granted? This is the thing that I work on the most every single day. I want to be fully present in the now and appreciate every moment that I have on this earth. If I’m stuck in my head thinking about the past or the future, then how can I be fully present? That doesn’t mean to not have amazing memories of what happened or to have extraordinary dreams. It means to create great memories and an incredible future right now.
How will I be Remembered?
When I’m no longer on this earth, what will be said about me? My hope is that they say, “JM loved fully, was a courageous leader, an amazing family man, and always fun to be around”. I realize it may seem morbid to imagine what will be said about you after your death, but I don’t fear death. I want to fully live every single day and earn those words. When I hug, I want you to feel the love that I intend. I want to show courage in my actions and lead with confidence. My family is the most important thing to me and I’m grateful to be so blessed. I want to laugh and raise other’s spirits when they are around me. I will continue to write books, build businesses, and inspire people to live their best lives. Those are great things but how I show up every day is far more important to me.
Perspective is not always easy to remember but I believe it helps keep us on the right path. Bronnie Ware wrote a book called The Top Five Regrets of the Dying – A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing. She was inspired to write the book after her time as a palliative carer. I won’t spoil the book for you but if you are ever in need of perspective on life then pick it up and find out what the top 5 regrets were of those on their last breaths. I will tell you the list didn’t include I wish I made more money, worked harder, or worried about the small things in life. That book, embrace the suck, tomorrow is not guaranteed, and how will I be remembered are constantly shaping my actions now. Enjoy the ride guys, every twist and turn of it!
Stay up to date with my latest discoveries through my podcast, Let’s Go Win, and learn more about the power of positive growth. HERE!
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JM Ryerson is a best-selling author and Performance and Mindset Coach. JM has a question for you. Are you living your best life, and do you feel fulfilled in your goals and achievements? While it’s tempting to say yes, really take a minute to consider what it means to be truly fulfilled. What does that look like to you? Does it match your current environment? As a professional leadership coach for entrepreneurs and executive teams, these are the questions that JM has spent years helping people of all backgrounds answer. His passion to help others succeed at work, at home, and in life is empowering the next generation of business leaders. If you’re interested in pursuing peak performance in both your life and at work, then make a change now. Stay up-to-date with JM’s latest discoveries through his podcast, Let’s Go Win, and learn more about the power of positive growth.