Here’s an exercise:
Map out the steps in your ideal life. Above each step, write what it is, then write below that the percentage certainty that you’ll be happy during that time.
Once you’ve finished, your career is mapped out. It might not be ideal right now, but you’re pretty sure that in the end, you will be happy about it. But there is a problem. The future is uncertain. So for all of your percentages in the future, you need to divide them by how many years in the future they are. For example, if you’re 80% sure that you’ll be happy doing a certain job 20 years in the future, that is a 4% right now.
Why does this make sense? The future is highly uncertain.
Why would you bet your limited number of chips (time) on a 4% chance that you’ll be happy in 20 years when you could bet it on a 98% chance that you’d be happy tomorrow morning and the mornings after that?
You might be thinking, Zack, how could anyone ever become a doctor or a lawyer without setting a long-term goal to achieve that outcome? Simple. You must enjoy the process of becoming either of those things. If you’ve enjoyed anatomy and have an insatiable desire to know more about the human body, applying to med school is the best next step. If you enjoy learning and love that your knowledge is helping people feel better, the best next step is to become a doctor.
The notion of a best next step is important. It’s not the best next step in order to become x someday far in the future. It’s just the best, most logical next step, for you given your life right now. What will make you fulfilled tomorrow? If you’re waiting for the future to start being happy, you’ve already lost. No one is ever going to wake you up and tell you it’s time to start being happy. Happiness is a choice and a skill and today is the day that you will start practicing.
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