I think I’ve fine-tuned a previous thought.
I hear non-stop all these people saying FIRE is bad and “retiring” should not be the goal and it probably isn’t good for you, blah, blah, blah.
Let me tell you what’s not the best for someone; going to work every day and giving away the majority of your life’s time and energy just to earn capital that you can give to someone else for goods/services—many of which most of us may not need.
I’m not talking about Jacob Lund Fisker-Early Retirement Extreme level of repairing one’s shoelaces or whatever level he employs/employed to live off of $7000 per year. I’m just talking about working/grinding to be a cog in the machine of capitalism. I think Jacob is living the way he wants. That’s perfect. I do believe he’s changed his living/spending structure over time as well—that makes sense as your change.
So much talk from all these people about “purpose” and “goals.” What if someone has goals that aren’t related to saving our 25,000 mile circumference planet? Like any effort I put into that will make a grain of sand difference. (though I do my own little things to help just in case)
Whoa, that all sounds so negative. It’s not me being negative, it’s people pushing their grandeur purpose towards others.
It comes as no surprise to me that my priorities are all three very internally focused. I’m an only child. I grew up in Alaska where you were most often required to take care of yourself. People tend to be somewhat self-sufficient. Just leaving the house for a majority of the year could result in death if you didn’t plan well. I have the feeling freezing to death, or animal attacks would be horrible.
When I think about my priorities—not purpose—I seem to stick with three overarching areas of focus: Health, Happiness, and Helping.
Health Thinking
I understand our time on this planet is limited. I understand that our ability to use this time in the manner we chose is also limited. My thoughts are to keep my body fit and hopefully healthy so I can enjoy doing the activities I chose.
Happiness Thinking
I believe an optimal state of being should entail a high enough level of happiness. While I believe a sickly person can be happy, I feel it is easier for me to maintain more happiness while I feel healthy and fit.
Helping Thinking
I believe in using my knowledge, skills, and abilities to help others as I can. This always depends on my schetchle but I do take time to help make other’s lives better when I can. This helping focus definitely starts with my family and friends, but often extends to others I know, or who contact me for help.
I find it’s easier to help people when I’m in a happy mode. It is also easier to help people when I am in a healthy mode.
If I were a graphics person, I think this could be a pyramid (of effort and/or time). A base of Health, a middle of Happy, and a top of Helping. Come to think of it, that is how I structure my time allocation and focus.
Are “priorities” the same as “purpose?” Does it matter? Does it matter what someone chooses to do with their time and energy, and money? It certainly does to them. I don’t think someone else’s desire for everyone to have purpose or passions (or any other OPINIONS) should be pressed onto others, especially onto me.
$lackers rule!
*** Nothing in this article is to be construed as financial advice. I am not a financial planner, nor do I pretend to be. You should always consult your own professional when seeking advice. This post is not a piece of literary mastery, just a random thought I had.