Can you pick out the person in the crowd that is not like the others? Is there a person in the crowd that thinks nothing like the masses they’re surrounded by? What specific thoughts am I talking about? I believe people who are SUPER financially responsible must be 1 in 100, maybe just 1 in 50. So, if you are surrounded by a small crowd, or in a large group, and you are actually super financially responsible, you may be the only one. Yes, these abnormal creatures do exist, but I feel we are extremely rare.

Of course, there are people who will tell you they are good with money. They’ll say they pay their bills on time (mortgage, car loan(s), credit cards) without worry. Many will be in a “retirement savings plan” at work and save every paycheck, maybe even $100 per check, umm.  Those who truly believe they are crushing it, may even have an “investment account.”

I definitely believe all three of the above positions are extremely valid toward financial responsibility. What I feel makes some of us abnormal creatures is the fact that we plan ahead, WAY ahead. We set goals with targets along the way. We track and measure how we’re doing. We consider our purchases with respect to our plan. If we are smart, we make enough purchases to enjoy life, while staying on track. No need to become so frugal you waste your youth—“youth” being your previous younger self.

One major characteristic defining these abnormal beings is delayed gratification. By waiting for something, you increase the desire, you possibly think through various usage/spending scenarios better, and may even get better pricing.

I didn’t realize that I grew up with this strange concept. The concept of waiting for Christmas or my birthday for a gift seemed normal in my family. Thinking back, I saw many friends get “stuff” whenever they went to the mall with their parents, or when they wanted something. I usually picked out what I wanted and waited. I can tell you I know many people who are in debt, or worse have filed bankruptcy. I don’t know all the facts, but they definitely have/had more/nicer “stuff” than I do. I just feel there should be a balance, not deprivation.

Recently I’ve heard multiple podcasts and read blogs about delayed gratification. These creators make me feel great knowing I’ve lived a smart path, and that others are sharing this foreign concept to help new people pick up on this amazing idea for financial positioning.

Be strong in yourself when surrounded by commoners. Be proud that you’re probably the only alien in the group. Be aware that you may be in the 1% of financial wisdom. Be sure to find balance and enjoy your life through working/earning and in FIRE.

YOLO! You Only Live Once. Of any fact in the universe, it sure seems that we are definitely living now, right here in the present. I’m assuming this isn’t some sci-fi imaginary life. So this may be our one and only lifetime. I know there are afterlife and previous live ideas, yet I don’t really know much about those.

Based on my narrow focus of living this current lifetime, I would like to have the very best life possible. This entails many goals such as: enjoying my time, being a good person, being good to others, helping others, etc.

Having just traveled to South America and witnessing huge areas where people seem to have VERY few possessions, I can’t help but think about what I have in my life. I think about what those around me have as well. So many of the people I met while traveling seemed quite happy. Everyone I encountered was friendly.

This is not something I can say from my daily experiences in the US. Is it possible we have built up a higher level of desire/needs thereby creating a lower threshold before we start to get anxious or upset? Take a couple minutes to think about what upsets you. How can you lessen those feelings, or even better, turn them around and find happiness?

I’ve tried for a decade to “find the positive.” How I wish I could become much more zen. I’m getting better, but I still have a LONG way to go. This takes me a lot of constant effort.

Now, having said all the above, I still LOVE my life. I actually have a t-shirt that states “I love my life.” I am thankful every morning I see the sun. Obviously, it’s much better than the alternative(s). I find great things in every day. I know I am blessed. I do still struggle with “bummers” each day, but they don’t slow me down.

I definitively have plenty of ideas on living a good life for myself. The term “myself” being of primary concern since I can only control myself. Of course, I do have the ability to extend beyond myself and try and give to others. I know giving is a core foundational happiness trait of so many people. Giving must be a way to be bigger than yourself.

Quick thought: Forget the bucket list, make sure you’re enjoying life now, every day. Start working on collecting experiences now. These experiences can include the experience of giving to others.