I was sitting in church many years ago, when the pastor told a story about a local guy fishing in Mexico. This story was such a revelation for me, I still remember it almost 10 years later.
I guy from New York came to Mexico on vacation, and met the guy fishing. He had caught a lot of fish to feed his family and friends, and the guy from New York said "you should start a business, and buy a boat, and then over time you could get a fleet of fishing boats."
"You could sell the entire business and make a lot of money and then retire."
The fishermen replied, "what would I do when I retire?"
The New Yorker replied, "you could come to the beach and fish every day and watch the sunset and spend time with your family."
The fisherman replied, "but I already do that."
That was a very powerful lesson for me. Everybody goes to work to make money, but what is the end game?
Wealth, itself is a very interesting topic. It consumes the lives of a lot people. But what is wealth? If you ask people on the street, I'll bet the majority will say the accumulation of money.
When I talk to people with a lot of money and a lot of enjoyment in life, they talk about wealth as health, experiences, and relationships.
Sitting on a huge pile of money in your living room won't make you happy very long, if you are suffering from terminal cancer, have no friends, and have nowhere to go.
A wealthy life is an accumulation of your healthy habits, the experiences you have along the way, and the relationships you build.
If you are not healthy, none of that really matters.
I can already hear the wheels in your head spinning, but doc, "I have to do this, I have to do that."
No, you don't.
Life is nothing more than a series of choices strung together. Not necessarily good, or not bad.
You can live a wealthy life starting this year, and without a lot of money.
Being healthy, is a daily job. If being healthy was easy, everyone would be healthy. How many healthy people do you know?
Two thirds of Americans are overweight. That automatically defaults into an unhealthy category.
People still smoke. Duh, unhealthy.
Taking a medication that is not for a genetic condition defaults to the unhealthy category.
Being healthy isn't easy. But, it is the most important thing you can focus on to have a wealthy life.
I encourage you to take a break right now, and think about life. What is your end game?
You could probably start living a life closer to what you want, right now, with a few simple changes.
Are you choosing to be in a bad relationship?
Are you choosing a job that you hate?
Are you choosing the donuts in the morning instead of Eggs?
Are you choosing to watch Dancing with the Stars in the evening instead of taking a walk with your significant other?
Remember, it's not easy and it'll never be perfect. Summer is coming. Enjoy life more. Get healthy, now. Don't wait. Then make a vow to stay healthy. There isn't a down side.
If you don't know where to start, just ask. 21 years ago I was unable to get up and walk, and I was 30 pounds heavier than I am today. The longer you let your body go, the longer it takes to get it back. But, it's worth it.
By the way, those are my kids in the picture. That's an experience they will remember for their entire lives, and it cost me all of gas money, and the time to drive there.
Awesome experience, Check.
Relationship building, Check.
Exercise outdoors for health, Check.
Expensive, no.
Get healthy, Stay Healthy. Start our classes at SLCSAW.com if you want help.
By the way, they're free.