32: No problem
My 32nd year in review.
The theme of my 30th birthday, and the following year, was Higher highs and lower lows.
The theme of my 31st birthday, and the following year, was Double down. Double down on love, on friends, and on my projects.
This year, I feel like I should shift the focus a bit. Not so much about building building building, and more about enjoying what has been built and what happens to exist. This is a big deal for me cause I almost always feel like I’m not doing enough. That I have to keep being more ambitious, thinking bigger, not getting too lax lest I fall into a rut, etc.
Just as a reminder to myself, I’m gonna re-post my “unified theory of enjoyable living” which I started putting together in January of 2007 and have been adding to and editing since then:
I. IN A NUTSHELL
It’s not what you do, but how you do it
It’s not what happens to you, but which qualities it brings out in you
Do unto yourself and others always with your best judgment
Pursue shared enjoyment
II. PREPARATION
Don’t dilly dally
Don’t feel sorry for yourself
Exercise, eat healthy, and manage stress
Dress and appear as your best self
Strive to know yourself
Tell people about yourself
Appreciate your different energy levels and moods
Notice body language
Keep your word
Be the change you want to see in the world
Harness the ability to focus your attention
Be a beacon of strength
III. EXECUTION
Try to have good intentions
Be the maker of your own meaning
Participate in extraordinary problems
Explore all options and hedge bets while exploring
Be confidently all-in once a decision has been made
Strive for a lifestyle vision
Stake your reputation on your vision
Invite others to help you
Take responsibility and credit for your own failure and success
Be comfortable with big failure and big success
IV. CALIBRATION
Retry things you don’t like or agree with every once in a while
Consider criticism from people who know you
Listen closely for things you can’t easily hear
Relax and always give yourself and others a break