A Few Things I Have Learned About Living Well

Tomorrow, my son and daughter-in-law travel back to the United States to begin their life together.

As they leave, I find myself wondering whether there is one last thing worth sharing.

Not advice. Just a few observations from someone who has had the privilege of living long enough to make plenty of mistakes and learn a little from them.

I have come to believe that a good life is rarely built on spectacular decisions. It is usually built on small choices, repeated over many years.

These are the ones that have served me well.

1. Live below your means. Anyday financial freedom is worth more than a bigger lifestyle.
2. Avoid unsecured debt like the plague. Never borrow money for things that lose value.
3. Save and invest every month without fail. You do not need to be clever. You just need to be consistent.
4. Take care of your body. Eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Good health quietly compounds.
5. Take care of your mind. Even fifteen minutes of silence or meditation each day can change how you experience life.
6. Treat your work as if it matters. Whether someone is watching or not.
7. Invest in your relationships. Family and friends are life’s greatest safety net and its greatest joy.
8. Be reliable. Do what you said you would do.
9. Keep your ego small. Stay humble and avoid unnecessary drama. It rarely leads anywhere worthwhile.
10. Help other people succeed. Life has a funny way of returning generosity, often when you least expect it.
11. Travel widely and see the world. This is one I say with some regret. Looking back, I wish I had done more of it.

There is nothing profound about this list. Most of it is common sense.

The challenge is that common sense is not always common practice.

Simple, but not easy.

And, in my experience, a remarkably good way to live.