So here we go the first day of many hopefully. Todays challenge I found from the Day Zero Project website. The challenge is to answer the questions that are presented by Marc Chernoff on his article “50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind”. The answers for each individual will be different. As he states “sometimes asking the right questions is the answer”.
How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
25
Which is worse, failing or never trying?
Never trying
If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?
In life we have obligations. In life these obligations are necessary but I am sure that we all want to be pursuing the pleasurable over those activities that drive us forward to our “purpose” whatever that may be. Often, those activities that are the hardest fall to the bottom of the pile and those task that are the easiest float to the surface. Unfortunately, those activities that are the hardest often have the greatest positive impact on our lives.
So why do we do the things that we don’t enjoy but neglect those things that we want?
Often those things that we want to do require dedication, time and effort. We all live busy lives and if we are unable to focus on what really matters by laying out a life plan we can often find ourselves drifting. Autopilot is a very real thing and unfortunate if we are not conscious of what we are doing (watching TV or scrolling on social media) we lose precious time to distractions. Neglecting those activities that inspire growth. Going with the flow is the easy option. The easy option is never the right decision but we are often swept up in the flow of the day-to-day.
I think part of this question also relates heavily on the “grass is always greener”. We want to have what we don’t have. We want to do what we are not doing. We want to avoid those things that are hard forgoing them for those activities that are easiest. We must remember that the grass is always greenest where it is watered.
Do more of what you love. Cut out those things that don’t provide value.
When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?
I aim to provide a net-positive on the world on my way out. I have always been a big dreamer. The problem is that often the dreams do not correspond with the actions in my day-to-day life.
I want to be able to say that I have done more that what I have said. Actions speak louder than words. Dreams are great to have – but without the implementation they are no more than fantasy.
What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?
If I had unlimited resources and the power to change things on a global scale, I would want to focus on climate change and protecting our mothership “earth.” Unfortunately, within my lifetime, we are faced with the very possibility that our world will become a waste land. The possibility of the only consciousness in our universe being snuffed out. What other change is more important than this challenge right now… In my opinion none.
If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?
Difficult question….
The betterment of other individuals life’s through service.
Scratch that.
The betterment of all life through the act of service. Leaving the world in a better place with the final breath we draw on this earth.
Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?
Yes.
By creating a business that provides me both freedom of time, flexibility and finances – I am able to connect with likeminded people and spend more time with the people that are important to me. By producing assets during my youth I am able to increase my ability to give back. First and foremost to my family and friends. Next to the local community. And expanding my global reach with my increased level of influence and resources to create significant change.
If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?
I would cut out all distractions. I would live everyday like it was my last. I would wake up early and go to sleep late. I would never wish that a day is over and ensure that I enjoy the journey over the destination.
I would spend more time with the people I love. I would protect my time at all costs and stop giving people my time that do not deserve my time. I would connect with as many people as I possibly can and ensure that everyday I become a better version of me.
There are definitely some lessons to be learnt with this question.
To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?
Up until a year ago, not at all.
The education system is forced upon us.
From high school, college followed. I went to university because my friends and family members did. I got a well-paid graduate job because that was the natural next step.
I never really considered what I wanted. It wasn’t until I started asking questions like “it this it? Am I destined to work in a cubicle all my life.” that I started to think about what I wanted. This is not to say that I didn’t enjoy the ride. I just didn’t have a plan – I was swept up in the expectations not considering what I really wanted.
Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?
Doing the right things.
You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire. They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. The criticism is distasteful and unjustified. What do you do?
Call them out.
State, “your judgment of this individual is a reflection of your own shortfalls. Think before you speak.” I would then politely excuse myself and remove myself from the situation. I do not respect individuals that judge others, especially if the person in question is a close friend. Life is too short for drama.
If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?
Enjoy the journey and don’t lose site of your childhood dreams. Never change for anyone. You are you and that it a gift. Who wants to be normal – normal is boring. Stay true to yourself and don’t be influenced by others.
No matter the storms you face, remember the clouds will clear, and the sun will come out.
Life is hard – there will be ups and downs. Don’t be too hard on yourself – the fact that you are here in the first place is a miracle. Just keep moving forward no matter what obstacles come your way.
Would you break the law to save a loved one?
Yes.
Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?
Yes, Vincent Van Gogh.
What’s something you know you do differently than most people?
Life is too short to live in a career you hate. Unfortunately, most people will stick out a job and wake up one day asking where all the time went. Of course this is easier said than done. We all have to pay the bills.
How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy?
Everyone is an individual. One persons happy is another persons idea of hell. One persons idea of “success” is another persons idea of failure. Find your own path. Find your own definition of “success”. If you haven’t found your path try new things until you discover your path. Life is too short to live another persons idea of happiness and “success”.
What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back?
Travel to every country in the world. It has always been a dream of mine since I was a child.
What is holding me back?
- Money.
- Life is too short to visit everywhere on this planet.
- Some places are not safe.
Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?
My love for the university life style.
I know that this was a chapter of my life and that I cannot go back. Neither would I want to.
The lifestyle of being care free with no commitments was freeing. I will never feel this again and that is something that I need to let go of. It only keeps me from moving forward. It takes me away from the present and has no purpose but detaching me from the focus that I need in order to better my life.
If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?
Netherlands, Amsterdam.
Life is much slower here (for several reasons). The location is beautiful and the people are friendlier to one another.
Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?
Yes.
No.
So why do I do it?
Impatience. I should probably stop.
Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?
Joyful Simpleton.
Knowledge is power. Knowledge is also a curse. Not knowing can often mean that you are not exposed to the harshness of life. The finiteness of it all. The pursuit of a purpose. The knowledge of the pain and suffering in the world.
Life would be much simpler if you weren’t aware of the countless options and paths that your life can take. The simpleton has friends, family and a beer at the end of the day with those that they love. If you don’t know what you are missing out on – you can be truly present.
I would always choose the joyful simpleton.
Why are you, you?
My social environment and upbringing. My family, friends and connections that I have made over the years. My experiences that I have had over the course of my short life.
Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?
Not always in the past.
No one is perfect. But we can strive to be better.
Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?
When a good friend moves away.
What are you most grateful for?
My partner, dog, parents, friends and family.
Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?
This is a hard question. Neither would be my preferred option.
As I have to choose…
Lose my old memories. I would prefer to move forward than look into the past. Sometimes I can find myself lingering too much in the past anyway.
Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first?
No. We must challenge what we hear. In todays society there has never been more disinformation. There seems to be more “experts” on topics than ever before. Challenge everything that you hear and read. Approach all topics with a beginners mind the practice of shoshin.
Never think you know everything. I hate to break it to you, you don’t.
In fact you know very little in the grand scheme of things. There is always something to learn from someone. So shut up, listen, challenge and learn.
Has your greatest fear ever come true?
No.
Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now?
No.
This question is a great lesson for me in the future. I should ask myself “will this decision matter in 5 years time.” “Will this thing that is making me upset matter in 5 years.”.
Based upon my answer to this question…
Probably not.
What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special?
Me spending time with family in Disney World.
There are too many memories to name. However one springs to mind (while laughing to myself)…
Me, my two brothers and mum singing to the batman theme while it played from the speakers in an restaurant in MGM. However instead of singing batman we all sang “fat man” to my dad.
Pure bliss.
At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?
In Amsterdam with my partner and two best friends.
It was a beautiful day people watching with a beer in hand.
If not now, then when?
Never.
If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?
Nothing. If I have not achieved something then how can it be taken away from me.
And even when I have achieved it…
No one can take away the experience, the journey. Life is to short to think about what could be lost from the pursuit of something. A better question would be “what is there to be gained?”
Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?
No. But maybe one day.
I talk too much.
Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?
Conflicting beliefs and extremist views in the minority. Individuals can use religion as a channel of control and command. If this individual has a motive for war that they can channel against a conflicting belief, conflict will occur.
There will always be conflict where two individuals hold opposing views but do not respect the opinions of an apposing side.
If your offended. Be offended. Words are not violence.
Physical assault and the destruction of life. That is violence.
Be true to your beliefs. Never faulter (as long as they do not harm others). But don’t pursue violence – no one wins. Don’t inflict your beliefs on others if they are not interested. Share you beliefs but don’t impose them on others.
Let other live their life. Live yours.
Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?
Yes and no.
Yes if the action is from a place of malice. If the motive is purely to harm or destroy something with no reason – this is evil.
On the other hand, arguably if the action provides a net force for good then technically they have provided an overall benefit to the world.
If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?
No. I left my job already to pursue my own path.
The million would allow me to speed up my plans.
Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?
More work that I actually enjoy doing.
Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before?
No.
Today was unique. I spend precious time with my parents, dog and partner. I started my 365 day challenge and I have started my journey to create a successful business.
Today was a good day. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in?
Last year.
When I left my job in the pursuit of more. With nothing more than the determination of wanting more than a 9 to 5.
If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today?
- My partner and dog.
- My parents.
- My brothers and fiancées.
- My friends.
- My granddad.
Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?
Easiest question on this list.
Short answer: No.
Long answer: Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
What is the difference between being alive and truly living?
Alive: You are not dead.
Truly Alive: You are not floating through life. You are free to do what you want. You have freedom to pursue what you want. The rush of living, breathing in the air and being consumed in your surroundings. Looking up and appreciating that you being alive is a miracle.
When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right?
- Will you still have your health?
- Will you still have your loved ones?
- Will you still have food on your table?
- Will you still have a roof over your head?
- Will you still have enough to survive and look after your dependents?
If yes to all of these, now is the time.
If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?
The fear of making mistakes is worse than the reality of the mistake.
The fear of making a mistake is debilitating even when we know that these mistakes are important for our overall growth.
We should not fear mistakes we should welcome them. Celebrate failure, at least you tried. Pick yourself up and go again.
What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?
I would start to do public speaking. I would start a YouTube channel. I would start to network on socials.
Tell you what…
Let’s do that. Who cares what others think.
When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing?
When I meditated yesterday.
What do you love? Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love?
I love my parents and my partner. I told them that I loved them today and embraced them before we parted ways.
In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday? What about the day before that? Or the day before that?
Yes.
Because I saw and spent quality time with my parents and these memories are important to me.
Unfortunately, no to the several days before they visited. I hope that the 365 day challenge that I am currently pursuing will allow me to remember the days more vividly by stimulating new experiences. By doing something new everyday, my brain (hopefully) should not ditch the memory as it will store the experiences.
Decisions are being made right now. The question is: Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you?
In the pursuit of this blog, I am actively taking control of the decisions that I am making. I am trying to live a life were I am conscious of the decisions that I am making. Hopefully through the use of active daily journaling I can review each and everyday and attempt to get the most out of everyday.
Final Thoughts
There we have it. The first challenge of the 365 day challenge.
For me answering these questions allowed me to learn more about myself. Some of the answers that I provided even shocked myself. They allowed me to understand more about my values and those areas of my life that are important.
I hope that benefits that I received from this exercise will be reflected in my daily actions. I hope that tomorrow’s challenge provides me with as much, if not more, benefit than todays.
Here is to becoming slightly better everyday.
Signing off.