This hit home. I'm a huge fan of teaching my kids about "contentment" because I truly feel like it's far too underrated in today's world. Today's world -- at least in my opinion -- seems to be predominately obsessed with "more - more - more". And sadly, many folks are sold on the idea that success means "keeping up with the Joneses". But as I shared with my oldest daughter a while back (she's 15), "Does anyone ever ask if the Joneses are truly happy?"
And lastly -- and this is another quote that I try to hammer home with my kids on a regular basis -- "you can own things, but things can also own you."
No two people have identical visions, goals, etc. Find what truly makes you content and brings you peace, and your life will be so much better!
Love this. I think there might be a period of inevitable ‘hustle’ (hate that term) to create this - for example, if the life you imagine has to start as a side hustle. So, perhaps for a lot of people, maybe there needs to be an expectation of a year or two of creating the life, but I agree it’s possible.
I think at some point in our lives, we're all bound to work really hard at something to get ahead. I know I have. Nothing wrong with a little hustle. It's how long that mindset permeates your life that (I think) matters. Good comment, Andy.
And sometimes a job we grow to dislike can become more bearable as a means to an end if we're inspired by this side hustle as our main focus over time...
Agreed. I think this is especially true when you're younger (in terms of physical or entrepreneur age.) Since you lack critical skills that give you leverage, you typically have to compensate with volume. But over time, you acquire more skills, those skills begin to stack, and they multiply. But then, once you've gotten to a position where you can employ your leverage, it's definitely wise to contemplate and reflect on things as discussed in this article.
I spent so many years trying to optimize everything, then I optimized even more, filling every minute with more TO DO's.
I finally realized my goal is more than just getting things done. It’s about making an impact, doing some deep work, and spending time on my body, health, and with my family.
My goal is to feel like I win each day, so now I challenge myself to do the RIGHT things—workouts, eating healthy, quality time with family, and 3-4 hours of deep, meaningful work.
As long as I enjoy the day and move the ball forward (no matter how small, in each area), I feel good about my progress.
It’s working way better than just optimizing to get more things done so I can fill my day with... more things. It’s really a process of elimination now, not addition.
Love it! This is exactly what I’ve been preaching for a while. A simple life having a positive and lasting impact on the people around me. Thank you for the reminder. I need it today.
After watching this debate for 50 years, I see people inside a prison they construct for themselves and people who have found a way to escape or just dissolve that prison. I'm glad to see your take on this, too.
Love this. I recently stepped off the beaten trail (corporate) to pursue rebuilding my business and am finding it makes other people very uncomfortable. And then there's the discomfort of what I think they think. I agree that most people are not actually identifying what they really value, and then building a life around that. Thanks for the encouragement!
Love it! Couldn't agree more. My perfect Monday is a reality - wake up at 7am to a cup of tea by the bed made by my husband, walk the dog for an hour in a beautiful park, work from 9.30 to 11am. Go to the pool and swim 2km, aka 1.25miles, with my husband. Come home for a healthy lunch. Work from 2pm to max 4pm. Forty minutes of weights and core exercises. Healthy dinner. Recline with the dog... BLISS! 😎
Wow did I need to hear someone other than me say that! Thank you. I once was chatting with a potential client and when I said I was trying to take this season at a slower pace to be more present with my kids they said "Good for you that you can do that." I couldn't believe what I was hearing, but it solidified my choice.
I have been on the same journey for a couple of years now; I have been trying the 4-hour-a-day focus work and enjoying the rest of the day with my family and living life in sunny Barcelona. I have never been more relaxed and content, and my business is growing!
Everything here is correct of course but the thing that is the elephant in the room is financials.
Your perfect day is only achievable once you are debt and finance worry free.
Of course this is also only looking at finance as being one lynch-pin to a kind of freedom but the truth is you cannot runaway from yourself so finance is just a small aspect to a wider question of what does it mean to live the good life...this is a question I have been fascinated by forever.
Otherwise...great post and content and I hope all your Mondays come true old chap.
This gave me all the feels and honestly, I think more of us are craving this kind of “quiet success” than we care to admit.
I’ve worked with so many professionals chasing milestones they didn’t actually want… just inherited goals dressed up as ambition. And it always shows in their LinkedIn content - looks polished, feels hollow.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, nearly 3 in 4 UK adults have felt overwhelmed or unable to cope in the last year:
Saying no to others (people, places, activities, things) is saying yes to yourself.
Every week, I do a simple audit:
- What truly matters in my life right now? Am I dedicating the necessary energy to it?
- What gave me or created energy this week?
- What drained me of my energy this week?
- What should I have said no to?
- What could have been delegated, deleted, minimized, or automated?
It has been life changing.
This is an excellent exercise, Meghan. I love it. Thank you for sharing!
of course!
Love it! A beautiful decision-making process. And the power of "no" -- or at a minimum "not now" -- is so underrated.
I really love this weekly audit idea - going to give it a try!
Something I’ll take down for Sunday’s reset 🙌🏻
The art of saying no....
This hit home. I'm a huge fan of teaching my kids about "contentment" because I truly feel like it's far too underrated in today's world. Today's world -- at least in my opinion -- seems to be predominately obsessed with "more - more - more". And sadly, many folks are sold on the idea that success means "keeping up with the Joneses". But as I shared with my oldest daughter a while back (she's 15), "Does anyone ever ask if the Joneses are truly happy?"
And lastly -- and this is another quote that I try to hammer home with my kids on a regular basis -- "you can own things, but things can also own you."
No two people have identical visions, goals, etc. Find what truly makes you content and brings you peace, and your life will be so much better!
Thanks for the great read, Justin!
P.S. That "Perfect Monday" is perfect! :-)
I love that quote :)
"The things you own, end up owning you...." -Fight Club
"Most people work to buy stuff they don't need because they never figured out what would actually make them happy."
This really hit me.
This was one of your best pieces yet, thank you.
Thank you, Nathan. I really appreciate you reading it.
Ultimately, happiness comes from nothing money can buy... IMO.
Love this. I think there might be a period of inevitable ‘hustle’ (hate that term) to create this - for example, if the life you imagine has to start as a side hustle. So, perhaps for a lot of people, maybe there needs to be an expectation of a year or two of creating the life, but I agree it’s possible.
I think at some point in our lives, we're all bound to work really hard at something to get ahead. I know I have. Nothing wrong with a little hustle. It's how long that mindset permeates your life that (I think) matters. Good comment, Andy.
100%. And the beauty of the side hustle is it’s usually where passion lives. ❤️
And sometimes a job we grow to dislike can become more bearable as a means to an end if we're inspired by this side hustle as our main focus over time...
Agreed. I think this is especially true when you're younger (in terms of physical or entrepreneur age.) Since you lack critical skills that give you leverage, you typically have to compensate with volume. But over time, you acquire more skills, those skills begin to stack, and they multiply. But then, once you've gotten to a position where you can employ your leverage, it's definitely wise to contemplate and reflect on things as discussed in this article.
And we’re all guilty of forgetting the value of years. 👍
1,000% !!!
Absolutely. 👍
But what do you work upon, in those 3 dedicated focused hours?
The most important things I need to work on to drive my business forward that particular day or week.
I spent so many years trying to optimize everything, then I optimized even more, filling every minute with more TO DO's.
I finally realized my goal is more than just getting things done. It’s about making an impact, doing some deep work, and spending time on my body, health, and with my family.
My goal is to feel like I win each day, so now I challenge myself to do the RIGHT things—workouts, eating healthy, quality time with family, and 3-4 hours of deep, meaningful work.
As long as I enjoy the day and move the ball forward (no matter how small, in each area), I feel good about my progress.
It’s working way better than just optimizing to get more things done so I can fill my day with... more things. It’s really a process of elimination now, not addition.
So beautifully said... totally vibe with this.
Kind of you... and to be honest, I am still a work in progress : )
Still get pulled into doing more (even after a get a lot done) if time opens up.
I was in that “optimizing” wave for awhile too. Podcasts on 5x speed….
“As long as I enjoy the day and move the ball forward” so true
Love it! This is exactly what I’ve been preaching for a while. A simple life having a positive and lasting impact on the people around me. Thank you for the reminder. I need it today.
After watching this debate for 50 years, I see people inside a prison they construct for themselves and people who have found a way to escape or just dissolve that prison. I'm glad to see your take on this, too.
Love this. I recently stepped off the beaten trail (corporate) to pursue rebuilding my business and am finding it makes other people very uncomfortable. And then there's the discomfort of what I think they think. I agree that most people are not actually identifying what they really value, and then building a life around that. Thanks for the encouragement!
Love it! Couldn't agree more. My perfect Monday is a reality - wake up at 7am to a cup of tea by the bed made by my husband, walk the dog for an hour in a beautiful park, work from 9.30 to 11am. Go to the pool and swim 2km, aka 1.25miles, with my husband. Come home for a healthy lunch. Work from 2pm to max 4pm. Forty minutes of weights and core exercises. Healthy dinner. Recline with the dog... BLISS! 😎
Wow did I need to hear someone other than me say that! Thank you. I once was chatting with a potential client and when I said I was trying to take this season at a slower pace to be more present with my kids they said "Good for you that you can do that." I couldn't believe what I was hearing, but it solidified my choice.
I have been on the same journey for a couple of years now; I have been trying the 4-hour-a-day focus work and enjoying the rest of the day with my family and living life in sunny Barcelona. I have never been more relaxed and content, and my business is growing!
Everything here is correct of course but the thing that is the elephant in the room is financials.
Your perfect day is only achievable once you are debt and finance worry free.
Of course this is also only looking at finance as being one lynch-pin to a kind of freedom but the truth is you cannot runaway from yourself so finance is just a small aspect to a wider question of what does it mean to live the good life...this is a question I have been fascinated by forever.
Otherwise...great post and content and I hope all your Mondays come true old chap.
Indeed - its not all moonlight and canoes. But the seeds of change are possible...
This gave me all the feels and honestly, I think more of us are craving this kind of “quiet success” than we care to admit.
I’ve worked with so many professionals chasing milestones they didn’t actually want… just inherited goals dressed up as ambition. And it always shows in their LinkedIn content - looks polished, feels hollow.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, nearly 3 in 4 UK adults have felt overwhelmed or unable to cope in the last year:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/statistics/stress-statistics
How long did it take you to realise that redefining success didn’t mean giving up - it meant finally choosing you?
(This is something I advise people to do in my LinkedIn sessions:
↪️ Write a post describing your ideal Monday instead of your dream job
↪️ Add that vision to your About section — it makes your profile feel human
↪️ Share values-led content to attract people who “get it”)
I’ve been reviewing my “ideal week” for the past year and making tiny tweaks to get closer to it, each week.
The result have been incredible. I still have a ways to go, but so much joy has been added to a once dull week.
I love the exercise of writing out my ideal day looks like, & then working towards manifesting that.