Are You Living Life on Automatic?
(c) 2010, Bobby Clark
In the business world, one often hears about the advantages and disadvantages of a short term versus long term approach to issues. In life, as in business, there must be a balance between both approaches. Failure to achieve this balance results in failure and other negative consequences.
So how do short term and long term approaches affect your life? In my personal experience as well as others, I have seen far too many people “live life on automatic” and focus only on the short term approach.
Early in adult life, most people will start their careers, possibly get married and have children. As life progresses, one has to focus on making a living in order to pay for life’s necessities, a short term approach. Nothing wrong with this focus; this is pretty normal and really necessary.
The problem arises when people are so focused on the short term approach; they neglect to consider what they really want out of life when this first phase of life is over. Before you know it, the kids have grown up and moved on to their own lives and you are staring in the mirror at a reflection that is 20 – 25 years older. Deep inside your soul, you experience a sinking feeling, as you realize that you are still doing the same job or activities today that you were doing when you started your adult life. This feeling comes from realizing that you have been living life on automatic and neglected the dreams you use to have.
Perhaps you dreamed of starting your own business or learning to play a musical instrument. Maybe it was the idea of hiking the Appalachian Trail or going back to school and learning a career that intrigues you. Whatever your dream, life has marched on leaving you in the dust because you only took a short term approach to life.
Recognize that there is nothing you can do about the past except learn from it. You can, however, start to script a different life story for the future right away. Consider three suggested ways to take control of your life. These suggestions are by no means inclusive and many different ways to accomplish the same thing are available.
- Clarify what your soul seeks within you. Is it really a cubicle life with a daily commute? Recognize that there is a difference between making a living and making a life. Dare to dream without fear of failure.
- Many people understand the value of a weekly review of their goals and activities. Far fewer people actually accomplish it. This is your life on automatic. You absolutely must take charge of your life and determine your progress toward achieving your goals on a consistent, periodic basis.
- Each day try to ensure that your to-do list includes at least one thing that you would be excited about doing. Perhaps it’s a class you’re taking; or reading for pleasure; or taking your spouse out to dinner.
Get control of your life and shift your life out of automatic! Time relentlessly marches on. Make sure you’re an active participant in your own life and that you don’t wake up suddenly one day wondering where the time went and what you accomplished.
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