Lesson 1: Pursue Mastery Over Passion

I have always grappled with the concept of passion. Despite my accomplishments and the success I've achieved, there lingers a feeling that I need to accomplish more. Instead of chasing passion, I believe in seeking meaningful mastery. As Carl Newport discussed in a podcast, factors such as autonomy, competence, connection, impact, and creativity foster a sense of passion in one’s work. By maximizing these traits in my professional life, I’ve found that passion naturally follows.

Lesson 2: Embrace Life's Dualities

Five years ago, I lost my father, a loss that still feels fresh. Since childhood, I have been acutely aware of the inevitability of death, a thought that haunted me. The day I lost him was one I dreaded, yet it arrived. A couple of years ago, someone imparted a vital lesson: if I do not learn to accept my loss, it will consume me. This perspective echoes in my mind whenever I miss him, almost as if my father were urging me to move forward. I realized that life offers both joys and sorrows, and I must accept both.

Lesson 3: Your Body is Your Lifelong Home

In my 30s, I struggled with obesity, which became painfully evident when I found myself unable to ski. This realization ignited my desire for change. During a conversation, Sahil Bloom spoke with an elderly man who advised treating your body as a house you will inhabit for the next 70 years. Recognizing that my physical state hindered my enjoyment of life, I committed to change. Now in my 40s, I’m in the best shape of my life, understanding that I need to care for my body to thrive for many more years to come.

Lesson 4: Live in the Present

My 30s were a blur, marked by my father’s passing and a detachment from my career aspirations. The only positive aspect was my commitment to health; I was regularly hitting the gym. Yet, I was trapped in a cycle of video games, clinging to a past I couldn't alter and a future I could only dream about. Hitting rock bottom forced me to realize I was neglecting the present. Instead of fixating on “What ifs,” I learned to focus on “What must I do now?” After all, the present is the only time I can influence.

What does leading a happy life mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments; I’d love to hear your perspectives. If you find value in my content, consider subscribing to my Atomic Letters weekly newsletter for a deeper exploration of these narratives.

Thank you for engaging with my work. If you enjoy what you read, don't forget to follow and subscribe for more insights. I'll catch you in the next piece!