Cultivating a Life You Love: 7 Transformative Choices to Smile Daily
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Chapter 1: Understanding the Journey to a Fulfilling Life
Life can be challenging, but we have the power to choose our challenges.
Last week, my aunt posed an intriguing question: "What amount of money would it take for you to leave everything behind?" I responded, "There’s no sum that could do that."
I was fortunate to achieve early success in my poker career, quickly rising to a high-stakes level. However, reaching that pinnacle only brought heightened stress, anxiety, and relentless burnout. For 28 years, I mistakenly believed that financial success equated to a fulfilling life. This belief propelled me to the top, but it was there that I discovered money is not the ultimate goal.
Now, my definition of success revolves around dedicating time to activities I enjoy and cherish. Identifying what I truly wanted from life was a complex journey, fraught with difficulties. Ultimately, however, the pain of this journey was preferable to the regret of never trying. I couldn’t bear the thought of a life filled with "what ifs."
A year ago, at 29, I decided to start anew. I left my poker lifestyle, ended a relationship, and distanced myself from certain friends. This fresh start provided a blank canvas to contemplate my desires and aspirations. While my life isn’t flawless, it has become significantly simpler. I possess fewer material goods and travel less, yet I experience deeper meaning, fulfillment, and satisfaction than during my wealthier days.
Here are seven pivotal decisions that have allowed me to wake up smiling:
Section 1.1: Developing a Reading Habit
Reading transformed my life and became my secret weapon. It expanded my understanding of what has been achieved and what remains unexplored. Through books, I could live vicariously through countless experiences, gaining a broader perspective on existence. Reading also helped refine my expression and illuminated my self-indulgences and insincerities. It was through literature that I discovered the person I was meant to become.
Section 1.2: Fostering Curiosity
Two years ago, while reflecting on my poker career, I felt stagnant, as if my intellectual growth had plateaued. I was trapped in a cycle of unhealthy habits, which left me exhausted and uninspired. Once I embraced reading, I began to cultivate my curiosity. I followed it wherever it led, and this opened up a world of possibilities. Life isn't about being the smartest or the fastest; it’s about exploring new avenues, learning, and connecting with diverse individuals.
Section 1.3: Prioritizing Health
In the past, I prioritized wealth over happiness and health. Despite leading a life that appeared enviable on social media, I was often miserable. I shifted my focus, making my health a top priority. When negative thoughts crept in, I learned to be resolute and dismiss them.
Subsection 1.3.1: Breaking the Comparison Cycle
As a poker player, I frequently found myself measuring my worth against others. I would begrudge those who won more than I did, dismissing their success as mere luck. This mindset fostered arrogance and paranoia, keeping me in a constant cycle of competition. Ultimately, I realized that life can be viewed through a lens of collaboration rather than competition.
Subsection 1.3.2: The Power of Travel
While often deemed a cliché, travel has been transformative for my worldview. I spent six months in Vietnam, my mother's homeland, where I visited an orphanage for disabled children. This experience instilled in me a profound sense of gratitude and awareness of my privileges. I recognized that freedom is often constrained not by our surroundings but by our mindset.
Section 1.4: Embracing Simplicity
A year ago, a tweet asked, "What would you pursue if money were no object?" My response was simple: "I’d read, write, and climb." A friend’s inquiry made me realize that I could engage in these activities without financial pressure. I rediscovered the joy in connecting with creative individuals, taking long walks, reading, writing, and climbing—all things I could immerse myself in daily.
Section 1.5: Reflecting on Personal Desires
When I embarked on my poker journey, I intended to use it as a stepping stone to discover my true passions. However, I became entangled in the allure of money. Following a particularly taxing poker session that led to burnout, I began to ask myself, "What do I truly want?" This introspective process was uncomfortable yet necessary, requiring me to confront my innermost fears and aspirations.
The first video, How to Create a Life You Love ☀️, explores the essential steps to crafting a fulfilling existence. It delves into the importance of aligning your actions with your passions and values, providing practical advice for anyone looking to enhance their life experience.
The second video, How to Reset Your Life in 7 Not So Easy Steps, offers insights into personal development and self-growth. It presents a roadmap for those seeking to redefine their lives, emphasizing the importance of clarity, action, and resilience.
In summary, life can be challenging, but we have the choice to shape our paths to make it more rewarding.