Let the Answer be the Answer

Ask 10 people what life is about and you'll likely get 10 different answers. For one person it's about achieving transcending enlightenment, for another it's about realizing the full potential of his or her talent, or simply enjoying the act of living to the fullest.

If we reduce any of these lofty interpretations to its pure essence, it comes down to this fundamental, universal truth: Life is time. In a very real sense, it's all we have. And it becomes ever more precious as we get older and the years start to go by like months, the months like weeks, and the weeks like days.

So since time is what we should value most, it stands to reason that the true measure of our success lies in how we spend it.

So how do we optimize the value of our time? How do we spend it in a way that enriches us, and that allows us to do the things that give our lives meaning? I believe the solution is to let the answer be the answer. Start with your ideal life in mind, and use that answer of what you think life is about to drive your mission, goals and daily behaviors. Make that answer your beacon.

Many people appreciate the wisdom of this on an intellectual level but the reality is that too many of us let "life" take over our lives. We are so busy serving our to-do lists, and dealing with disturbances that arise in and out of the practice, that we get lost in the rapidly receding days. You want to work toward that ideal life vision, but you end up spending your time and money satisfying today's requirements, and if anything's left over, then maybe you'll think about applying some to the dream.

That's backwards. What you need to do is establish the life you want, and how to achieve it, in concrete terms, and then be relentless about pursuing it. I'll have more to say about those "concrete terms" in an upcoming article. For now, my message is that everything you do, every day, should be in the service of a greater purpose—your own personal vision and mission.