Why do some people succeed spectacularly in life while others struggle? I think it comes down to recognizing the difference between the art and science of life, and then doing the one thing that will ensure you maximize the value of both.

The ART of life is about fulfillment. It's about those moments that bring you joy and a sense of purpose. It's about all the things that are meaningful to you, whether at work, with your family, or alone doing the things you love. I think of Frank Spear and his passion for his cars, photography and traveling. This is a man who has mastered the art of living.

The SCIENCE of life is about the realities that make the art possible. It's about figuring out your time-and-money equation and recognizing that while time is limited, the value of your time is unlimited. Personally, I was blessed to have a mentor early in life teach me this. I understood a long time ago that if I made a plan and methodically followed it by applying the right energy in the right places, great things happened. Many people over the years have commented on my ability to get things done, as if it were a magical attribute only some people are born with. The truth is much simpler: I just learned the power of planning and execution.

The reality for everyone is that even with the right economics you can make the wrong choices. It doesn't matter if you're making $50,000 or $200,000 a year; if you're spending everything you earn you'll always be spinning on that hamster wheel.

Most stress is related to numbers: Not enough hours for what we really want to do and not enough money to fund it. The problem comes when you try to deal with this reality using an incremental mindset where your actions are driven by changing circumstances. This is a “reactive” way of living where you end up always playing at the edges. And it is ultimately unsatisfying.

Take a look around you: The people who seem to have life figured out almost always are the ones taking a bolder, more comprehensive approach. As I have said many times, it starts with a vision. A truly well thought out vision is a tool that gives purpose and direction. Knowing exactly what you want and having a realistic plan for getting there is liberating to the spirit. It provides the strength of character and peace of mind that we all want. It's a profound way to live.

So if you find yourself being bounced around by circumstances and "putting out fires" day to day and week to week without really feeling richer in any sense, take a step back and think. Decide what your ideal life should be and start plotting the course to get the art and science of your life aligned. It may sound like a simplistic answer to a complex question, but trust me; just the act of getting started on a life plan creates its own momentum.

If you're interested in going deeper with this, I have created a six-part video series called Creating a Vision and a Life Plan that is available at our Digital Learning Campus. If you're not already a member, you can sign up to receive a five-day free trial. You'll find the course in the section called Defining Practice Success.


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Comments

Commenter's Profile Image John Sweeney
October 30th, 2012
thanks Imtiaz! this is such an important point you are making and one we all should revisit on occassion to help remind us. Both in practice and in life, I had been on the hampster wheel for about 6 years. It's amazing how it stips your energy and passion for work and life when you are consistently making poor financial decisions and time decisions, etc. Last year, I completed your "creating a vision/life plan" on the digital campus, I read a great book called geting things done, I have fully engaged in Spear, and now the slow process is starting to pay off. I can see it in all areas of my life. Personally, we have began to give 10% and save 10% on top of our retirement savings, we are finally working off a budget in our practice, and the value of my time has increased greatly in practice. thank you for the consistent encouragement and education. It is making a difference..... John
Commenter's Profile Image Andrew Arnouk
November 3rd, 2012
Imtiaz, "While time is limited, the value of your time is unlimited". I think you nailed it with this sentence, I like to add that even though the value of your time is unlimited, but it depends on you 100% how much value you want to add to your time. It is like saying that 5+5=10 at an ordinary level of consciousness, but in truth is 5+5=10 only if you settled on 10, and to me that number could be any number you want if you are willing to pay the price. There is two strange things about living a full and fulfilling life and that is: you have to pay the price in advance and you have to pay it in full. Great thoughts from you as always, I am glad that you will be speaking at the Toronto Academy Of Cosmetic Dentistry, I just attended their last speaker, and I am sure that you will fire them up.