Vital Habits: December 13, 2024


Hi Reader,

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Today marks my 46th year around the sun.

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As I sit here writing you, I'm reflecting on how fast this life game goes. It feels like yesterday I was the little kid thinking people my age were old. Good thing 40s are the new 30s, right? But looking back, if I hadn’t made some key changes in my habits, my mid-40s could have looked a lot different. Not to mention, I’ve had a few close calls in my life—ones I’m lucky to have made it through.

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Honestly, I never made a big deal about birthdays—they were just another day. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to view them as a time to reflect on what I’ve accomplished and what I hope to achieve in the year ahead. At the risk of being too dramatic, you really never know how much time you have left.

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Look, let’s not kid ourselves. This is the age where weird sh*t starts happening. This past month, I attended two funerals—one for a close friend who passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack at 55, and another for my cousin’s wife, who left us far too soon at 41.

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Life is short– which is why I am a big believer in making the best of every moment and saying YES to things that are important to me.

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Experiences Over "Things"

There was a time when I spent money on worthless stuff. And I would even make excuses that I didn't have enough money to do things I wanted to. The truth was I was prioritizing the wrong things. But now, I spend my money on opportunities that will enrich my life, add value, and create memories that last. This past week, we jumped the pond to Barcelona to celebrate a dear friend's 50th birthday.

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When the opportunity came up, my wife and I didn’t hesitate. Great friends, incredible food, and unforgettable memories? Absolutely. To say this past week was a once-in-a-lifetime experience would be an understatement. We’re so grateful for our friends and all the value they bring into our lives.

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​A Note on Children: One of the things we made a priority early on is to bring our children along for these kinds of experiences. We believe it’s just as important for them to witness and share in the richness of different cultures, foods, languages, and perspectives. We want them to understand that life isn’t just about what you own—it’s about the special moments in life and the people you share them with.

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​Here's the deal. When we buy things like a new car, gadgets, or fresh clothes, we get a quick dopamine hit. Sure, it makes us feel good, but have you ever noticed how quickly that feeling fades? The truth is, these things don’t hold deep emotional value. Eventually, we’re left looking for the next immediate gratification to boost our dopamine again. It’s a vicious cycle. (Maybe that’s part of why minimalism has taken off, right?)

But when you invest in experiences that bring you joy, especially when shared with great company, the impact on your health, wealth, and overall happiness is profound.

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Positive "Side Effects"

There’s a growing body of research that shows the positive impact of doing things you love—whether it’s pursuing hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in meaningful activities. Here are some key health benefits:

  • Stress Reduction and Improved Mental Health
  • Longevity and Decrease in Loneliness
  • Increased Physical Activity and Overall Health Outcomes
  • Happiness and Positive Emotions
  • Cognitive Enhancement and Reducing Alzheimer's and Cognitive Diseases
  • Lowers the Risk of Overall Chronic Illnesses

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Health, Wealth, Happiness Exercise

Here is a great exercise to keep you focused on getting the most out of life. Grab a notebook or a piece of paper. Draw three columns and label them with the following headings. This Year, Next Year, Ultimate Life Goals.

In the "This Year" column, write down everything you have accomplished or are grateful for this past year.

In the "Next Year" column, write down things you would like to accomplish. Maybe you have health goals, places you want to travel, creating new relationships, or languages you want to learn. Write them down here!

In the "Ultimate Life Goals" column (you may need more than one page for this), write down anything you want to accomplish or do in your lifetime.

As you achieve milestones on your Ultimate Life Goals list, cross them off. Also, feel free to add more to this list as things pop up for you.

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I have found this exercise helps cultivate a positive mindset, purpose, and motivation– but most importantly keeps you tethered to what matters most in your life.

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Let me know how it works for you!

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To the continued pursuit of optimal health, wealth, and happiness,

Rich

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