"Is this what you did with what I gave you?"
"Is this how you used the time you had?" These were questions someone asked themselves in a conversation I was part of. They were illustrating while reflecting, on life and our purpose. Imagine for a moment, you meet your maker. Let's say you believe in a higher power. You're at the gate, waiting to be let in, and these questions are asked to you at the reception desk. Or, if you don't believe in a higher power, what would your 85 year old self have to say about you? Or to you? This is known as the Solomon Paradox.
What if your 85 year old self asks you "why the fuck didn't you live up to me?"
If none of these are hitting you, maybe this next one might. You inherited money and gave a large sum for some one to manage for you. What expectations might you have? What if you found out that they, the person you entrusted with this large sum of money, simply just spent it away with nothing to show for it? No investments. Nothing saved. Almost as if a match was set on top of the large sum of money and set ablaze.
Chills rushed through my body as I overheard these questions and internalized them. We already know that we're running out of time. But to answer to your future self, are we prepared for that day? Or are there adjustments to be made? Well, start making them now.
We don't need big splashes or flashy moves. "Progress doesn't come from revolutionary leaps but from the patient accumulation of small, earned advances." This by Shane Parrish in his Farnam Street newsletter. The key factor here is, advances. Which type are you making? It says nothing about inaction. Or waiting to start. Or waiting for someone else to push you or do it for you. Fools are always planning to start.