When I work with individuals who wish to explore franchising, one of the questions we explore is – ‘What advice would you give to a young person regarding how to live a fulfilling life’. I have received many answers to this question over the decades, but Jon L’s response last month was truly exceptional. With Jon’s permission, I am republishing his answer – Enjoy -
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Exercise 1.5: My Life's Insights. (The Franchisee Playbook)
During My Life I learned-
I think I would borrow a page from Charlie Munger and tell you that I can't tell you what to do to live a successful and happy life, but I can tell you the things to do to make yourself miserable.
- Put your destiny in someone else's hands. Make yourself dependent on someone else's actions. Make it so that you rely upon someone else's actions and judgment for your income. In fact, make sure it's someone who you consider one of your best friends.
- Dream and never do. You will surely be miserable if you dream and dream, but never pursue any of them. Dream of having a family. Dream of starting a business. Dream of traveling to the corners of the globe. But, never leave the house.
- Don't grow and learn. You will surely be miserable if you try and always stay the same. The exact same.
- Be the victim, villain or hero. Keep yourself firmly in the drama triangle. This way, it will always be someone else's fault. Or you are always making up for those around you.
- Lack integrity. Make sure people know it. Your word is 50/50 at best. People will know they don't have to keep their word to you and nor to them.
- Gossip about people. Constantly. Make sure you talk about people behind their back in a way you'd never say to their face.
- Keep things bottled up inside. Never express your true feelings.
- Do what your bad at. Especially for your primary source of income.
- Make sure to not appreciate your life.
- Don't invest in yourself.
- Don't believe in yourself.
- Be scared.
By Jon L.
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After reading that, all I could say was - wow! We spend so much time thinking about what we should do, and so little time thinking about what we should avoid. Thank You Jon.
