Shit I've Learned: 2005-2011 Ed.
So, following the theme of Dan John's
40 Years Of Insight: Part 2 I thought I'd list some things I've learned since I last used this log. This post will cover random stuff. The next post I'll list fitness-specific lessons.
1. The world is going to suck once this generation of old folks are gone.
By this generation I mean those people who lived through the Great Depression, The World Wars, and the like. These people knew the values of hard work, determination in the face of adversity, and personal responsibility, These are three values almost non-existent in my generation. Old people didn't whine and bitch, they shut up and just did it. If you had to go work in the rock quarry at age 10 and work 12 hour shifts with grown men to support your family, you just did it. All their knowledge and old-world, down to earth values, and skill sets will be gone. Back in 2006 I despised old people, they were always getting in my way on the road, and bumping into my shopping cart at Publix. Now, I try to surround myself as much as I can with older folk. I've learned
so much, and I feel I've greatly matured as a result. Plus, I've grown my patience level :shock: .
So, learn from old people and try to keep pace with the 170 lbs. 3% BF 73 year old retired army ranger who continually toasts your ass in long distance flat out running and ruck marching...and doesn't bitch or ever complain about anything ever.
2. Appreciate what you have.
Times suck right now. It is only going to get worse (for a time.) Nowadays, there is always somebody who makes less money than you, doesn't have a car much less one that runs, has less food in their fridge, and is in worse health. Reflect and
appreciate what you have. And no, your $500 a month Lexus that technically the bank owns doesn't count.
3. Knowledge is power. Period.
Stop watching pointless TV, get rid of your cable. It saves you money anyway. Get out and learn and do shit. Research, Research, Research, and then get out and do things. The more things you can be educated about and not sound like a jackass, the better off you'll be. Read fucking books. Go to the end of the Internet and back. Listen when old people talk.
4. All women lie. Yes, all women.
They all do it, some much more subtly than others and in different ways, but it happens without fail. If you even assume something or a lie is happening, it already has. To paraphrase DeNiro's character Neil McCawley in the movie Heat, "Assume it. Assume it all, right here right now." I know I took the line a bit out of context, but I like to think it fits.
5. Hope for the best, plan for the worst.
For example, have a cash reserve. Just doing this has saved me multiple times since 2006. Plan for retirement. Social Security will not be able to support me when I'm old. If you don't plan and save for later, you will be
farked. Sadly, my generation has missed this, and they choose to live in the present, with no plans for the future, and no fall back plans in any areas in their life period. This saying goes for almost anything.
6. Study history.
Especially this country's. You want to be able to tell your grand-kids how this country was founded and the ideas, principles, and ways of doing things that our Founding Fathers did. Not just in getting our country started, but as a way to live your life. Because we all know, this country isn't the same as it once was, and it could be radically changed in the way we know it before my generation is gone.
7. Be a grey man. Don't stand out. It stops a lot of problems before it starts. I mean this not only in a defensive nature, but as a way of living. Be discrete. Don't drive the afford-mentioned Lexus (Unless it's paid for.) Put your money where it counts.
8. Embrace your family.
The Italians got this idea right. No one else cares about you more, and most of the time they'll help you when no one else will. Don't screw them. You'll regret it.
9. Shut your mouth.
...because what's going to come out of it probably shouldn't and probably doesn't matter anyway. Don't talk about shit you don't know. Don't criticize people you've never met, and don't judge anyone until you've built a case about them for yourself based on actions. At the same time,
stereotypes exist for a reason.
10. Debt will screw you for life. Get rid of it, and don't get back into it.
Personally, I throw mortgages into this mix as well. I'd rather be able to pick up and move at moment's notice than be chained down to one spot. A lot of recruits in my academy class are still without jobs because they were unable to locate to where the jobs were located.
I have some more for later.