A Deliberate Life Manifesto

Living a deliberate life is an art form that combines self-awareness, strategic thinking, and a mindful approach to everyday living. It's about understanding who you are—your personality, values, strengths, and weaknesses—and leveraging this knowledge to navigate the world of endless possibilities. As Seth Godin aptly put it, "Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, maybe you should set up a life you don’t need to escape from."

In a world brimming with opportunities, the essence of strategy lies in recognizing what not to pursue. This discernment is crucial because while you can have anything you want, you can't have everything—at least not all at once. A deliberate life requires making thoughtful choices about what to focus on and what to set aside.

One of the most potent forces in life is compounding, whether it's in finance, relationships, or business. The incremental gains might seem trivial in the short term, but over time, they accumulate into significant achievements. This principle underscores the importance of habits and systems—they are the scaffolding that supports consistency and acceleration in all areas of life.

Yet, while prioritizing the long term over the short term is often wise, it's also essential to remember that tomorrow is not guaranteed. Sometimes, it's okay, even necessary, to "eat dessert first." Enjoying what you have while working towards what you want is a delicate balance that requires constant attention.

Deliberate living also involves a realistic approach to passion and financial independence. Following one's passion is a luxury that not everyone can afford immediately. It's often a journey that involves incorporating monetary rewards and the need for financial stability into one's life goals.

Starting with the end in mind is critical. Having a vision, even a blurry one, gives direction to your efforts. This vision becomes clearer as you progress. The 'masterpiece day exercise' is valuable here—it helps in visualizing what an ideal day in your life would look like, thus providing a template for your daily choices and actions.

Your brain's filtering systems play a crucial role in this process. By keeping your goals and aspirations running in the background, you allow yourself to recognize and seize the right opportunities, even if they appear in your peripheral vision. This approach leads to a flexible, zig-zag path towards your vision, favoring experimentation and accelerated learning over overthinking and analysis paralysis.

Embracing change, aligning with your vision, and challenging limiting beliefs are fundamental lessons of a deliberate life. They involve recognizing when a change is necessary for growth and continuously aligning actions with personal goals. It's about overcoming self-imposed constraints and societal expectations to enhance the quality of everyday life, rather than chasing occasional high points.

Continuous learning and growth are central to this philosophy. A deliberate life is one of intentional design, aligning with personal values and priorities, and rejecting the notion of deferred living. It's about finding a harmonious blend of work, family, and personal fulfillment, living authentically, and taking deliberate actions based on clear values and goals.

In conclusion, a deliberate life, as envisioned in the quote "The best version of retirement I could dream up was a lifestyle designed to be fully aligned with my values and beliefs," is a journey of aligning one's everyday existence with their deepest values and beliefs. It's a vibrant, thriving life, unencumbered by limiting beliefs and fully aligned with one's personal vision.