What would your life be like if you made happiness today a priority?

Two people are sitting on a beach in Fiji. One spends most of their days on the beach, the other is there for a 3 day business seminar.

Fijian Islander: You are always on the go, working so hard, how come?

Canadian Businessperson: Well I need to work hard to make more money.

Fijian Islander: How come?

Canadian Businessperson: Isn’t it obvious? I need to work hard to get promoted so I can double my RRSP and eventually retire and spend my days on the beach!

Fijian Islander, Very Confused: But I spend all my days in the sun and on the beach.

Canadian Businessperson: Oh it is different in Canada. You just wouldn’t understand how real business works.

Many of us are living the Deferred Life Plan: Do what you have to do now so that you can do what you want to do later. No one plans to live this way, it just sort of happens. Financial commitments grow as fast as excuses, and next thing you know it feels like it’s too late. Change can be scary.

One way to start doing more of what you love without having to make radical life changes, is to make a list of your passions and all the things you would love to do, try or learn. Once you have the list, you must actively pursue items on it. I suggest learning one brain and one body skill at all times (for instance learning Spanish while learning to tango) and throwing in random new challenges whenever you can.

If the universe ever hands you an opportunity to check off an item, you must do it! If skydiving is on your list and you are invited you will be jumping! I recommend putting a small percentage of your income into a separate account for your list. As the money builds you’ll be forced to look at your list and start ticking things off.

Follow these steps and you will be surprised how quickly you’re hanging out of planes, visiting countries that have been on your computer wallpaper for years and becoming the envy of all your friends. Next issue I’ll reveal the secrets behind my 007 List.

-Dan Johnston