CONTEXT

Ever notice how easy it is to take our days for granted? We often think about what we don’t yet have, what we haven’t yet achieved, and all the ways we wish the people in our lives were different.

If I’m honest, that’s up to 80% of my daily thoughts. Meaning only 20% of my thoughts are focused on everything I do have (and being grateful for it).

The problem with that? Living for the future is the fastest path to regret.

We usually appreciate the true value of the people in our lives when it’s too late… When we can no longer take them out to dinner or call and ask for advice… When we can no longer tell them we love them.

The good news? It doesn’t have to be that way.

Jake Muise (the founder of Maui Nui) was recently interviewed on The Tim Ferriss Show.

He shared a brilliant technique that his wife, Kuʻulani uses every time their kids are being “monsters.” (His words, not mine.) 😂

Here’s how it works:

METHOD

Step 1.

Whenever you’re feeling frustrated (especially with a loved one), close your eyes.

Imagine that you’re 80 years old.

Picture your life vividly— in extreme detail. Imagine waking up in the morning and looking down at your aged hands.

Your kids are grown up and have their own families. Your parents are gone. Your health is declining. You can no longer move your body with ease. Your partner’s health is declining.

Step 2.

Now imagine that you’ve been given one chance to use a time machine.

But you’re only allowed to go back to this exact moment. This exact age. In the exact place you’re reading this. With the exact people who are currently in your life.

And you can only stay in it for 10 minutes.

Step 3.

Open your eyes as your 80-year-old self who has just traveled back in time. Look around.

If your imagination was vivid enough, it's nearly impossible to take that person who annoyed you for granted when you open your eyes.

You’ll be in a deep place of gratitude—which will quickly put into perspective whatever upset you in the first place.

As Jake describes it— when wife does this, she “has ten minutes to be this 80-year-old lady looking at her nine-year-old daughter again after she’s grown up.”

CLOSING THOUGHTS

This technique is incredibly relevant for appreciating all your loved ones— parents, siblings, friends, grandparents, spouses. When you’re 80, what would you give to spend just 10 minutes with them at your current age again? How would you treat your loved ones differently?

And if we take it one step further… it’s equally relevant for yourself. What choices do you wish you made differently? How would you treat your body differently?

There’s nothing more powerful than that first moment when you open your eyes, and realize that it’s not too late. You still can.

Try this out. Let me know how it goes.

(I highly recommend listening to the full podcast episode. Jake is an incredible storyteller.)

Until next week,

Jade

P.S. There are only 3 slots left in September for a coaching session with me. If you’re interested in growing your personal brand on LinkedIn, this is your sign to start. It’s the best method I’ve ever found to 10x your business, land your dream role / promotion, write a book that hits the bestseller lists, start a multi-6-figure side hustle, and so much more.

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P.P.S. Sending a warm welcome to those who have joined this community since last week! Learn more about The Quiet Rich here. 🎉