It takes a little bit of time for things to settle in.
But what is most valuable in life? And what’s the entire point is the question we should be asking ourselves more.
The last year, I’ve been really focusing on a lot of things which have to do with “success”. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s all very important, but at the same time, what’s the point and What’s it Worth?
Here’s what the timeline of my progress roughly looks like. Let’s just say that the past year has been a blur. I enjoy learning, and I enjoy progressing in these aspects of my life, but look
If I didn’t live with anyone else in the world, there’s no doubt in my mind that I would much rather sit on a beach and sip on coconuts.
Mind you, that’s never been a possibility. If there weren’t any other people on the planet, you’d be stuck constantly foraging food and making shelter in the best of times.
So back to that timeline:
| Area | Duration | Comments | Positives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Programming | 2017 in Entirety | I’ve spent a considerable amount of time learning to program. At this point, I understand many of the fundamentals of programming, and can read through the bull-shit that start-up entrepreneurs talk about. Machine learning, back-end, front-end, I know how to do it, or at least implement it, and if someone paid me, I could do a good job. I think this was in my overall goals for 2017 and really, I think it will take some time for things to sink in, but I’d like to think I’m getting there. | – I’ve met some really great people. One of which whom I’ll likely have as a friend for a very long time. – Any idea related to technology, I know how to implement, and understand the difficulties. I also understand the strengths and weaknesses of businesses we see on the street. – I understand what challenges there are, what is simply just marketing, and what will and will not bring value. I like that. |
| Investing | July 2017 – Present | I read an article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/martinsosnoff/2014/02/25/how-to-make-serious-money-from-10000/#44a3b0c430d8 Where his first step would be to look in the: “Options market for a near expiration property trading for pennies that could reverse itself and sell in the money.” As gimmicky as it sounds, this has lead me down a path of investigation which has invariably lead to advanced concepts in options and stock trading. I think my financial savviness has increased significantly and will pay dividends in the future as I am currently playing with a relatively small amount of money, which is also equating to a large portion of my entire savings. It’s essentially the perfect learning environment. | – This financial education can be carried on throughout my life. – The financial education received now is better now, than later. As compounding can only take effect with time. And time waits for no one. – I know have the capability to make more mistakes with a small amount of money, which also equates to a large effect of my current net worth. But all the same, it’s still very small. |
All in all, things sound pretty great. These were all things that I wanted to do, and I was able to achieve and look into. Overall, this lays the foundation for being “successful” and being able to extend ones self further.
However on that token, I’ve also sacrificed a considerable amount.
To clarify, I don’t think I’ve “lost” anything. I don’t think I’m a worse person. I think overall this was a good choice to make. However, on that token, I have had to weigh an opportunity cost:
Opportunity Cost of Personal Enjoyment
I’ve definitely enjoyed myself the last year. Don’t get me wrong. However, by the end of a year of hitting the books hard, nearly every day, it gets a bit draining. My eyes are tired, I pretty much am coffee, and I still compare my success to others – which could lead down a path of insatiable desire to be better, and do more. I’d like to avoid that if possible. I think at this time, I’m at a healthy level of understanding and am far from that point.
Other Areas
From fitness to spending time with friends, to building my person – I’ve neglected this area.
In the future I hope that I will be able to work on these areas. While slowing development in programming and finance (because I am at a comfortable and sustainable level).
Caveat: I hate that this is the reality of today, and that it is almost necessary to do this in the rat race of today. This should not be the case.
In the meantime however, life is for the most part good. Except for my job which makes me hate my life every Gosh darn effing day.
But it’s okay.
Thought’s of a Ho… Now you know…
