"Here's a lesson to test your mind's mettle: take part of a week in which you have only the most meager and cheap food, dress scantily in shabby clothes, and ask yourself if this is really the worst that you feared. It is when times are good that you should gird yourself for tougher times ahead, for when Fortune is kind the soul can build defenses against her ravages. So it is that soldiers practice maneuvers in peacetime, erecting bunkers with no enemies in sight and exhausting themselves under no attack so that when it comes they won't grow tired." —SENECA, MORAL LETTERS, 18.5-6
I’m a firm believer that those who were born with very little wealth and few luxuries have a distinct advantage over everybody else in one aspect—they know how to survive and be happy with less. The final phase of this crypto bull market is now well underway and, potentially, bringing with it a massive transfer of wealth. Those who’ve had the patience and courage to hodl during this strange, chaotic, and unpredictable market and, most importantly, have the discipline to take profits when they should will be rewarded handsomely.
With the Federal Reserve rumored to announce a possible rate cut next week, this could be the rocket fuel needed for the next leg up. Considering this, I thought there was no better time to talk about preparing on a sunny day or voluntary adversity.
Over time, the warmth and comfort of the luxury/wealth bubble has a way of lulling you to sleep and a false sense of security that can make you less resilient and more vulnerable in many ways. When our lives become easier we must purposefully incorporate difficult things into our routines to help offset all the different forms of atrophy that an easier life inherently brings with it.
Despite how many zeros we have in our accounts, doing hard things can be extremely beneficial to us—especially as we age. Fasting, a comprehensive physical exercise regime, or living with less serve are great ways to keep us grounded, foster mental toughness and maintain a sense of gratitude. By intentionally stepping away from the insulation and trappings of wealth, individuals can foster a deeper appreciation for what they have. This philosophy can also help us fuel the hunger that drives us to achieve, preventing complacency and providing a sense of purpose beyond money. The hedonic treadmill can also be the fast track to unhappiness and poverty.
Voluntary adversity also has a way of keeping our senses of humility, self-awareness, and empathy sharp. These qualities can begin to fade away once wealth creates distance from normal, everyday struggles. If you need real world examples of this look no further than our politicians and celebrities that seem to have completely lost touch with the struggles of the real world. For the newly wealthy, choosing to endure discomfort helps us to maintain our connection with the human condition.
At 54 years of age I’ve incorporated the discipline of voluntary adversity into my daily routine in a variety of ways. Here are a few of them I can think of off the top of my head:
Physical
- Full 50lb kettlebell workout, four days a week.
- 20 min of rowing six days a week.
- Navy Seal Burpees every day.
- 16,000 step goal per day.
- 5 min cold shower each morning.
- 20-30 mins of sunlight a day (weather permitting).
- Limit processed foods, sugar, seed oils.
- Prioritize 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
“Never to suffer would never to have been blessed.” ― Edgar Allan Poe
Mental/Psychological
- Write at least an hour a day.
- Meditate for 30 minutes per day.
- Read for an hour a day.
- Listen to 30 minutes of podcasts each day while doing cardio.
- Only allow people of good character inside my inner circle.
- Choose one new thing a year to learn and attempt one thing that scares me.
- List a new set of goals annually. Reward myself when I achieve them.
- Don’t watch network news or any mainstream media.
- Limit time around overly negative people.
- Find at least one thing that makes me laugh a day.
“You’ll learn, as you get older, that rules are made to be broken. Be bold enough to live life on your terms, and never, ever apologize for it. Go against the grain, refuse to conform, take the road less traveled instead of the well-beaten path. Laugh in the face of adversity, and leap before you look. Dance as though EVERYBODY is watching. March to the beat of your own drummer. And stubbornly refuse to fit in.” ― Mandy Hale
Financial
- Donate an item of clothing for every new piece of clothing purchased.
- Larger, non-essential, personal purchases should be limited to rewards for achieving a milestone or a major accomplishment.
- Donate to charity and pay it forward when the opportunity arises.
- Limit purchases of depreciating assets.
- Create as many revenue streams as possible.
- Invest a portion of your net worth to build an economic-engine that creates more wealth.
- Celebrate financial milestones.
- Don't go into debt for anything if you don't have to.
- Pay off credit cards each month and use rewards cards that pay you.
- Give others the inheritance of useful information instead of money.
“Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well.” ― Theodore Roosevelt
It’s always important to remember that Health, Freedom, and Peace of Mind are the ultimate luxury and worth much more than almost anything else in this world. Achieving then working to preserve our Health, Freedom, and Peace of Mind should be our top priority and highest goal. Afterall, what good is a Rolex watch if you need it to make sure you’re back to your cubicle on time? What good is an expensive car if you have to work two jobs to pay for it? How great is an impressive job title if the job makes you miserable?
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is if we embrace adversity there's a much better chance that we'll survive prosperity.
All for now. Thanks for reading.
