“There is a difference between interest and commitment. When you’re interested in doing something, you only do it when it’s convenient. When you’re committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.”  ~ Ken Blanchard

You don’t have to be uber wealthy to have a great life. Learning to make much of the little is one area where the playing field for everyone regardless of income status is basically level. This philosophy requires that effort be expended to deliberately and consciously focus on what you enjoy, then find ways to improve the experience. For example, let’s say you enjoy a cup of coffee. Currently you may be rushing around while drinking some swill from a C-store out of styrofoam. Instead, buy some good, quality beans and take the time to grind them. Enjoy drinking out of the mug you bought at that special vacation spot. While enjoying your coffee, engage in an uplifting conversation with a coworker, or better yet, spend a little extra time visiting with your partner. Either way it’s coffee, but it’s definitely two different experiences. Let your mind do the mental gymnastics and see what you can get on the list. I’ll help get you started. 

• Food – Expensive, unhealthy filler you get at a fast food restaurant. You choke it down on the run versus clean, wholesome food you take the time to savor. Both food, two different experiences.

• Dessert – Crap you bought at a C-store – no natural ingredients, wrapped in cellophane versus. a quality piece of homemade pie. Both desserts, two different experiences. 

• Sex – Going through the motions versus taking the time and effort to connect with each other. Both sex, two different experiences.

• Music – Playing your music on a $29.95 CD / radio versus enjoying them on a Bose. Yes, this one costs more, but is not too costly for most people and it gives great music year after year. Same CD, two different experiences.

• Vehicles –  Driving a mobile hog pen versus a car that looks like it came off the showroom floor. Same car, two different experiences. That said, get your car detailed once or twice a year.

• Friends – Spending an entire evening at a party with people you would not invite into your house versus spending time with people you enjoy and respect. Companionship, two different experiences.

You get the idea. This is actually one area you can quickly surpass the multi-millionaire. How many stories of rich, miserable people do you need to hear before understanding it’s not all about the money? Some people forget that and focus on the wrong things. The more you learn to make much of the little, the faster you’ll roll down the path of “getting a life”. Move beyond just interested, get committed to improving your life, become aware of your opportunities, then stay committed. Start making things happen.

“Let us not look back to the past with anger, nor towards the future with fear, but look around with awareness.”  – James Thurber