I Have Made It (?)

What if I was exactly where I was supposed to be and I did not need to worry anymore?

That’s what the phrase: I have made it means to me.

Its a mindset I have experimented with, on and off, for a while. Whenever I come back to it I’m filled with excitement, inner peace, and contentment.

The statement is a message for me to remember: I already have a wonderful life. Now live it.

Does it mean I have everything figured out? Of course not.

The future is unknown and unknowable. I still have massive flaws. I struggle daily.

But it’s a simple stoic idea that I am where I am supposed to be. That I don’t need more.

…

Is it all just a dreamy idea?

Not at all. I already achieved a financial freedom goal earlier this year. Money is far from everything. But in our modern world it does grant you a solid foundation to build on. And my foundation is by now quite strong.

I have shelter, security, and food. I have a healthy body and mind. Decent habits. I have community, friends, and family.

…

At the end of the day this is simply a mindset. A mindset for inner peace and contentment. I can continue running towards some magical future where I have finally made it. Or I can decide that I’m already there.

I still have lots of things I want to do. And I’m certain I won’t enjoy life if I just sit around doing nothing. I need something hard to do.

But I guess the way to view these additional challenges is as something I get to do. I’m so lucky I can chose to suffer for days hiking in the mountains.

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How do I live like I have already made it?

So far I’ve been playing around with this mindset and it has brought me a few beautiful moments of inner peace. But it has not materially impacted my life much.

If I had already made it, what would I do?

I have written about my dream of a 50/50 lifestyle. I could just start living like that today.

Why don’t I?

Here’s a quote from the post:

I like the idea of 50-50. But I still find myself contemplating if I should continue working until I have a bit more.

Fully embracing ‘I have made it’ is hard.

And there is a balance. ‘I have made it’ does not mean infinite money. But have I made it then? If I’m not able to live my dream?

Yes.

Having made it does not mean living in a dream. I means I have enough already. I don’t need the 50-50 lifestyle. I already have a wonderful, easy life.

But I have the option of trying it out.

Let’s try again:

How do I live like I have already made it?

I wake up and do the work. But I do it knowing that I have already arrived. Life is now.