The whole point of life is not to arrive, but to begin again. Because everything you’ve done, or not done, is now just a memory.
– Sam Harris, Moment Meditation
As the spring air fills our surroundings, we witness the world around us undergoing a beautiful transformation. Flowers bloom, heralding the arrival of new life, and everywhere we look, nature seems to be in a state of renewal. It’s a period that inspires reflection and anticipation. I believe in the profound power of beginning again and I hope this resonates with you, too. The concept isn’t just about turning the page; it’s about recognizing that what’s over and behind us is now just a memory, and what lies ahead is a fresh opportunity to approach life differently, perhaps even better.
The Flow of Experience
When we talk about experience, it’s tempting to view it as a series of discrete events, like snapshots in a photo album. Yet, a more mindful perspective reveals that experience is far more akin to a river—constantly flowing, perpetually new, and invariably unique. This fluidity of experience means that life is always at the cusp of beginning anew, full of untouched potential and unexplored opportunities.
Did you ever hear this adage from the Greek philosopher Heraclitus: “No man ever steps into the same river twice. For it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man?”
It underscores the perpetual motion of life, that from one moment to the next, the entire river’s composition will be unique and unrepeatable. However, I’ve come to appreciate an even deeper nuance: you can never step into the same river once. The moment you engage with an experience, it transcends being a mere moment frozen in time; it becomes part of a continuous flow. Each encounter, each decision, and each moment is not just new — it’s a launchpad for the next phase of your journey.
The Joy of Now
This perspective brings a liberating realization: your past accomplishments are valuable, but the present and the future hold immeasurable opportunities. It’s like waking up to the first day of the rest of your life, every single day. This mindset doesn’t discount the achievements and lessons of the past but rather emphasizes the boundless potential of the present and the yet-to-be-discovered.
Amazon: A Case Study in Perpetual Renewal
How does this philosophy translate into the business realm? Consider Amazon, a company that epitomizes the essence of being a “day one” company. Despite its colossal success and industry dominance, Amazon maintains a relentless focus on innovation, change, and adaptation. This commitment to perpetual renewal, to always begin again, is a cornerstone of its sustained relevance and growth. Leadership and employees wake up every day, ready to tackle business with an attitude that today is just the beginning. It serves as a powerful example for both individuals and businesses: the secret to long-term success is embracing change and viewing every day as an opportunity to innovate and improve.
Embracing the New Start
Life, in its essence, is a sequence of new beginnings. The past, with its triumphs and tribulations, is entirely gone. It shapes us but it doesn’t confine us. The present moment stands as an open door to new experiences and adventures waiting to be lived and explored. Every moment is an invitation to begin again, to view life with fresh eyes and an open heart.
I am constantly embracing this journey of renewal and reminded of its power. I encourage our clients and community to see life’s endless cycle of beginnings, not as daunting but as exhilarating. We hope that as you consider the above meditation on beginning again, you understand that this can apply to your financial life as well. I have found that you always have the chance to start anew.
Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life. Let’s make it count.
About VALUABLES
Many financial advisors focus on communicating with clients to provide complex analysis of the investment markets and economies. However, we have learned that most clients are not particularly interested in this complex analysis. Most clients hire an advisor for their knowledge of the markets, not for their ability to explain that knowledge. Most want to know what time it is, not how to build a watch.
Experience has taught us that wealthy families care most about using their wealth as a means to a desirable end, which is to achieve a more satisfying, fulfilled and impactful life, and to fulfill their most important Life Values.
VALUABLES is a periodic article series focused on the concepts, systems, and habits which we have observed among families who have been successful in this quest to use their wealth as a tool to live a life of significance. The most successful families share a set of habits, systems, and insights which enable them to use their wealth as a tool to fulfill their Values and what is most important to them.
We named this article series VALUABLES, because it provides an exploration of those habits, systems, and insights. We hope it will help you to consider your assets and possessions which are most valuable to you, and how you can use your financial wealth to enhance and cultivate your true “Valuables”.
Leave A Comment