An excerpt from that post deals with putting things into perspective:
Back to the five year concept - why is five years important? Having a longer-term outlook keeps you focused on what you want from your life, whereas a shorter-term outlook facilitates the old adage of "not being able to see the forest for the trees". With a five year outlook, a bad day or week will not derail your longer-term goals...provided you stay focused and work your plan as noted above. As challenges arise, always ask yourself "will this matter in five years?":
- You get cut off in traffic - will it matter in five years?
- You have an argument with a co-worker or a family member - will it matter in five years?
- Your cable goes out, or you lose your Internet connection - will it matter in five years?
- The store is out of what you need, the line at the restaurant is too long, you are almost out of gas - will it matter in five years?
Adopting this outlook helps you keep things in perspective. Little problems don't seem so big. None of these "frustrations" will have an impact on what you want your life to be like in five years. They are just noise.
Continuing with the subject of putting things into perspective, you need to develop the habit of asking yourself, "what really matters?" If you don't do this often (for example, daily!), you run the risk of getting bogged down in the routines of everyday life and, before you know it, you wake up one day and you are 10, 20, 30 years older...seemingly in the blink of an eye.
One of the ways I have been successful in answering the question "what really matters" is to consider the ultimate equalizer for all of us, death. All of us - no matter how rich or poor, no matter how famous or normal, no matter how successful or average - will die one day. Since that is not open for debate, you need to embrace it and ask yourself "what do I want to do before I die?" If you answer that question, you will know what really matters.
I am fanatical about writing down thoughts, ideas, and goals - and this is an exercise that lends itself to writing in your notebook, journal, or even just a post-it note. It doesn't matter how or where you write it down, just write it down to solidify the commitment. And then refer to it often (daily!). Edit it as your desires and goals change. But most importantly, start strategizing on how to make progress on your list. You have to take the first step, no matter how small.
Remember, you are never going to accomplish anything without taking that first step!
