Living with the Monks

“He that is taught only by himself has a fool for a master.”

—BEN JONSON

Everyone is so concerned with connecting on social media, adding followers, collecting business cards, and shaking as many hands as they can at a cocktail party. But how strong is that network when you really don’t know the people? Sure, coffee is great, but I still think you need to go deeper. That’s why experiences are so important, especially experiences you do with others.

“Cowards never start. The weak never finish. Winners never quit.”

—UNKNOWN

there times when quitting is the right thing to do? Of course, but quitting just because it’s easier is never the right decision. It only takes a minute to quit, but the moment will replay in your mind tomorrow, and the tomorrow after that, and the one after that.

me, it’s more about happiness being a choice. I prefer to look at happiness as a lifestyle, not a goal.

Brother Christopher referenced a wise monk: “When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new.”

We only have two kinds of memories in our life, ones that we can’t control and the ones that we create.

Very often the process is more valuable than the outcome. As you struggle in business, with goals, at work—it’s hard to appreciate the journey. However, it is the journey that makes us feel the most alive.

“The greatest challenge in life is discovering who you are. The second greatest is being happy with what you find.”

—UNKNOWN

NO WAY.… I’m going back on Saturday.”

“Saturday?”

“Yes, THIS Saturday. I have no guarantee that I’ll be here to do it NEXT winter. I have no idea if I’ll be healthy enough NEXT winter. I’m going back this weekend.”

The mountain reminded me how important time is. Putting things off can often lead to regret. Acting now, even if the timing isn’t perfect or everything isn’t figured out, has always been the way I operate. It’s often the difference between failure and incredible accomplishment. You can’t outsmart time, but you can learn to maximize it. I was going back on Saturday.