But without establishing a point of contentment, no matter what you get – even $6 million – will never be enough. It will predictably catalyze the life of the miserable (read: addict; mean: unfree) involving (in this particular case) cocaine, alcohol, unpaid bills, eviction, endangering the welfare of children, DWI, leaving the scene of an accident, missing your team’s victory parade due to an overdose, assault and battery, probation violation, prison, and divorce.
My personal epiphany in this regard occurred when I delivered a lecture in Brookline, Massachusetts. At the end of the lecture, my books were displayed and the sales were brisk. I kicked myself that I had not brought more books. My friend Natie Katz set me straight by reminding me that I should have been as high as a kite instead of kvetching that my success could have been greater.
Ever since, I have set (realistic) points of contentment and when they are achieved I do not look elsewhere and lament over what I could have or should have.
(To be continued)
Chodesh Tov – have a pleasant month!