8 and 80

The other day I was listening to a podcast, as I so often do whilst picking up and dropping off your dogs.

The podcast in question was talking about life choices and contentment.

There was a certain section which peaked my interest. It spoke about your choices when making decisions both big and small.

It went on to explain that in every choice you should think whether your chosen path or action would impress both your 8 year old self ….and your 80 year old self.

Instead of seeking validation externally and trying to impress others, rate your actions on how the conversation would go with your own two characters.

Hopefully you know yourselves better than anyone else knows you.

Personally I think that were I to describe my overall life to my 8 year old self he would be excited and very happy to look towards the future. What 8 year old doesn’t want to go adventuring everyday.

I think that my 80 year old self would be more reflective, in understanding life so much more than I currently do, and yet I think that they would look back with fondness and pride on my choices, instead of regret.

Life in general is never the perfect fairytale which children somewhat cling to and aspire to replicate.

Yet having these two benchmarks for past and present, I find it helps me to make the right choices for both myself and those whom I impact.

Next time you feel stuck, why not give this technique a little go?

Doggies: Pippi, Poppy, Tiara and Tesla