Pursuing Purpose: My Journey towards Freedom, Kindness, and Joy

As I approach my 71st birthday, my journey towards a more fulfilling life is top-of-mind. My current priorities are maintaining my lifestyle until the end of my life and trying to make the world a better place for my son, friends, and the environment around me. This article delves into my goals and aspirations, reflecting on how I am striving for financial freedom, helping others, and enjoying the journey.

Freedom as My Priority

My goal is to achieve the freedom to live my life on my terms. Freedom for me includes financial freedom, location independence, and, for now, being single. The essence of this freedom is the ability to live life without being constrained by external factors. For instance, the freedom to choose how I spend my day, whether working, training, or exploring new interests, without being dictated by anyone else.

Financial freedom would allow me to work less and live more comfortably, not constrained by corporate restrictions. I could focus on building my own success, whether that's through freelance work or a business I start. Training in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) would become a daily habit rather than a weekly one, and I could afford more personalized training sessions to improve my skills. This is not just about changing daily habits, but redefining what success and happiness mean to me.

Being a Good Man: Helping Others Selflessly

Another fundamental aspect of my life is to be a ‘good man,’ which includes helping others without seeking recognition. Kindness is a value that I hope to instill in my son. I choose not to publicize every act of goodwill, as it strips the act of its intrinsic value. However, I will share a specific example from my life that deeply influenced me.

One instance of being good was while shopping at Moss Bros. I was a difficult customer, trying on numerous shirts and causing a mess in the changing room. A young boy, aged around 18–19, helped me with every request, remaining patient and attentive. Despite my budget of ￡100, I ended up spending ￡260. The next day, I called the shop and expressed my gratitude to the manager, who, rather than expecting a complaint, was surprised by the positive feedback.

I did not ask for anything in return for my kind gesture. This experience taught me that doing good doesn't always need a reward, and sometimes, recognition goes unnoticed. My goal is to inspire others to act with kindness, as it can make a significant difference in someone's day.

Enjoying the Journey

For a long time, I viewed 'success' as a destination rather than a journey. I believed that I would be happy when I achieved my goals, such as getting rich and achieving freedom. However, I've shifted my mindset to living a fulfilling life in the present moment, rather than waiting for future rewards.

A few weeks ago, I climbed Snowdon, the tallest mountain in the UK, again. This time, my focus was on enjoying the climb, and I had a lot more fun compared to my previous attempts. This experience has taught me that the journey is as important as the destination, and I should live each day appreciating the present moment.

I encourage you to embrace this mindset and enjoy the journey of life. Whether it's your personal or professional life, try to focus on the process and the experiences along the way. These moments can be enriching and fulfilling, leading to a happier, more contented life.

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