Abraham Lincoln once said: “If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend six sharpening my axe”.

Photo: "In Flight" by Joel Olives
Preparation is not always glamorous. There’s nothing sexy about a high-interest savings account. Sometimes the “where do you see yourself in ten years?” chat is frustrating and depressing instead of exciting. But only through preparation and careful thought can we craft for ourselves a beautiful life.
Rather than being buffeted through the years by chance, we can choose to be proactive. To build a dream life. To put aside the feeling of “I want it now” and think deeply and carefully about our values. To think not so much about what we will do with our lives, but how we will go about doing it.
Don’t delay the things you need to do. An ordered life is a prepared life. That way, if a friend calls and invites you on last-minute weekend away, you already know where your passport is. You know where your overnight bag is. You’ve got a few meals in the freezer for when you come home.
Only through being in control of your life can you be ready for unexpected joy. Prepare for the unplanned. Think of your life as a project – a lifelong project called You. Plant trees, educate yourself – put things in motion that will not only pay off now, but that will provide you with joy and security for many years to come.Make room in your life for wonderful things by thinking clearly about what it is you want to create for yourself. And when happiness comes, you will be ready.
#happiness