CHAPTER 3Principle 3: Wage War Against Your Status Quo
Death will visit us all. It comes quicker to those who revel in an unchallenged life. Our existence is too short for an early surrender to the status quo.
I Declare War
The month of January is what I call tune-up time. During the first four weeks of the year, I subject myself to a battery of physical tests to gauge how my body is holding up. My primary physician, let’s call him Dr. Fitzgerald, is one of those doctors who is both knowledgeable and funny. On a cold morning this January, I sat in his office. My mind was thinking of how much I wasn’t looking forward to that oversized popsicle stick going down my throat.
Dr. Fitzgerald: How have you been, Daron? It’s been a year. Is the family doing well?
Me: Been doing well. Chasing kids, evading the IRS, you know, the usual.
Dr. Fitzgerald: And how does it feel to be 45? Happy belated birthday.
Me: Feels okay. I guess this is the halfway point, huh? I’m pushing through this midlife crisis.
Dr. Fitzgerald: Midlife? Let’s hope you’re right. The actuaries would say you’ve probably already crossed the midpoint.
Me: (Silence)
Inner Me: Damn.
Dr. Fitzgerald: Let’s keep exercising and eating right and we’ll beat the projections. Deal?
Me: Deal.
On the drive home, I thought about his words. You probably already passed the midpoint. The thought was sobering. Although his words stung a little, I had to admit, the doctor was absolutely right. I had lulled myself into believing ...
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