Once in a Lifetime…

Did you watch the SpaceX launch on May 30, 2020?  I did!  I know the world is hurting right now, but let’s take a moment to appreciate the magnitude of the launch.  According to pre-launch interviews, SpaceX had been working toward this moment for about 20 years and it’s really just the beginning.  Elon Musk, the company’s founder, has long been quoted as having the goal to put people on Mars.  It sounds crazy and he reminds me of a mad scientist in a science fiction movie, but he’s a genius and now he’s one step closer to that goal.

Humans on Mars may not happen in my lifetime, but I do think I’ll see civilians taking trips to space.  Of course, that ticket will cost tens of thousands of dollars, but it will be a once in a lifetime opportunity, right?  Unfortunately, there is the problem.

How often have we said something was a “Once in a lifetime opportunity?”  That concert, sporting event, vacation, and even low prices on products have been called these opportunities.  When I played wheelchair hockey I said it when raising money for our tournament trips.  Of course, these tournaments mean so much to so many people it may not be the best example.  Each tournament was a first or last experience for someone.  I was blessed to attend six of these tournaments, which makes me wonder how something can be a ONCE in a lifetime experience if it happens SIX times?

I’ve made the argument before about our Entertainment Economy, but COVID-19 has been an eye opener on how much we rely on entertainment.  There are currently no concerts or sporting events, so we are saving money.  However, our economy struggles because it relies so much on consumer spending.  I think the Government and Federal Reserve are doing what they can to help the overall economy, but it’s so much more than a few stock indexes.

I tell clients that we are trying to find a balance between enjoying today and preparing for tomorrow.  For that to happen, we must focus on our goals.  Everyone “needs more money.”  We have to choose whether to wait for more money to appear or to maximize our resources.  We maximize our resources by relentlessly pursuing our goals.

Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter by the narrow gate.  For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.  For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”  To successfully maximize our resources, we cannot chase every experience.  Space flight would be awesome, but I won’t sacrifice a few years of financial independence just to say I did it.  When today’s opportunities infringe on our future plans, it’s probably not worth it.

If you’re ready to accept this challenge, contact me.  Life is the only true once in a lifetime opportunity, let’s make the most of it!

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Jonathan Greeson is located west of 117 and south of E. Main St.
Jonathan Greeson is located west of 117 and south of E. Main St.

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