The alarm sounded as the sun peeked over the horizon east. The coffee was already brewed, suit and shirt pressed (dark suit, white shirt) and black shoes shined. Starting my truck (Ford F-150) by remote, it warmed whilst I sipped my coffee (black) and stepped into my day’s battle armor.
The route to the office, imbedded deep, a mindless journey from point A to point B. I walked into the building seeing the same 2 people who arrived earlier, every day. Flipping on CNBC, and the desktop computer, I made my way to the break room and poured my 3rd coffee (black) and sat down to check email, social media and corporate updates. I went through the motions of the workday agenda, numb, and left at 4:30, taking the same route home – Meatloaf on Wednesday, Sex on Friday.
A chameleon changes to fit the environment, a protection mechanism. I always wonder what she’d look like on a clear plate. It’s the same, masking someone you’re not, fear of not fitting in to the environment you’ve created.
If I have to put on a mask to make a first impression, how will I look to myself in the mirror?”
It’s been said, you have seven seconds to make a first impression. I was once told by a corporate executive that if I cut my hair, shave, wear a white Oxford shirt and dark suit, my production would double. As I looked around the table, there sat a bunch of elders, in corporate gear – battle armor – I thought I’d died and gone to Hell. The money was not worth my soul.
Besides, I’ve never seen a Hearst pulling a U-Haul full of money.
If you have to fit someone else’s perception of likability, do you really want that person in your life? Living life outside the box, sometimes making others uncomfortable – this is where magic happens.
Legacy builders are rarely chameleons and money is not always the most important of what is left when you die. Jesus of Nazareth (turned water into wine, sticks into snakes and looked like a hippie), Albert Einstein (great hair, never socks and married his cousin) and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Scatology and Cat Sounds), none fit the mold of what society created.
Living life for others is no life at all. Slow down, see the stars, smell the flowers and travel much. Experience different cultures, especially in your own back yard. Listen, assume nothing and accept and encourage. Understand what makes you happy and do more of it. Have hobbies, lots of hobbies. Try new things. Embrace your emotions, the pain and joy.
Love Unconditionally. Live life now. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow will never get here.
Charles Kochel is a third generation family farm and second generation wealth advisor. He is the founder of Yield Wealth Management, one of the first benefit corporations in Arkansas. To learn more about Charles, Yield Wealth or set a time to visit, visit http://www.yieldwealth.com or email info@yieldwealth.com. The articles written in this blog should not be construed as investment advise.
No Harm 