Your Life is Better Than You Think

Shark Theory

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We live in a culture that constantly pushes us to chase the next big thing—a bigger race, a higher sales goal, a fancier title. But the truth is, your life right now is likely far better than you give it credit for. And when you start appreciating the right now, you unlock the ability to build a life you truly love.

I was reminded of this during some of my mission work in places where survival—not podcasts, goals, or personal branding—is the priority. It made me realize that so many of us in developed nations have an abundance that someone else would give anything for. You have the job, the home, the relationships, or the lifestyle that someone else deeply envies.

But here’s the danger—we often only recognize what we have after someone tries to take it from us. Like the kid in the toy box who only cares about the toy once another kid reaches for it, we reactively value our blessings instead of proactively protecting and appreciating them.

Focus on Wins, Not Just Losses

Every Sunday night, I look back at the week and ask:

What were the wins?
What needs tweaking?

Notice I didn’t say, “What were the losses?” Loss is a heavy word. Instead, I focus on what I can adjust and what I can build upon.

The truth is, momentum is built on small victories—whether it’s following through on a training run, sticking to your writing schedule, or simply executing the plan you set. These little wins matter, even if nobody claps for them.

Stop Moving the Goalpost

In my book No One Prays for the Lion, I talk a lot about goalposts. Many of us keep pushing our goals further away the moment we get close, chasing “more” just because others are. But when you set your own definition of success and stoptrying to keep up with the Joneses (who are often headed the wrong direction anyway), you can finally enjoy the life you’ve worked for.

Protect the Moment

Perhaps the most important shift is learning to protect right now. That means not letting tomorrow’s to-do list or a phone call pull you away from the present. By owning the moment you’re in, you not only enjoy your life more—you also protect the future you’re building.

Action Steps for This Week:

Identify three wins from last week—no matter how small—and celebrate them.
Choose one area that needs a small tweak and commit to improving it.
Define your goalpost and resist the urge to move it just because someone else is chasing something “bigger.”
Practice protecting your moments by being fully present in conversations, tasks, and experiences.

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