The Assumption Operating System
I have a set of assumptions. These run in the background like a personal operating system. They allow me to live my life to the fullest and keep me from getting caught in common traps that can cause regret.
When you really distill life down to its basic essence, the goal is to live in a way that on the day you die, you have no regrets.
This involves living in the moment - being present and grateful (as you may die tomorrow) - and also making sure that you are taking steps to create the life that you want to live in the future (one of life's paradoxes).
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As you take your last breath, will you be able to say “Fuck, I did good.”
The issue is that a lot of people sleepwalk through life, under the illusion that they have time, carried along by the relentless flow of primal and emotional urges and societal conditioning.
No wonder it's a surprise when faced with their own mortality that they are somewhat surprised and start to scramble to find meaning and alignment.
To combat that I like to approach this early and with open eyes so I have a set of assumptions. These run in the background like a personal operating system. They allow me to live my life to the fullest and keep me from getting caught in common traps that can cause regret.
The Assumption OS is made up of 5 Assumptions plus a Bonus one:
Assume that anything worth having is hard work.
Assume that you are NOT self-aware.
Assume that incremental action is not enough.
Assume that you are the same as everyone else.
Assume you will never have the answer.
Assume you only live once.
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