The fork in the road; we encounter several. Should we go left or go right? Should we leave, or should we stay? Or do we miss the choice altogether. Masters of living skillfully notice opportunities an seize the moment. However, they also see excessive risk and avoid the pitfall.
​Trajectory often trumps mindful thought. Instead of recognizing a significant choice, we simply hamper our futures by continuing in the same tiresome direction; relationships missed, intimacy rejected, and careers stagnated. The mind can logically evaluate, gathering knowledge and examining options; but the mind also can justify.
Key Definition:
Masters of Living is a concept referring to those that manage life’s ups and downs with resilience and wisdom, taking advantage of opportunities and minimizing losses.
The masters of living excitedly detect important forks in the road, carefully examine the opportunity and make thoughtful decisions. A master acknowledges divergent paths, considers where the paths lead, and then chooses a direction most in line with their values, hopes and dreams. The chaotic drones of living just react, pushed by underlying emotions and past learnings, they leap and dangerous opportunities or ignorantly bypass promising but obscure possibilities.
George J. Bradley wrote, “practicing the art of living well requires constant decision-making” (Bradley, 2017). Making wise decisions is a lifelong process. A few outstanding decisions will not suffice. We can make errors along the way but masters of living overwhelmingly choose wisely, and quickly fix their errors.
​”The misfortune of the wise is better than the prosperity of the fool.”Â
​Opportunities to Change
We miss opportunities to change our unhealthy trajectories through inattention to life. Life sends messages, customized lessons but we miss them. We must carefully watch for distorting thought mechanisms—rationalizations, confabulations, and ego protecting projections.
​Unrecognized opportunities dissolve seamlessly into the past. Powerful illusions blind us from seeing chances to change. Discouraged by life, we feel like a victim of misfortune. We are not. Our misfortunes are not punishments from a cruel universe but a consequence of blindness.
​We don’t escape the womb endow with skills necessary to master life and compete in a competitive world; our parents may model effective living or chaotic submission. Some gather effective skills during the formidable years without knowing the value of the learning. Other squander with the trajectories from their fathers and mothers—often set in motion by their fathers and mothers.
Traits of the Masters of Living
People who flourish in life often exhibit a range of qualities and behaviors that contribute to their well-being, happiness, and life satisfaction. Some of these attributes include:
- Positive Emotions: Experiencing joy, gratitude, and optimism (Horowitz, 2008).
- Engagement: Being deeply involved in activities and feeling a sense of flow.
- Relationships: Having strong, healthy social connections and support systems.
- Meaning: Finding purpose and significance in life.
- Accomplishment: Pursuing goals and achieving a sense of mastery and competence (Horowitz, 2008).
- Self-Acceptance: Holding a positive view of oneself and accepting both strengths and weaknesses.
- Autonomy: Feeling in control of one’s life and making independent choices.
- Optimism: Maintaining a hopeful outlook on the future.
- Mastery: Developing skills and a sense of proficiency in various areas of life.
- Self-Determination: Having the motivation to pursue intrinsic goals and personal growth.
These qualities are not exhaustive but represent common traits found in individuals who lead fulfilling lives. It’s important to note that flourishing is a dynamic process and can look different for each person
A Few Words By Psychology Fanatic
​If life is failing to bring the promised blessings, intentional practice and wise guidance is needed to produce the life-giving skills—perishable skills need constant attention, or they slip and dissolve.
A carefully chosen path, partaking in the abundance of opportunity, blesses our lives. The mindfully directed life creates desirable futures. This path improves relationships, creates opportunities and diminishes hurts. The results of living right don’t magically materialize but grow in small—almost imperceptible—steps. The small movements accumulate, we become skilled, and our lives become a masterful creation.
Last Update: April 1, 2024
References:
Bradley, George J. (2017). A Better Human: The Stoic Heart, Mind, and Soul. Bradley Publishing Inc.
Horowitz, Mardi (2008). A Course in Happiness: Mastering the 3 Levels of Self-Understanding That Lead to True and Lasting Contentment. TarcherPerigee; 1st edition.
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