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It is what you do, not what you own
Over 20 years ago, back when I was in high school, I went on a sailboat trip. I was so impressed that I decided to own a sailboat one day. I realized that a sailboat was expensive, and I guess I thought that owning a boat would not only be cool, it would be a symbol of my success. (Can you recognize me in the sailboat picture?)
How did it go?
Today, not only do I now own two sailboats, I’m building a third one. Of course, they are radio-controlled boats, about 4 feet tall and 2 feet long. I find that I really like to design and build these little boats.
Did I fulfill my dream? I am sure the younger self would be unimpressed by the small boats I own, but he would be floored by the two young boys who accompany me when I test them. My dream of owning a sailboat became irrelevant. Today, in 2012, if I wanted to go on a sailboat trip, I would probably rent one. And what would matter most to me is the look on the faces of my boys.
I find that this irrelevance of my earlier dreams is a common pattern throughout my life. My younger self was dreaming about having things and being someone. He thought this would bring happiness. He was wrong.
Today, I focus on doing things. I do not own very much and I am not someone important. But I do fun things. I write this blog, I write research papers, I build boats, I publish software, I play video games with my boys… These are the things that matter.
Note: I am grateful to Maxime Larocque for keeping his old high school pictures and posting them on Facebook.