When Making Life Decisions, Think of Only Two People
đ§đ´ The Only Two People Whose Pride Truly Matters
"Will my parents be proud?" "What will my friends think?" "Will my mentor approve?"
We often make decisions based on these questions. But a post I recently saw on Instagram completely changed my perspective.
There are only two people whose pride should truly matter to you. Not your parents. Not your friends. Not your mentors. Not your partner.
It is the 8-year-old you who is full of dreams and the 80-year-old you who is full of memories.
And both of them are sitting inside you right now.
đ What Does Your 8-Year-Old Self Want?
The 8-year-old you is hoping and waiting to see if you will chase the dreams you once believed in.
They just want to see:
- You taking risks
- You having the courage to go after what makes you happy
- You taking one step toward the life you once imagined
Your 8-year-old self is asking: "Are you still dreaming that dream?"
đ What Does Your 80-Year-Old Self Want?
The 80-year-old you has lived through everything. They look back on it all and know how quickly time passes.
They do not care about accolades or impressing others. They just want:
- You to have a good time
- To slow down, laugh, and love
- To fully embrace the life you have today
Because the 80-year-old you knows those moments will not last forever.
đ§ Using This as Your Decision Compass
Every few months, I ask myself: "Am I making both of them happy?"
When Stuck in Decision Paralysis
When I am paralyzed about whether to take a risk, I think about my 8-year-old self.
"Would my 8-year-old self be proud that I am going after something exciting? Or disappointed that I am playing it safe again?"
When Caught Up in Work Stress
When I catch myself getting too caught up in work stress or what others think, I think about my 80-year-old self.
"Will my 80-year-old self look back and think, I am glad I worried about that deadline? Or will they wish I had just enjoyed that moment?"
đ The Core Message
This has become my compass for making decisions. When both of them can look at you with pride, you know you are doing something right.
To Summarize:
â 8-year-old you â Wants you to have courage to chase dreams
â 80-year-old you â Wants you to enjoy moments and slow down
â If you can make both happy â You are on the right path
đ Today is Question
When you need to make your next big decision, pause and ask:
"Will my 8-year-old self be disappointed or proud of this decision?" "How will my 80-year-old self remember this moment?"
When you find an answer that satisfies both, you are living a life without regrets.
Today, listen to the voices of those two people inside you.