Don't waste your life.

Are you aware of the day of the week when you're most likely to experience a heart attack? Take a moment to think about it. It’s Monday. Any guess on the time? It's typically between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. Interestingly, that's also when many people prepare to head to jobs they dislike. Is this a coincidence? Doubtful. Consider this chart illustrating the average lifespan. Typically, people live around 80 years, if fortunate. We usually start working around age 18 and retire by 67. This suggests that a significant portion of life is spent working. It's crucial to make that time fulfilling. My friend J often believed he would find happiness after completing school. Upon graduating, he thought getting a job would bring him joy. After securing a job, he still felt unfulfilled. J then believed that marriage and starting a family would bring him happiness, yet even that didn't lead to contentment. Eventually, he thought that retirement would finally make him happy, but he still felt the same emptiness. J began attending church frequently, expressing that he hoped to find happiness in the afterlife. Unfortunately, J's experience is not uncommon; many share his struggle. We've been conditioned to remain in jobs that contribute to our unhappiness. There are individuals who constantly say, "I'll be happy when..." It's time to shift from living for the future to embracing the present. We need to either pursue careers we love or inject more passion into our current jobs. The rat race is not the answer. Even if you achieve great wealth or accolades, you'll still find yourself trapped in a cycle of dissatisfaction. Life is not a game; there are no do-overs. However, there is a way to take charge of your life and reject societal lies, such as the notion that overworking is admirable or that stress is a badge of honor. The concept of work-life balance is often misunderstood. Shouldn't life take precedence over work? A better life naturally leads to improved work performance. Harvard professor Shawn Achor discovered the "happiness advantage," revealing that job success is more closely linked to happiness than intelligence or talent. His research shows that happiness elevates intelligence, creativity, and productivity, ultimately leading to higher earnings and increased longevity. Optimists do indeed live longer than pessimists, suggesting that a joyful life can extend your years. It's essential to take this message seriously; prioritizing your happiness is vital for your well-being. It's never too late to pursue a fulfilling life instead of enduring a joyless existence. Many people suffer from heart problems due to unfulfilling work. Happiness is a choice, but it's not always easy. The first step is to reflect internally and heed the wisdom of Buddha, who cautioned against the illusion of time. Stop squandering your life.