Fix First

Fix things before they’re broken.

We often have things we care deeply about in our lives that we simply ignore the maintenance of before something goes awry. People have single-income careers but don’t look outside of their job at all until they get laid off. People have relationships but don’t even consider addressing the work involved until somebody messes up. People have children but don’t educate themselves on parenting as a science until a disaster strikes and they’re lamenting, “Where did I go wrong?”

As soon as something becomes important to you, start working on it. Shore it up! In the worst-case scenario, you’re much better prepared for any disasters. But you may prevent many, and in the best-case scenario you’ll enhance that thing far beyond its basic form. You’ll have a more successful and fulfilling career, a better relationship, happier children – a better life.

Life is both joy and work, and appreciating the latter enhances the former.