Most of my life I think I’ve always found myself seeking more. In almost everything I’ve ever done, I think I’ve always tried to be the best. I’ve always wanted to outwork you, out energize you, out produce you, and even if I’m able to do any of those things — then I want to beat the best that I’ve ever done. More, more, more…

It leads to never being satisfied. The older I get, the more I’m starting to understand why the Buddha said “desire is the root of all suffering”. And I’m starting to think — maybe instead of always striving for more, I should maybe try striving for less.

A life of always striving for more has lead me to have collected a lot of stuff. I have a ridiculous amount of musical gear. Two homes. Books everywhere. More clothes than I know what to do with. A full gym at the house. A huge business. Money. And if I continue to strive for more I will never have the thing I’m really striving for — peace.

I think I was born with that “I can do anything better and faster than you can” mentality. The mentality that gets shit done, you know? And if I’m doing something, I’m gonna give it everything. No half-assing allowed. And it just starts to become who you are after a while, right?…

Until you realize — what the actual fuck does any of it mean?

I have numerous plaques and awards — most of them just sit in storage now. We’ve been winning awards at Edward Jones since our return, I don’t even put them out anymore. Who cares, right? It’s nice to be recognized, but — I work because I love it. I work because I feel like we make a difference in people’s lives every day. I go in almost every Saturday because I love it. So, the older I get the less I care about whether I have the biggest office in my town or state, and the more I care about just doing what I can to help my clients anyway I can. Which is really how that business was built anyway. It’s funny, but — the less I focus on getting more, and the more I focus on service… the more business comes in, even though we stopped advertising years ago…

Maybe it’s time to strive for less.

Less stuff. More moments.

Less musical gear, more time playing.

Less books, less clothes, less clutter… more time reading and meditating and writing…

Less time doom scrolling, more time with people.

Less money and time spent on stuff, more time and money spent on making a difference in others lives and being as generous as possible when opportunities arise…

Less time feeling anxious about where I should be, what I should be doing, what I might be missing out on… and more time just being satisfied and grateful in the moment.

Because, as I look back on my life today it’s been an incredible ride so far. I have way more than enough. I think I can relax a bit. I’m not sure that’s entirely possible, but… constantly striving and pushing doesn’t really allow for magic, wonder and awe. And, to me — I’m always in awe. Everything is amazing. I’m so grateful. And at some point, if you don’t start to spend time there — in peace, in love, with the Universe and all its wonder… well, all the striving was for nothing.

My only desire is to be the best person I can be in the time I have left.

It’s much easier to do when you live life happy with who you are and where you are…

No striving necessary…

Less is more.