Happiness in the Pursuit
Welcome to my thoughts.
I’ve gone through a lot of changes in the last few years, but the most influential change is my perspective on life and where it has led me. With this perspective, I was able to gain happiness in the moment instead of the tireless pursuit of “happiness.” This doesn’t mean that I’m no longer goal oriented, but I am certainly focused on achieving my goals in a healthier manner. I have entered the world of entrepreneurship, not just dabbling, a full-fledged leap.
I don’t have a Nobel Prize.
I’m not an award-winning author.
I don’t have a PhD that entitles me to give advice.
I’m not a millionaire entrepreneur.
Yet.
I live in a studio in San Francisco with my beautiful new wife and I’m just like everyone else (perhaps a bit less risk-averse). What may be different is that I have found a way to be truly happy in my pursuit and am following my dreams, not the dreams of someone else. I took a leap away from the life that was seemingly set forth for me. This blog is a place for me to divulge my thoughts and advice, converse with like-minded people, and hopefully convince others that they are strong enough, smart enough, and capable of finding happiness in their pursuit.
-BENJAMIN LARSON
JANUARY 30, 2013
“Young. Old. Just words.”
– George Burns
I must be feeling old lately … or rebellious against the notion of getting older. Quotes like this one and the one last week really resonate with me these days. I think I can proudly say that one of my better qualities is that I’m young at heart.
FEBRUARY 13, 2020
“Loving is not just looking at each other, it’s looking in the same direction.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! I love this quote because this is exactly how I knew the love I felt for my wife was real. Knowing that she sees what I see and that we believe in each other gives me the greatest strength to achieve my dreams. Never settle for less.
JANUARY 29, 2013
“What did you do today that makes your life better?” – Matt Bradford
So typically, when people take the time to post an inspirational quote, they post something someone famous had said. Usually I’m guilty of this as well; however, I met with my friend, Matt, last night and had a great conversation with him over a few pints of beer. Matt and I met early on in college, and while having fairly different interests and ambitions, became very close friends. After just a year or so, Matt decided that he wanted to pursue his music career … and to effectively do that, he would need to move to L.A. He did just that, and for the past 10 years has been striving tirelessly to make a name for himself in a highly competitive and underpaid industry.
While not a musician, I associate quite a bit with Matt’s journey and leap of faith. While a lucky few are blessed with an inexplicable talent and tend to catch miraculous breaks, the majority of us must rely on a strong work ethic to get ahead. One way Matt and I are very similar is that if we get to the end of the day and we didn’t do anything to further our personal mission, it is a very strong disappointment. Of course, this can take many different shapes and forms and doesn’t even have to be “you-centric,” but the point is that every day is precious and every day needs to be utilized to better yourself. Every night, Matt looks at himself and asks, “What did you do today that makes your life better?”
So, as I inferred, Matt isn’t what you might consider to be famous (yet). He certainly has the talent and drive to do so. Check out some of his music at the links below and be on the lookout for his new record in the coming months.
http://www.reverbnation.com/mattbradford
SEPTEMBER 23, 2012
I absolutely love this time of year. Goodnight San Francisco!
JANUARY 31, 2013
Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.”
– Henry Ford
So true. Not all is lost when you can come away from a situation smarter, more experienced, and better prepared to take on your next challenge. Especially in the entrepreneurial world; you need to learn to roll with the punches because no one hits 1000. So get back on your horse. Enough cliches? Yeah.
FABRUARY 1, 2013
“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
– George Bernard Shaw
For me, this quote immediately evoked the image of M.C Escher’s Drawing Hands. As someone who has spent the past year re-creating their professional self, this quite simply states what I have learned. If you are able to see the person you want to be, begin drawing the path that it takes to get there, and then start taking the steps. As long as you have the tenacity and drive, it’s never too late to recreate.
OCTOBER 2, 2012
FRAMED ENDEAVOR
It was a beautiful September here in San Francisco and October is off to a great start. Hopefully the weather holds out for our semi-regular “Indian Summer.” A lot of events in the City this month … Fleet Week, America’s Cup World Series, Giants Baseball Playoffs (and A’s if that’s what you’re into), 49ers Football (do people still root for the Raiders?), Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, and Treasure Island Music Festival to name a few … oh yeah, and this blogger’s wedding! Happy October everyone!
NOVEMBER 22, 2012
Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.
- Oprah Winfrey
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. What am I thankful for? Where do I start? Thank you to everyone in my life for making me truly thankful everyday that I wake-up. Every year that passes, I learn to love life that much more and strive to do whatever it takes to get the most out of life. I’m especially thankful this year for my lovely new wife and my ever-growing, loving family. Love you all!