The Question That Changed My Life

 I'm deeply thankful for a mentor who once asked, "Where will you be in five years if you don't return to school?" This question had a profound impact on me. Another significant influence was a retiring doctor I met at a methadone clinic. He worked there not for financial gain, but to help others. 

He advised me early in my career to take full advantage of the 401(k) matching program offered by my employer at that time - an advice I heeded despite being in my thirties then. For nearly thirteen years working with the county, I consistently saved about 15% of my income which has now become a retirement nest egg ensuring our financial security.

Through constant learning from books and people's stories, it became clear that one doesn't need millions to live comfortably. Living within your means while being accountable and mindful is sufficient.

The life-changing question posed by my mentor urged me towards future planning; envisioning where I'd be five years down the line helped shape today's reality. Whether it concerns relationships or careers, projecting oneself into the future can provide valuable insights into what we aspire to become.

Marcus Aurelius' statement resonates with this idea: "the chance for progress turns on events of a single day." Reflecting on his words might set us on paths leading us closer towards our dream selves over time.

Rather than letting past traumas drag us down, let's focus more on shaping our futures meaningfully and purposefully – because too much emphasis on past experiences can keep us stuck instead of moving forward.

 I'm truly thankful for my mentor who made me ponder where I'd be in five years if I didn't return to school. Another impactful figure was a retiring doctor working at a methadone clinic, who inspired me early in my career. Our conversations about his life and how he gave back to society after achieving financial stability deeply influenced me.

He advised me to utilize the 401k matching program offered by the county organization I worked for - put some money aside and they'll match it. Even though I was already in my thirties, I followed this advice during my 13-year tenure there, saving around 15% of my income. This discipline has secured our future financially.

Despite hearing stories about people aiming to amass millions or billions, you really don't need such large sums to live comfortably. Being accountable and living within your means is enough.

The question that reshaped my life pushed me towards future planning. So wherever you are now, picture yourself five years ahead; imagine your perfect self then ask what version of yourself will exist? Marcus Aurelius once said that progress depends on each day's events – so consider what purpose your soul should serve at this point in time?

Your answers will guide you towards becoming that envisioned self half a decade from now. Let the future pull you forward instead of being held back by the past; too much focus on past traumas can keep us stuck while looking forward propels us into meaningful lives.