Chapter 1: Understanding Trade-Offs

Life presents us with an abundance of possibilities, yet a crucial lesson I've come to understand is that we cannot have everything. For instance, enjoying the companionship of marriage often means sacrificing the freedom associated with single life. Similarly, raising children typically limits the time available for personal pursuits and career ambitions. It’s also challenging to spend a leisurely weekend while trying to catch up with friends.

While exceptions exist, generally speaking, some desires simply conflict with one another. When we choose one path over another, we engage in a trade-off. You can't have your cake and eat it too.

For example, if you have enough funds for either an iPad or an iPhone but not both, that's a classic trade-off. Choosing between attending a wedding overseas or saving costs by sending flowers instead is another instance.

Trade-offs are a constant in our lives, where we often balance the loss of one option against the benefits of another, typically relying on our instincts for guidance. This balance leads us to the concept of opportunity cost, a key idea in economics. A classic scenario involves someone treating you to a free lunch; while you enjoy the meal, you are still forgoing various other activities you might have chosen to pursue instead—like an extra hour of work, sleep, or writing.

In essence, every time you agree to something, you are simultaneously declining something else. The opportunity cost represents the value of the option you didn’t choose. Every decision carries an opportunity cost.

These days, we are inundated with more opportunities than ever—more interests and heightened awareness of experiences we might be missing out on. For instance, I regret not attending a friend's wedding due to financial constraints. Thankfully, she was understanding, and 14 years later, we remain close friends despite being continents apart.

Conversely, another friend’s wedding overseas was an occasion I also chose not to attend, but this friend was less understanding, resulting in our lost connection.

Whenever you encounter a trade-off, the unselected option becomes your opportunity cost. Life's trade-offs can feel like a gamble; sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but that is simply how life operates.

Chapter 2: The Journey of Trade-Offs

The first video, "Can't Have Everything," emphasizes the importance of recognizing our limitations while pursuing what truly matters in life.

When I was a student of art, I was indifferent to the prospect of monetizing my creative work. I devoted countless hours to films and performance art. After graduation, I joined a creative agency, which opened my eyes to the business side of creativity.

As I advanced in my agency career, I developed a more pragmatic mindset. While some viewed this as compromising my authenticity, I perceived it as a necessary trade-off. Being employed to create means adhering to a different agenda where the client calls the shots.

Today, I earn a decent income in a creative field, yet the nature of my work is commercial rather than artistic. Although I do not regret my choices, I would be dishonest if I claimed I do not miss certain aspects of my former free-spirited self. As we mature, we accumulate responsibilities, which necessitates navigating trade-offs, changes, and compromises.

Is selling out merely a facet of growing up? When undergoing significant life transitions, it's not uncommon for some people to be dismissive or unsupportive of your aspirations. My advice? Pay them no mind. When others undermine your dreams, it reflects their limitations, not yours. They may lack the same ambition or drive and might prefer that you remain within their comfort zones.

Remember, other people's limitations do not define yours. Your only constraints are those you impose on yourself. Seek out your supporters—your tribe. Surround yourself with positive influences.

Trade-offs manifest in various forms. Many writers fantasize about how much more they could write without work or other responsibilities. However, in my experience, some of my best work has emerged during limited time slots throughout the week.

During weekdays, I rise early to write, often under time constraints, and find that I write effectively under pressure. On weekends, I engage in activities like reading, playing tennis, or socializing with friends. Despite these enjoyable pursuits, I often struggle to convert my free time into writing time.

By Monday, I find myself crafting stories on the fly, squeezed in between scheduled meetings and pickups. While I occasionally fantasize about leaving my job to write full-time, I know that a structured routine benefits my creativity.

Ultimately, you don’t have to have it all. We dedicate a significant portion of our lives to work. It would be disheartening not to view this time as a source of fulfillment. If your job feels like a burden, consider "blending" enjoyable activities into your week. For instance, attend a yoga class after work or arrange to meet a friend. You can either dread Mondays or flip the narrative entirely!

You may not be able to have everything you desire, but you can obtain what truly matters to you. The key lies in balancing the opportunity costs inherent in your choices. Mastering this art will lead to wiser decisions and more gratifying outcomes.

That’s the thought I leave you with today. Thank you for taking the time to read!

The second video, "The Rolling Stones - You Can't Always Get What You Want," illustrates the sentiment that while you may not always get what you desire, there’s often a deeper meaning or fulfillment in the journey itself.