Warren Buffett's 7 Secrets for Living a Happy and Simple Life

Warren Buffett never flies in a private jet -- even though he owns the largest private jet company. He also lives in a small three-bedroom house he bought 50 years ago, and keeps himself occupied by playing online bridge. It is refreshing, and inspiring, to hear of a man with all the wealth in the world who still believes that happiness lies not with riches but within yourself. You, too, may become immensely happier by integrating some of the following wisdom into your own life. Secret #1: Happiness comes from within. “In my adult business life I have never had to make a choice of trading between professional and personal. I tap-dance to work, and when I get there it’s tremendous fun.” -- Warren Buffett If you do what you love and love what you do, you’ll naturally be productive. Secret #2: Find happiness in simple pleasures. “I have simple pleasures. I play bridge online for 12 hours a week.” -- Warren Buffett You can also learn to be happy with the simple pleasures of playing cards with friends, playing with your children or taking a walk in the wilderness. Secret #3: Live a simple life. “I just naturally want to do things that make sense. In my personal life too, I don’t care what other rich people are doing. I don’t want a 405 foot boat just because someone else has a 400 foot boat.” -- Warren Buffett Keeping up with the Joneses is the worst epidemic among those who should never contemplate that notion in the first place. Less is more. Secret #4: Think Simply.. “I want to be able to explain my mistakes. This means I do only the things I completely understand.” -- Warren Buffett If you apply this rule in your life, you can develop clarity and sanity in your thoughts. Life is about simple yet profound choices. Secret #5: Invest Simply. “The best way to own common stocks is through an index fund.” -- Warren Buffett Often, the simplest route will bring you the most riches, and the most happiness. Secret #6: Have a mentor in life. “I was lucky to have the right heroes. Tell me who your heroes are and I’ll tell you how you’ll turn out to be. The qualities of the one you admire are the traits that you, with a little practice, can make your own, and that, if practiced, will become habit-forming.” -- Warren Buffett Having a mentor is as important as having a purpose in your life, but having a wrong mentor is as devastating as having a wrong purpose in your life. The mentor has to be someone you can trust. You’ll find that person in your inner circle if you think hard enough. Secret #7: Making money isn’t the backbone of your guiding purpose; making money is the by-product of your guiding purpose. “If you’re doing something you love, you’re more likely to put your all into it, and that generally equates to making money.” -- Warren Buffett

I am back

It has been a year since I last wrote on this blog. It has been a very painful period for me.

One of the most dear to me was taken away from me for 4 years but thanks to God it is now with me. Justice has finally prevailed.

I was verbally abused in my previous job but now I got a new start in my new job.

I disengaged from all activities include my toastmasters activities and writer's guild so that I can rest. I didn't care about the things of the world because I have enough problems of my own. How can I take care of others when I can't take care of myself.

Despite the depression, I was able to fulfill one of my life's dream, which is to help abandon children to find a good family. Many children were saved. I am glad I can make a difference to the lives of these innocent young lives through http://www.adoptachild.sg

I went to a third world country and witness poverty first hand. I saw how they live frugally. I came back with an intense appreciation for life and for simple things that we take for granted.

I came back because as a writer, I must write everyday. Someone suggested that I write 1000 words a day.

I signed up for a one-year e-course by Angela Booth. Every week she sends me some reading material and assignment. The aim is to teach me how to make money as a writer. I like the fact that the teaching material comes in digestible amount. There are assignment and it is spread over a full year. I can also write to her assistant. Her response has been prompt. The fees were affordable.

For the first lesson, I put up a list of sample articles that I have written on my website so that customers have a sampling of my work. Next I participate in a forum where my customers can be found. I insert my signature in my profile. Every day I will visit the forum to contribute and help others. This is like sowing the seed and watering it everyday.

Next I will submit some articles for sales at a website. There is a season for sowing and a season for harvesting. Keep doing it and someday the good harvest will come.

My sister died suddenly at the age of 40. I have passed that age and still alive. I asked God why some people died young and why some people lives longer. "Why do you let me live another day?", I asked God. So I asked that something good will come out of it.

I have also started a facebook account and keep in touch with people I know through their photographs.

I am glad to hear my own voice again through my writing. I hope you enjoy my writing. I love to hear from you and know you as a friend.