My big overarching philosophy on life is to live large, impact others, and leave a legacy.

The less I have (materially), the happier I am. The less I eat (including intermittent fasting, for life), the happier and healthier I am.

The fewer decisions I have to make each day, the better. The more minimalist my wardrobe, exercise routine, and writing routine, the better.

I keep my possessions (besides books) to a minimum. I detest shopping. I buy things that last a long time, like my custom-made suit I’ve had since 1995, a pair of Taft boots that will probably outlive me, and jackets I’ve had for decades (and are still in style).

I value experiences over stuff. Two things I’ve never regretted spending money on: Personal or professional development (education, courses, workshops, retreats) and travel.

As I wrote once in an International Living quote contest (which I won):

“Travel is the best investment in living life to its fullest. There’s no better return on your money, and you can ‘cash in’ the memories anytime you want.”

I like wealth and I like having nice things. I just don’t need a lot of things.

“You cannot overestimate the unimportance of practically everything.”

That’s a quote by John Maxwell as noted by Greg McKeown in his excellent book, Essentialism.

We’re bombarded with news, entertainment, and ideas from all directions, 24/7. Most of it adds no value to our lives. I don’t need to keep up on everything. What’s the point?

Nassim Nicholas Taleb states it like this in his book, Antifragile:

“Much of what other people know isn’t worth knowing.” Amen.

Along with that, we also have to remember this: Everyone is selling something.

I don’t mean that in a negative way at all. Sales is the lifeblood of our economy. My business depends on it, and so does yours.

What I mean is, besides products or services, everyone is selling something — an idea, a viewpoint, or an opinion — in exchange for our time.

I’ve simply chosen to apply extreme criteria to making choices about what to take in. I say “no” a lot more than I say “yes.” I’m very careful about whom and what I let into my world. That’s the essence of being an Essentialist.

By the same token, I realize I’m not everyone’s cup of tea either. I’m clear about who I am, what I do, and what I stand for. That probably won’t win me a popularity contest or get me elected to public office (which I’ve thought about, except…too many skeletons in the closet).

That’s my own made-up word for the third of my Life Philosophies.

I look at things I want to do and say, “Why not?” I look at what could be.

In our family, we don’t think it’s a big deal to do big things.

That’s why my wife, Emida, is fast becoming the premier community-based mural artist in the country. It’s why I have plans to continue writing books, hosting retreats, and spreading my message far and wide.

It’s why our four kids are all making their mark in the world. I won’t brag about them here, but if you’re on my email list, you’ll hear the occasional story (with a business or life lesson thrown in for good measure).

We Rollers expect big things, and we make them happen.