Recently, i've started to hear a lot about topics on being financially responsible. Not sure why now, but im already at that stage in life where it is important to think about the future. Pardon me, not just think, but have a plan for it. Plan for your future now before your future plans it out for you.
Being a civil engineering student, ive came out something that ive been thinking a lot upon. You know, a good, solid, strong building can only be achieved if it has the right foundation. So i have transliterated this to life itself.
One of the ways to determine whether you are ready for your future is whether or not you have built a perimeter for your future.
What do I mean by this? This means that you do whatever that is necessary for yourself, by yourself for the future. In another words, build foundation blocks for your future.
These building blocks may be:
Level 1 Blocks. Enjoy
Live your life to the fullest. Go outside. Go travelling. Go hiking. Play football. Hang out with friends. Find your soul. Do whatever you want that fills your heart with the utmost joy. Shun away all the haters and negativity. Know that they're not good for your soul, for your heart. The main emphasis here is to have fun! Trust me, these are building blocks. If you dont enjoy the most now, especially when you're young and free, you may never have the chance again. NEVER!
Level 2 Blocks. Set Goals, Targets, Achievements. Dreams.
I have said this many times. It is so damn important to set all these. A 2,3,5,10-year plan is absolutely necessary. This must be written down in complete detail. However, you must understand that times change and it is okay if you dont achieve it. Try your utmost best to stick by it and achieve those set goals and dreams. Modify it only if necessary. Reward yourself greatly if you achieve it.
Level 3 Blocks. Knowledge (main bulk of your perimeter)
The typical sort of knowledge people might hear is to get certificates, a diploma or a degree. Although theyre important and theyre also apart of the building blocks, what i mean here is to learn about your future and what it will consists of. Your future challenges. What your future may involve. Learn how to be financially responsible, learn about your job, learn your job market, learn how to be effective people, learn how to be good employees. learn to be spiritually sound. learn about buying BTO houses, learn about insurances, cpf, medisave, life savings, investments and all those kind of adult terms and lingos that you will eventually, inevitably use in the future. Most importantly, learn from the people who have gone through all these so that you dont make the same mistakes they did.
Another type of learning is about marriage. Learn the difficulties in maintaining a relationship/marriage, learn how to handle a baby, learn what it takes be a good dad/mom. Most importantly learn about your potential spouse probably even before you marry him/her. Learn what he/she likes and dislikes. Learn whether his/her life ambitions fits yours. learn his/her life values fit yours. Learn that whatever you do will have and impact on both parties. This is learning how to be responsible in a relationship. This is an absolutely important foundation in your building block. You see, the structural integrity of your life may crumble if this part you got it all messed up.
Look theres so many things to learn about. Different people are at a different stage/situations in their lives to learn about a certain something. The point here is to learn for your future!
Look theres so many things to learn about. Different people are at a different stage/situations in their lives to learn about a certain something. The point here is to learn for your future!
Next: Application!
Now after getting your building blocks ready and your perimeter walls all strong and solid, You are ready to apply. What's the use if you have all the knowledge in the world but you don't apply it?
The point is....
Once you get all your building blocks of your life's perimeter settled, you are now ready to fill the empty spaces in the middle; with your soulmate. If he/she too has build blocks before then kudos to you! Both of you are well prepared for the future as both your foundation is strong and stable. You can now build a future together. If he/she doesnt have the same building blocks yet, its okay. Guide him/her! Since you have the foundation, it is easier to impart the knowledge to him/her. The key here is at least one party should have built the foundation first. (preferably this has to be done by the guy lah.)
The main point here is to be well equipped for future challenges that you may face and if you arent equipped or well versed in the future, you are not ready for it. Don't you ever try and get someone involved in your life yet if you dont have these building blocks yet, especially if you're a guy. Get yourself ready for your future now so that the future you will thank you later.
(Do note that these are just a walkthough. There are definitely in depth topics in relation to all the specific points mentioned.)
Alright that's all. I hope ive brought some enlightenment. If not much, a little bit will do. Hope you'd get some takeaways from this.
