“Seizing the day” is a concept we’re all familiar with and that each of us practices to some degree. I’ve often wondered if there’s a “best” amount of carpe diem that we should all aspire to have . . . or if like everything else in life, it’s variable and depends on the person.
Many argue that there’s no alternative to carpe diem; if there’s an opportunity to do something exciting or great, go for it. “You might never have this chance again! What are you waiting for?! Do it!” Is this a reasonable philosophy to embrace throughout one’s life? Maybe . . . but I’m guessing that a low percentage of the population would agree.
Carpe diem is a tough thing to practice and an even tougher thing to come to terms with. I’ve struggled mightily with it in the past and I’m pretty sure I’ll do so again in the future. I wonder if this is a healthy thing and/or if I’m alone. As I’ve matured over the years (yes, I can hear you laughing), I’ve learned that you can’t realistically go for everything and that life is all about choices. Opportunity cost is bigger than we think and it can drive you crazy. I think what’s most important from a mental health perspective is being able to say to oneself “I know why I decided not to go for that and I can live with it” . . . in other words, I think carpe diem and “no regrets” go hand in hand. I think it’s also about being smart and recognizing one’s strengths and weaknesses; if you’re thinking about carpe diem as an investment portfolio, go heavy in things you’re more likely to enjoy and/or achieve happiness with and go light in the riskier one-offs and opportunities that are more likely to end in failure. Overall, it may be true that it’s better to have tried and failed than to have not tried at all but if in advance of trying, you haven’t come to grips with the reality of failure, it can be argued that you should hold on buying.
In honor of all things carpe diem, I thought I’d share a list of characters that all practice seizing the day . . . but to varying degrees. As with my past presentations of character lists, I’m hoping some of you will suggest additions that can help round out the group.
The Couch Potato
Seize the day? They’d rather seize the remote. In other words, there isn’t anything they’re getting excited about and if an opportunity presents itself, they aren’t seeing it, they’ll ignore it, and/or they’ll find a way out of it.
The Dabbler
Generally doesn’t make any big moves but on occasion, he or she will give something a shot just to say they tried it. Selected examples include: kissing a (non-family) member of the same sex, going commando, having a second piece of pie, putting maple syrup on pizza, drinking a Three Wise Men, and listening to Taylor Swift (at high volume) on an iPod in a men’s locker room. Also, they're prone to spontaneous episodes of doing the opposite of what they'd normally do . . .
The One-time Half Marathoner
They run a few miles on the treadmill a couple of times a week. They may do a 5K road race once a year or a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. Then one day they decide (often through peer pressure or an inspirational story) that they’d like to push themselves just a bit further . . . they do it . . . they get really drunk after . . . and they never do it again . . . (they’ll get drunk many more times but you can forget about another half marathon).
The Philanthropist
If it wasn’t for charity or to help a good cause, they wouldn’t be doing it.
The Family Man (or Woman)
His or her carpe diem moves generally trend with the theme of practicality: a new loan mower, splurging on that big trip to Disney, or opting to invite the couple nobody likes to a Saturday BBQ. Like this guy, they are occasionally prone to intense moments of passion in order to make sure their hard work to seize the day pays off for everyone.
The Strategic Opportunist
Overall, they may live a cushy Nerf life but it doesn’t mean they aren’t waiting and willing to jump at the right moment. Selected examples include: buying stocks instead of mutual funds, going for something other than missionary when their long-term partner has had a few drinks, and stealing second in a company softball game. Ultimately, this individual is willing to deal with the consequences should things not work out and by being selective with his or her opportunities, their overall carpe diem balance should be fairly stable. What separates this individual from The Dabbler? Higher risk, higher returns.
The Lloyd Christmas
They’ll do anything for love.
The Career Development Man (or Woman)
They may not take risks or try new things in their personal lives but in the office, if they see a chance to get involved with a new project, join a new team, or get a promotion, they’re dropping everything and going for it. For reference, the guy in the picture below is apparently taking a different approach to his career . . .
The Hailey
Remember the episode during the first season of The OC when Kirsten’s sister Hailey shows up and drama unfolds because she can’t act like an adult? . . . (crickets) . . . anyway, Hailey was someone consumed with having fun all the time and as a result, hadn’t yet learned any adult responsibilities . . . she basically practiced carpe diem to the extreme. I’ve met people like Hailey before and like Kirsten, I’ve often wondered if they’re really having any fun . . .
So what do you think about carpe diem? Is it important to you? Do you practice it frequently? Do you practice it at all? Do you struggle with it? Do you struggle with regrets? My followers and I want to hear from you!
Stay classy,
Russ
