Am I living to my potential?

Recently, I was listening to a song my brother wrote called "Mechanical Lifestyle" and in the song he describes people simply going through the motions trying to achieve certain material statuses. This got me to thinking if I myself had gotten caught up into this mechanical lifestyle and was I living up to my full potential.

Sad to say after the deliberation was complete, I walked away acknowledging that I too was living a mechanical lifestyle. Actually (if I were to be honest) I already knew the answer but wanted to try and give myself a chance.

How do you not fall into this lifestyle track that is placed before you - go to school, get a job, start/raise a family, pay bills/taxes and work till you die! Not necessarily in that order and there are many more combinations available, but you get the idea. For what ever reason I have been approached by several people stating that they are not fulfilled/satisfied where they are in life. On top of this, I was made aware of the Pareto Principle recently, I should say I discovered the name of the principle which in GROSS simplification is an 80/20 rule which says 20% of things in our life should (or do) occupy 80% of our efforts. Again, this is a gross simplification as it was an Italian economist (Vilfredo Pareto) who started this train of thought when he discovered that 80% of Italy's wealth was owned by 20% the population.

Now that the gerbil has jumped onto the wheel I am now faced with a decision to follow this train and see where it goes or simply get off the ride because I am happy the way things are. Just for the record, there is nothing wrong with being content with where things are as long as you do not carry a spirit of regret!

What you may ask am I prepared to do? I am glad you asked, you see I am the type to first go and read a few books/articles and then formulate a plan of attack. You will be pleased to know that I have already ordered the books -
1) Summary of the 80/20 principle by Richard Koch (yeah it's basically a cliff note version)
2) Start: punch fear in the face...by John Acuff (this should be interesting as I have already written a blog entry on fear)

I do have an idea of where I am headed and know what I need/want to do. It is nice to see different perspectives but at the end of the day, it is up to me to take the big leap of faith and START!

Are you living up to your potential? Have you already gone through the metamorphosis and feel you are living to your potential? If so, please post a comment and share how you did it.

Blessings,
-d