I taught myself two mantras, or perhaps “questions I regularly ask myself”, that helped me get on to another platform altogether. They’re simple. Like most good things in life.

“Why am I doing this?” is the first one.

You’d be amazed how often you do things without realising that you actually don’t want to do them in the first place. Like an automatism. Or better: like a bumper car. You hit something and you just react by picking it up.

The second one is just as simple: “Is this still the great adventure?”

So here you are, doing something you actually don’t want to do and don’t give a hoot about. Like your job. It would piss me off to be in that position. Having to “work for money”, instead of doing something that is worthwhile and adds value for all concerned. Myself in the first place. In the end, you’ll have to do with memories. They better be good ones.

Funny thing is that a lot of people actually agree with the above, but don’t live it. They act out of fear. Fear of their boss, their career, their income and – and this really can give you unnecessary stomach aches – fear of “what other people are thinking of you”.

If you take a moment and think about it, it is rather strange that you are scared of “the company”. Sure, they can fire you. But if that’s the worst that can happen, you could ask yourself why you are worrying. I mean, if all the idiots in the world would fire all of the people that somehow did not fit their idea of a perfect employee, we’d have quite a beach party. Without the lost souls in grey suits wearing wrong-coloured shoes. Or a tie …

I am a lucky guy. I have a lovely wife, always had good jobs, have money in the bank and a bright future. Oh, and some really good friends. During my career, I really didn’t think about getting fired at all. Not one second. I just did – and still do – what I think is necessary to “get the job done”, knowing I am adding real value all along the way. I’m aware that this is a very luxurious position.

Of course I know that pang in my belly, making me uncertain. But I now know that those are the idiots ringing my bell. Or at least trying to. And I know that whatever happens, I’m my own boss. As the Invictus poem states: “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”

Life is a great adventure. Each and every day. Even when Murphy – you know him, the guy from that law – is around and messing up all the good plans. That’s just another adventure added to the shopping cart. And I’m living it, because I feel rich in the knowledge that the people around me trust me, cherish my company and dare to take that one step beyond comfort with me. And I will always land on my feet, perhaps poorer in money, but richer in experience.

Fear is not a good advisor.

Better start following those two mantras. Daily. Or even more often.