These are what I currently consider central priorities in my life. I don't really have a well-thought-out philosophy on life or any generalizable insights on living it well. This list is simply an exercise in reflection. I think focusing on these things would minimize regret for the 80-year-old Vinay and increase my day-to-day life satisfaction now. I fully expect this list to evolve and change as I do myself.
1. Connection
Cultivating and improving relationships with family and friends is the most important thing in my book. For me, this means being radically honest, communicating better, and being more present. It also means having a better relationship with myself. I believe the quality of your relationships is inextricably linked to your self-esteem. If everything goes to shit but I still manage to have great friends, people that will be at my 80th birthday party, I think life would be more than okay.
2. Freedom
Freedom to me is having the ability to do more of what I want to, when I want to, with the people I want to be with. This requires good health (physical and mental) and economic freedom. This also means being more grateful, more resilient to social pressure, and more selective about my wants in life.
3. Growth
I want to be someone who learns more about the world and becomes better over time. The game I want to play most actively is the one that bridges the (huge) gap between my current self and aspirational one.
4. Excitement
Doing new things, making memories, traveling to new places, meeting new people, and generally having a good time. Excitement just seems like something I should be optimizing for.
5. Impact
I don’t know how or what, but I do know that I want to be someone who helps move the needle forward for others. I’ve been tremendously lucky in my life and feel a strong responsibility to give back.