When you look at something as permanent, static, or unchangeable, it’s no wonder your paradigm, attitude, and behaviors can become misaligned with your core values, goals, and intentions over time. If something is perceived as permanent or static, suddenly it becomes easy to begin taking that thing for granted. It’s kind of like the DMV or Microsoft. Or perhaps a reason why the divorce rate in the US is 38%.

You must take yourself to the edge and consciously acknowledge when things are finite, when things are not 100% givens. If you’re business is going well, realize it’s not a given it will continue to do so. Don’t become complacent. If you and your best friend are always there for each other and always have been, realize that can change. If you’re not getting along with your brother or maybe a relative, try and think how you would feel if something happened to them.

The hard part is regularly doing this exercise. Without regular reminders of the temporary nature of most things, it’s that much harder for a temporary thing to become a permanent thing, if that truly is your ultimate desire.

Life is finite. As the English Philosopher and Logician put it: “In all affairs, love, religion, politics, or business, it’s a healthy idea, now and then, to hang a question mark on things you have long taken for granted.”