- Intellego Newsletter
- Posts
- Fight Murphy
🎼 📖 Read Intellego #014 by listening to:
Endure
The year was 2017. I’ve been back to Brazil and graduated from university. But my mind and heart were still in Hungary. There, I had a partner, a cat, a whole different life. My mindset and definition of home had changed a lot.
I no longer identified myself with the tropical temper, even though I’m very proud of my Brazilian roots. I guess the seasonal weather and manners in the land of Magyars conquered me. Without mentioning the iconic horseback archers, goulash, and the beautiful landscape.
I laid the foundation and built what I called an escape plan. I dropped out a master’s degree in environmental engineering, which granted me to have a good scholarship.
Soon I realized I was just occupying myself with activities I did not care about. They did not ignite my passion. My heart was not in it. For me, the right recipe for disaster. In fact, my soul wanted a change, fresh winds, broader perspectives, a new beginning.
I prepared myself for months. I gathered all the documents, fit my entire life into two suitcases, and spent my remaining savings on a flight ticket to Hungary. Everything was ready for that special day. I couldn’t wait to see my Hungarian family again.
However, the unexpected happened. I couldn’t embark on that day. The reason was I didn’t possess an invitation letter from my fiancé. Rules are rules, you like them or not. In a blink of an eye, I had lost all my money on that endeavor. How unfortunate that could be?
I had no back-up plan, no financial cushion to resort, no cancellation terms bought. Madness, naivety, mischance? I just followed my heart, and I don’t regret it.
I confess it was one of the worst moments of my life. I was in shock, broken, defeated, hopeless, ashamed, helpless. My parents witnessed everything at the airport. I cried for days, watching my plans and dreams go down the drain.
How do you see the world? Is it colorful or black and white? How you see the world is how the world sees you.
Not everything is black or white. In fact, almost nothing is. I tried to look on the bright side of that situation. All that annoyance allowed me to witness the birth of my second nephew. I also could spend more time with my family and help them adjust their routines to the newborn.
Nothing is as easy as it looks. Everything takes longer than you think. Anything that can go wrong will go wrong. This unfortunate episode of my life turned out to be a memorable time, a true blessing. I am grateful for every single moment.
Believe it or not, this was how my wedding story started - emerging from chaos. After a few adjustments on the route, everything fell into place. I could get back to Hungary, got married, found a job. The key lesson I learned from this chapter of my life is as follows:
Remain firm, try again, endure before the misfortunes of life. There’s always a better version of yourself out there you did not know exist.
Plan
Whatever you do or wherever you go, be present and have a vision.
It may sound cliché what I’m about to say. Get out of your comfort zone. Take calculated risks. Think up your moves meticulously, hoping for the best outcomes, while also being acutely aware of the inherent dangers.
Know the value of caution. Carefully scan the horizon for any threats. Prudent measures ensure survival. It’s a timeless wisdom, one of my guiding principles.
In our lives, we often find ourselves in situations where we hope for the best outcome. However, it is equally important to prepare for the worst-case scenarios.
We must strive for success while being prepared to adapt to any adverse situations we may encounter. By doing so, we equip ourselves to navigate life’s uncertainties with greater confidence and resilience as explored here.
Smile and keep calm. Tomorrow will be worse. Cynicism, realism, pessimism? You can never be sure whether your tomorrow will be better than today. Carpe diem - make the most of the present moment. That’s all that matter.
Murphy’s Law is an interpretation of the second law of thermodynamics. Left to themselves, systems tend to disorder. That’s the scientific concept of entropy explained in edition 006. Based on probabilities, perfect order is practically impossible. It’s not surprising, therefore that often things don’t go according to plan.
Accept the fact that things can and will derail. Don’t overlook quality controls. Don’t settle for mediocrity. Instead, strive for excellence. A minor slip is enough to cause a catastrophe in traffic, relationships, work, health. Are you present?
Do you want more examples? Experiment working under pressure for a prolonged period. Or have you ever thought that a shiny apple could be rotten inside? Yeah, each second, action, word, decision counts.
“We are insignificant. No matter how much you plan your life, at any moment, everything can change.”
Apply
Rainy days will come, are you prepared?
Murphy’s Law isn’t just a reminder of life’s unpredictable nature. It’s also a principle that highlights the importance of being prepared for financial uncertainties.
Achieving financial stability isn’t merely about amassing wealth, as I explored in edition 011. It’s about preparing for the bumps along the road and ensuring that these unforeseen events don’t derail your financial security, as I explained here.
Here are three crucial pillars to combat Murphy’s Law through financial planning:
#1. Establishing an Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is the cornerstone of financial resilience. This fund is a cash reserve specifically set aside to cover unexpected expenses such as medical emergencies, sudden job loss, or urgent home repairs.
The key to an effective emergency fund is accessibility; the money should be easily accessible without incurring penalties or requiring significant time to liquidate. How to Build It:
Start Small: Begin by saving a small portion of your income, such as 5-10%, and gradually increase as your financial situation improves.
Set a Goal: Financial experts often recommend that an emergency fund should cover three to six months of living expenses. Tailor this advice to your personal circumstances - some might need more, especially if their income is variable.
Keep It Separate: Store your emergency fund in a separate savings account to avoid the temptation of dipping into it for non-emergencies.
# 2. Diversifying Income Sources
Depending on a single income source is a risky strategy, particularly when Murphy’s Law strikes. Diversifying your income can help buffer against financial disruptions from one area.
Strategies for Diversification:
Invest in Yourself: Enhance your employability by upgrading your skills or learning new ones. This makes it possible to tap into different job markets if needed.
Passive Income Streams: Consider investments that yield returns over time, such as rental properties or dividend-paying stocks. Online ventures, such as blogging or e-commerce, can also generate additional revenue.
Side Hustles: Engaging in a side business or freelance work can provide extra cash and an alternative in case your primary income source fails.
Have a strategy. Life happens here and now.
# 3. Securing Insurance
Insurance is your financial defense against significant risks that can have devastating financial consequences. While it might seem like an unnecessary expense when times are good, adequate coverage becomes invaluable during adversity.
Essential Types of Insurance:
Health Insurance: This protects you from the high costs of medical care. Without it, a single health emergency can deplete your savings.
Life Insurance: Especially important if others depend on your income. It ensures that your family’s financial needs are covered in the event of your passing.
Property and Casualty Insurance: This includes homeowners or renters’ insurance, and auto insurance, protecting your property against loss or damage.
Choosing the Right Insurance:
Assess Your Needs: The type and amount of insurance you need depends on your personal situation—your health, your dependents, and your risks.
Shop Around: Don’t settle for the first policy you find. Compare different providers to find the best coverage for your needs at a reasonable price.
Regular Reviews: Your insurance needs will change over time. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your coverage ensures you’re not underinsured or overpaying.
Conclusion
It might sound ominous. But preparing for the worst-case scenario doesn’t have to be daunting. By establishing a robust emergency fund, diversifying your income sources, and securing appropriate insurance, you can create a financial safety cushion.
These precautions not only withstand life’s unexpected challenges but also empower you to pursue your long-term goals with confidence. Start small, be consistent, and adjust as you progress. Build resilience one step at a time. Life is not linear. And remember:
“Hope for the best; prepare for the worst.”
Talk to you next week.
Light and peace,
—FMV
🧠 My Mental Download:
📕 (1) What I'm reading:
🎧 (2) What I'm listening to:
📺 (3) What I'm watching:
🤿 Keep diving and exploring:
💡 Intellego is the process of gaining insights to better understand the world.
✍️ Letter is written by Fabíola Maia-Veres every Tuesday at 7pm.
🐝 Newsletter is configured and sent by BeeHiiv.
💬 📝 How did it go?
Any comments, critics, or suggestions? Reply to this email or reach out on Instagram or LinkedIn. Your feedback fuels my writing.