Many people spend decades working in jobs they dislike, hoping to someday start a relaxed and happy life “in the future.” However, renowned investor and thinker Naval Ravikant warns that this is a dangerous illusion. He has built his life around the idea of “retirement in motion,” advising people to bring retirement closer to today, not to push it into the future.
Naval’s life principles are as follows:
1. Build financial freedom
“Don’t sell your time—own equity. A regular job pays once, but equity in a business or project earns money even while you sleep.”
That’s why Naval invested early in projects like Uber and Twitter. He believes that you can’t get rich by selling time—you must own a share in businesses and capital.
2. Treat work like play
“The goal isn’t to retire, but to find work you truly enjoy.”
When he founded AngelList, it wasn’t out of obligation, but because he genuinely wanted to help startup founders. If your work brings you joy, there’s no need to run from it.
3. Reduce your desires
“Wealth is not just money—it’s freedom from desires. Fewer cravings mean more joy from life.”
Naval lives simply, practices meditation, and focuses on health, relationships, and inner peace.
4. Don’t wait for retirement—create freedom today
The most common mistake people make is chasing income instead of independence. Every salary raise might increase earnings, but it often also increases stress.
“If you’re not willing to work with someone for life, don’t work with them for a day,” Naval says.
5. Happiness is harmony
Happiness is when what you do, how you do it, and who you do it with are all in sync. Good work, simplicity, and setting limits on desires are the keys to true freedom and happiness.
Life is not meant to be postponed. True success lies in enjoying the present and building a free, harmonious life. Don’t wait for retirement—take freedom and happiness into your hands starting today!
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