Embrace the Struggle for Lasting Success

"Suffering is part of life, but it's also the key to success." - Mark Manson, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

Society often equates happiness with the absence of suffering. But, the truth is, enduring suffering for a purposeful goal leads to lasting happiness and success. This realization is not only profound but also incredibly useful.

When guiding young minds, we often advise them to pursue careers or lives based on their passions. However, the deciding factor in their success and happiness isn't their love for the job, but their ability to endure its most challenging aspects.

Instead of asking if you enjoy math when considering a career as an actuary, ask yourself if you're willing to study for an hour or more a day for years. Instead of wondering if you want to manage money, consider if you're comfortable cold calling family, friends, and strangers to ask for money.

In essence, when evaluating a career path, focus on the hardest part and ensure you're prepared to face the suffering. This is the secret to lasting success and happiness.

-Charles Johnson, FSA, CERA

How 'Sustainable Brain' Helped Me Rediscover Passion and Purpose as an Actuary

Running is a passion of mine. Sometimes, when I embark on a long run, my focus shifts entirely from my feet to the rhythm of the journey. It's akin to how we immerse ourselves in our work, often forgetting to check in with our own minds.

A few years ago, I felt like I’d woken up. I realized I was in a place that wasn’t exciting to me. Akin to suddenly feeling your feet on fire from running too long on a path that was hard on them.

It took months of reflection, searching and mentors to figure out what was wrong, why, and what to do about it.

The "Sustainable Brain" by Aree Bly - is a book filled with thought-provoking experiments, exercises, and relatable tales. It's a book I wish I had discovered earlier, and I'm grateful to have read it and gained some valuable tools. As a fellow actuary and analytical thinker, I found Aree's perspective quite relatable.

So, if you're an actuary or an analytical thinker looking to take a step back and evaluate yourself and your career, "Sustainable Brain" is a great place to start. Remember, just like running, work can be a blast, but don't forget to take care of the things that make it all possible - your brain and your feet!

-Charles Johnson, FSA, CERA

Quality Over Quantity in Personal and Professional Growth

The more I read, the more I appreciate quality over quantity. Few books have condensed life-long lessons as well as The Greatest Salesman.

While depicted as a fictional ancient story that is tailored broadly to sales, the lessons contained within are timeless pieces of advice for anyone to achieve both personal and professional success.

Scroll I: I Will Form Good Habits and Become Their Slave

This scroll emphasizes the power of habits in shaping one's destiny and success. It encourages us to cultivate positive habits that lead to personal and professional growth. This is the cornerstone of all the remaining scrolls.

Scroll II: I Will Greet This Day with Love in My Heart

Focuses on the importance of love and compassion in all interactions. It encourages embracing each day with a positive attitude and treating others with kindness and empathy. It reminds me of one of the best pieces of advice I ever received, “Lead with love”

Scroll III: I Will Persist Until I Succeed

Highlights the virtue of persistence and determination in achieving goals. It stresses the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges and setbacks. A lesson learned through experience of every credentialed actuary.

Scroll IV: I Am Nature's Greatest Miracle

Discusses the uniqueness and potential within each individual. It encourages recognizing one's own worth and talents, and embracing one's uniqueness as a source of strength. The goal is not to emulate others, but to discover yourself how you are different from everyone else.

Scroll V: I Will Live This Day as if It Is My Last

Urges living in the present moment and making each day meaningful. It emphasizes the value of time and encourages seizing opportunities without delay. It runs parallel to the Stoic idea of contemplating one’s own death on a daily basis as a way of staying grounded.

Scroll VI: Today I Will Be Master of My Emotions

Focuses on emotional mastery and self-control. It teaches the importance of managing one's emotions to maintain clarity, resilience, and effectiveness.

Scroll VII: I Will Laugh at the World

Encourages maintaining a sense of humor and not taking life too seriously. It emphasizes the therapeutic power of laughter and a positive outlook in overcoming difficulties. 

Scroll VIII: Today I Will Multiply My Value

Stresses the importance of continuous personal and professional growth. It encourages increasing one's value through learning, skill development, and service to others.

Scroll IX: I Will Act Now

Emphasizes the urgency of taking action in pursuit of goals and dreams. It discourages procrastination and encourages decisiveness and initiative.

Scroll X: I Will Pray for Guidance

Focuses on spiritual growth and seeking guidance from higher principles or beliefs. It encourages humility, faith, and a sense of purpose beyond material success.

-Charles Johnson, FSA, CERA