Adrian Barich: Enough excuses, I’m back to living my favourite quote, ‘don’t let the old man in’

OK, I admit it. As we say in footy, I’ve dropped the ball. I was going along well, following Clint Eastwood’s philosophy: “Don’t let the old man in.” I’ve banged on about it to you, but who knew I was really a bit of a fraud.

I shelved the gym, I dodged my mates’ offer of running a marathon, and I rationalised it all by thinking at least I’m still walking Frankie the dog twice a day.

But as you can already sense, I’ve been conning myself; you may even be able to relate to my situation. I’m sooo busy. September was footy finals time. Then there was that magnificent beast, Telethon, to be part of. The Perth footy club needs a new coach. I had to get around to all my Docker mates who needed support. You can come up with any number of excuses, can’t you?

That’s life, isn’t it? The things you’ve learnt, the mistakes you’ve made, the people who’ve shaped you, and the advice you wish someone had given you 20 or 30 years ago.

There’s also another philosophy I’ve carried through life that probably doesn’t help. I’m a big believer in providence. Do your best to be a decent person, treat people right, work hard and, most of the time, life has a way of looking after you.

Not always in the way you expect, or on the timetable you’d prefer. But often enough to make you believe there’s something to it.

So as another birthday approaches, I thought I’d share a few things my journey has taught me. Not because I’ve mastered anything. Far from it. Some lessons, apparently, need repeating.

Like, don’t put off enjoying today. My mum taught me that, I reckon. I wish I’d listened sooner. And, taking a leaf out of Dirty Harry’s playbook, look after yourself so you can look after others. Self-care isn’t selfish.

Here’s another good one: whatever today throws at you, tomorrow offers another chance. Don’t catastrophise things. Often, even just a good night’s sleep adds perspective.

I love this one. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Will this matter in five minutes, five hours, five days, five weeks, five months or five years?

Be present is spot on. Put the phone down. Stop watching everyone else’s life unfold on social media, stop living vicariously through someone else’s holiday snaps. Start enjoying your own experiences.

I once read a phrase that struck a chord with me. “Put your big rocks in first.” Admittedly I had to get someone to flesh it out for me, but basically it means prioritise the people and things that matter most, then fit the smaller stuff around them.

Journalling or just writing stuff down helps, too. Lists of the jobs, worries and ideas rattling around in your brain. A brain dump they call it.

Learn to let go of worry. Now this is a tough one. Teach yourself to put your worries aside before bed.

Never stop learning is another good one. Be prepared to have your mind changed.

Learn from your mistakes but give up on regret, it’s a bad place to live. Everyone has made mistakes; we are human after all. And try and tackle the hardest or most important job first. It’s amazing how much lighter the day feels when the thing you’ve been dreading is already behind you. “Eat the frog first”, as Mark Twain reportedly said. Everything can be figured out.

Listen to your gut and choose joy. Two friends of mine decided that whatever opportunities were offered to them, they would say yes. Be it sky-diving or going to a rodeo . . . or on a wine tour or even running a marathon. Make room for the things that make life worth living.

And, finally, find your own version of healthy. I’m following Clint: you do you, but please take on board these lessons early. Don’t wait until it’s just about too late.