We typically weigh up decisions based on their cost to us.
How much will the vacation cost? And those insurance premiums? How much will I save with Supplier A versus Supplier B?
However, a recent conversation with a friend opened my eyes to a new way of thinking about cost: the cost of not doing it.
I was complaining to them about the price of gym memberships in Central London, to which they replied, “Well, what’s the cost of not taking care of your body?”
I’d never thought about cost in this way. She pushed me to think about the long term consequences of not exercising, rather than the short term impact on my bank account.
This idea is powerful because it extends effortlessly to other areas of our lives:
- What’s the cost of not eating whole, nutritious foods?
- What’s the cost of not taking time-off from work to rest and recharge?
- What’s the cost of not investing into one’s education outside the workplace?
- What’s the cost of not spending time each week with family and friends?
What’s the cost of not doing it?