A: “Insert stupid idea here ______”

B: “Yeah man, YOLO”

YOLO YOLO YOLO! That’s all I hear and see lately. People seem to use it as a means to justify some of their most questionable actions. That short acronym for “you only live once” is used more as an excuse for stupidity than it is a reason for greatness. It’s constantly being used incorrectly; you only live once so fuck it up right?

Personally, I don’t think ‘YOLO’ is a motivating enough term to inspire greatness. Aiming to live a life that you would live a thousand times over is a much more suitable standard. Think about where you stand right now; would you do it 999 more times? Would you be happy to relive your life again and again? It may sound boring and repetitive but just think about your favorite movie or book; you can watch/read it a hundred times and never get bored of it. What makes life any different?

Don’t think of it as a life that you only live once, MAKE IT a life you would want to live a thousand times! Make friends that you would spend thousands of years with instead of ones that bore you after a few hours. Find a love that grows stronger with time and one that you would cherish forever instead of one that starts out like fire and eventually reduces to nothing more than a handful of ash. Work somewhere that excites and captivates you, not a place that makes you lose your hair or drains you of your happiness. Do things because you are passionate about them, not to impress other people who don’t care about you.

If someone told you that you would have to repeat it 999 more times wouldn’t you change your attitude? Wouldn’t you fight harder for what you believe in? Wouldn’t you give your best efforts towards success? Wouldn’t you make it a point to live a great life? YES; we do only live once, but make it a life you would want to relive a thousand times. If you only live once, why waste your life doing useless things instead of doing something meaningful? Try new things, work hard, play smart, go on adventures, fall in love, and become successful! By the end of your movie/story you should be in a rush to hit the replay button and start all over again. You only live once; so make it worth it and live your dreams.

“You only live once” – An excuse for stupidity; a means of justifying any action that may not conform to the ethical principles of our society.

“A thousand times over” – A reason for greatness; a reminder that if you’re going to do something with your life you should make sure it’s good enough to do it 999 more times.