6 Key lessons from Jimmy Buffett on How to Live Richly

Jimmy Buffett’s songs are filled with life lessons that reflect his laid-back lifestyle. Ironically, despite this persona, he was a successful entrepreneur as well as a musician. But of all his talents, the one I admire most, was the philosophical poetry of his songs. They have made up the soundtrack of my life for the last 37 years.

Jimmy’s passing was deeply personal to me. Many of the lessons I teach here at Live Richly, were learned from him. From the first time I heard his music and words, age 18, I knew my destiny was to enjoy every minute of this fantastic gift of life, and help others do the same.

Here’s my story of how his music set me on a course of living richly, and the life and work lessons I learned and lived from Jimmy Buffett along the way.

A few weeks into my freshman year of college, my friends from a campus fraternity invited me to come hang out at the frat house. It was a sunny, yet cool Fall day and I was lead upstairs into my friends room and then instructed to squat down and crawl through a window, which lead to a roof deck. My apprehension disappeared as I realized I had been transported to what felt like a summer holiday.

There was music, and fake palm trees, and margaritas of course. And a guy playing guitar singing about boat drinks. I had never heard of Jimmy Buffett and had no idea where Margaritaville was but I knew I wanted to go. And from that moment on, his music has always been able to transport me to a place in my mind where I am reminded that the simple things like sunshine and good friends are all you really need.

Someday I Will

Mindset is everything. Envision your rich life, design it, and make a plan to live it every day.

“I see a white sail skipping cross a blue bay.

And I say “Someday I will.

So whatever thrills you, anything you love to do
Just say someday I will
Don’t need to know who may help you make it come true
Just say someday I will
Don’t have to work it all out, don’t have to tear it all apart
All you need’s a place to start
And if it never worked before, try it just once more
That’s what your heart is for”

Whether it’s big or small, if you have a passion at all,

Just say “Someday I Will”

Jimmy Buffett – 2022

Growing Older But Not Up

Live every day to the fullest. Try new things. Take risks. Be bold. Be brave. No regrets.

    Let those winds of time blow over my head, I’d rather die while I’m living then live while I’m dead”

Jimmy Buffett, 1980

Tonight I Just Need My Guitar

Need is a relative thing these days
It borders on desire
The high tech world is full of bright shiny things
We think that we really require

Sometimes more than others
You see who and what and where you are
I’m a one-man band with no
Immediate plans
Tonight I just need my guitar

Jimmy Buffett, 2022

This song captures our SPEND SIMPLY motto perfectly. The excitement of the brightness of the bright shinty things is fleeting, but the debt we occur stays with us. Take a moment to think about the basic things we really need to bring happiness, family, friends, free time and the occasional cheeseburger in paradise. It helps us to recognize when we have enough and allows us to Spend Simply and Live Richly.

Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes

Change and challenges are unavoidable. You can’t out run them. But a shift in mindset can completely change how you perceive and face your challenges. Embrace Change. Don’t look back so much that you miss out on your future. Lesson: Life is full of changes, and rather than resisting them, it’s often better to embrace new experiences and adapt to different circumstances. Change is inevidtable, growth is optional.

Oh, yesterdays are over my shoulder
So I can’t look back for too long
There’s just too much to see waiting in front of me
And I know that I just can’t go wrong

With these changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes
Nothing remains quite the same
With all of my running and all of my cunning
If I couldn’t laugh I just would go insane

Jimmy Buffett, 1977

Volcano

Be prepared for life’s surprises and challenges. Just like the island facing a possible volcanic eruption, we all face unpredictable and dangerous situations in our lives. It’s up to us to find a way to overcome these obstacles and come out stronger on the other side. You will need to act quickly to save yourself. This is important for those currently struggling under a mountain of debt. Building an emergency savings is critical to help you weather the storm and any potential eruptions!

We Are the People Our Parents Warned Us About

This one was a favorite of mine while in college, trying to figure out the person I was going to be when I finally grew up. It reminds us to embrace our individuality, be true to ourselves, and don’t be afraid to go against societal norms if it aligns with your values and aspirations. Live your rich life, the one you envisioned and designed to bring you happiness. Don’t worry so much about whether it’s the path others hoped you would take.

Jimmy Buffett’s music carries a message of embracing a laid-back lifestyle and finding joy in simple pleasures. Let’s not forget he was also a successful businessman. Remember to aim to live a more balanced, fulfilling, and authentic life. Less spending, more saving, more freedom and more joy.

Mindset is everything. Envision your rich life, design it, and make a plan to live it every day.

To find more music and life lesson, check out Jimmy’s official site.

As Jimmy always sad, “Have fun. Don’t let the party end.” I couldn’t agree more.

LIVE RICHLY. FIND HAPPY.

FOR MORE tips on budgeting, saving, investing, wealth building and designing your rich life start here!