Live the life you really want to live
It is now half way through 2018! Summer is here and the days are long. It is a great time to reflect on the year so far, celebrate achievements and growth and redirect your time and life in line with your current life context, responsibilities and goals and dreams.
It is very healthy to have goals and revisit them periodically. If you fail to plan you plan to fail. It is also important to not get too caught up in the result. Living and enjoying the daily journey of life is the destination. I love this message from Steve Jobs:
‘When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: ‘If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.’ It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: ‘If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?’ And whenever the answer has been ‘No’ for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.’
This is a powerful quote and concept. Sometimes we can get so busy doing that we miss whether what we are spending our time on is actually feeding our spirit and making us happy. There is what you are doing, how you are doing it and how you are in yourself while you are doing it.
We have a mind, body and spirit. To feel mostly and consistently happy, all need to be nourished day to day and in harmony.
Modern life has many weapons of mass distraction. It is easy to get busy in activity and miss productivity and satisfaction. The body needs good food and care (including, exercise, sleep and relaxation). The mind needs mainly positive thoughts, focus, good conversation, fun, and learning. The heart and spirit need connection.
Summer is a time with more light and brightness and this one in particular has given us lots of beautiful weather. The longer days give so much more energy to do more and enjoy nature more. It is an ideal time to reflect, look at the bigger picture as well as enjoying the day to day. Is what you are doing today fulfilling you? If it was your last day would you spend it how you are spending it? Are you giving time to what is most important to you every day?
A good rule of thumb I have heard is to spend 80 percent of your time doing things that are important to you and that you enjoy. And if not think of making some changes.
Sometimes all that is needed is a change in attitude. It can be changing how you spend your time. It can be changing what you focus on in situations. It can mean having a new or different exercise routine.
Sustained small changes bring big results over time. A one percent improvement every day in any area of your life results in a 3800 percent improvement over a year because of compounding. That is a result! Or it can be a more major change that we seek.
As our needs and perspective change, our life will naturally change if we want to remain fulfilled. The old adage - Be careful what you wish for you just might get it - comes to mind.
Periodic reflection on what fulfils you is important. Happiness is always very good for health and wellbeing. Wish you a wonderful week.