1. Pursue your interests.
If you are attracted to something, act and give it a place in your life. It doesn't need to be sensible or mainstream. Just go for it! When I chose my college degree I selected Chemical Engineering based on my academic strengths and financial goals. Almost a decade later I've finally realized that my passion for traveling IS an option for a career. Whether you're selecting a career or filling in free time, believe that focusing on things you're passionate about is what will bring the most joy. Stop worrying about others' expectations and spend your life devoted to things you love.
2. Use it now.
Whatever "it" may be, use it now! If you've been saving a new item of clothing, your favorite treat, or a good joke, use it now. There is too much goodness in this world to be constantly putting it on hold. Appreciate what you have and then show that appreciation by using it.
3. Be friends with change.
Change happens. As creatures of habit, we often attribute change as something uncomfortable and unwanted when we should be looking forward to new beginnings and opportunities. The past might have been great but the future holds many untold adventures. Allowing change is the best way to discover ourselves.
4. Be Prepared.
From emergency kits to a hidden stash of cash to pre-prepped meals, being a step ahead will save you from a lot of trouble, typically without requiring a lot of work. We live in a world with high demands and instant rewards but two flat tires, invalid credit cards, and indigestion from nothing but fast food for a week seems like a high and unnecessary cost for not doing a simple amount of preparation.
5. Intelligence is not rated on a grade scale.
Realize that intellect comes in many forms and is displayed several ways. Someone might have a few diplomas hanging on their wall but can they reconstruct the wall they're placed on? Do they conduct themselves well in a variety of social settings? What have they noticed and learned about the people and world around them? We often scrutinize their personal resume yet miss the bigger picture.
6. Be brave.
The most influential person in our lives is ourselves. Stop listening to your flimsy alter ego and man up to being your true self. Every moment you let yourself believe you're not strong or sexy or ambitious is a moment you're wasting your incredible potential. You choose who you are and if you don't like something, change it. It is entirely up to you. In addition to being brave enough to try new things, also be brave enough to walk away. Know that you can leave. If you don't like someone or a situation: run, don't walk.
7. Condense.
Get rid of your crap and stick to the basics. The best times of my life have been living out of a backpack or suitcase when I spent less time choosing which of my two pairs of shoes to wear and more time being part of the world around me. We like to think that having more stuff will make us happy but the truth is it leaves you with less money, less space, and a lot of cleaning. It is better to have one or two things you love instead of 10 things you put up with. For instance, stop buying those cheap 200-count cotton sheets from Walmart and invest in a nice bamboo set. It will change your life.
8. Work is your best friend.
Work should make you happy. Working means you are making progress, becoming stronger, and learning more. Vacation has its own places in our lives but it is achievement that instills a fulfilling sense of happiness. Learn how to work hard and appreciate the satisfaction that brings.
9. Take advantage of free.
Think back on your happiest memories. Did you buy happiness? There are so many things to do and experience in life that are absolutely free. Take advantage of those options and you'll most likely end up a lot richer, happier, and feeling less like a robot.
10. Smile. Your best, most attractive, and natural look requires you to smile. But don't smile because its required-- smile because you found a thousand reasons to be in love with living today. Smiling is not only an indicator of happiness but a method to bring happiness, both to yourself and others.
No comments:
Post a Comment