Let’s just dive straight in!!
Tip 1: Something about trees and forests
See the bigger picture.
Get in the habit of catching yourself out if you focus and ruminate on what is going wrong in one moment or short space of time. Don’t get fixated on the tress and miss the beauty and richness of the forest.
If something is not working, step back, breathe, look around and connect to something that is working. And the more we condition ourselves to look for what ‘IS WORKING’ the more we will find it.
Tip 2: This one is about coffee or is it roses?
I think it was originally roses, but then the saying got hijacked by the coffee industry. The point remains.
Step 1: SLOW DOWN.
Step 2: Breathe (funny how that is really important. Apparently if you stop for a few minutes it is all over, So it MUST be important ;-))
Step 3: Notice all the beauty around you. As Einstein said, “There are 2 ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
Tip 3: What is most important to you?
You might have to slow down for this one too (and get perspective).
But seriously. Are you doing something in your life that is enriching it, or is sucking the joy out? Are you spending long hours at work and missing out on your family? Are you stepping back into the comfort zone, when what is most important is on the other side of discomfort? Are you losing connections with friends and family as you climb the corporate ladder? Have you hung your skateboard on a rack because you think you are too grown-up to have fun.
Get 100% clear on what is most important to YOU. And then do more of it.
Tip 4: Go for meaning over significance
This is a toughy. So many of us are influenced by what others think or want us to do. And many times we are not even conscious of the idea that the thing we are going for is someone else’s dream.
One one the keys to happiness is MEANINGFUL goals. Go for the meaningful goal over what others will think of you – but only if you want to be happier.
The research is pretty clear on the fact that extrinsic goals like fame, wealth, beauty, power, will actually leave you less psychologically happy then if you pursue meaningful goals.
Tip 5: Elevate your aim
Aim to do what you do to the best of your abilities. And when you get there, aim a little higher. Just 4% at a time will do.
Growth is essential for our fulfillment in life. If you ever feel that you are not growing, I will also bet that you don’t feel that well about yourself and your life. We need to grow.
A few extras freebies…
- Do some form of charity work or the likes where you are serving someone other than yourself.
- Don’t take yourself too seriously.
- Look for ways to have fun and schedule it into your day / week.
- Do put energy, focus, presence into your relationships.
- Live with integrity and authenticity.
- Practice gratitude daily and say thank-you a lot.
- Forgive people their differences.
- Spend more time connected to nature.
- Move your body daily.
- As Michael Pollan says: ‘Eat (real) food. Not too Much. Mostly plants”.
A final word (or two)
Have a fantastic day!!
Later. 😉
And please ask any questions you have. Plus I love hearing feedback from you on what resonated for you. Also do me and others a huge favour and pass them on. Knowledge used in the right way is definitely a way to access our incredible power. All the very best and take care.