So how do we change our lives? How can we renew our purpose and feel alive every day? One of the first things is to look at your goals and your life in tight, day-long compartments. As Einstein once noted: “How many people are trapped in their everyday habits: part numb, part frightened, part indifferent? To have a better life we must keep choosing how we are living.” This means? Before you get out of bed, you can make a choice to breathe in the many wonders, possibilities and opportunities this life has to offer. When you look at your life on a day-to-day basis you’ll soon realize there is no such thing as an unimportant day. Every moment is a gift that should be handled with care and attention.

We all have one thing in common – every person wants to feel important and appreciated. Be just as excited about the success of others as you are about your own. Commit to being the kindest person you know and find creative ways to make someone else feel special. No matter how big or small, try to make a difference in every life you touch. A smile goes a long way – so does a sincere compliment or kind gesture. As Karl Reiland so wisely pointed out: “In about the same degree as you are helpful, you will be happy.” The impact and benefit of your contribution will not only be felt in the heart of the receiver.

In order to feel a sense that you have lived well, you’ll need to find a balance with how you spend your time. Try focusing on creating joy-filled moments instead of achievements. A balanced life means shining a spotlight on every core area of your being. Take time for your family, relationships, career/hobby, goals, fun and adventure, health and exercise, and spiritual or personal growth. It’s important not to sacrifice one area for another. They’re all important. Feeling complete and fulfilled happens when you honour every part of you.

Many of us take life too seriously and need to be a little gentler with others and ourselves. Revitalize your sense of playfulness – become a kid at heart again. Adventure is something that most of us neglect to schedule time for. One great way to feel alive is by trying new activities and going beyond your comfort zone. Write a list of the ‘things’ you’ve always wanted to try or hobbies that you’d like to spend more time doing. Listen to what speaks to your heart and just DO IT! Regardless of what age you are celebrating, life is meant to be embraced and enjoyed. Eliminate any conforming ‘rules’ you’ve placed on how much fun you can have in a day and the level of happiness you can allow into your life.

Are you showing up for life? Today, here, right now? Our world operates at such a frantic pace that too often we fall victim to a ‘busy-mind’. As our thoughts race we find ourselves losing touch with the moment – focusing our time on tomorrow’s to-do list or yesterday’s undones. Practice the fine art of being present. When you go for a walk, quiet your mind and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you. Notice your breathing. When you visit with a loved one, truly listen and feel the treasured gift that relationship offers. When you focus on living in the moment, you’ll soon realize how valuable each moment is and how the real tragedy in life is missing them.

Write out a list of all that you have and are grateful for. Start with your health or family. There are so many blessings in our day-to-day life that we easily take for granted. By writing a gratitude list and posting it in a place where you can read it often, you will begin to appreciate and connect to the richness of your life.

You were born an original. There has never been, nor will there ever be, another you. Make peace with the parts of yourself that you try to hide from the world and learn to love all of you! And never, under any circumstances, betray your heart – it’s sacred and is worthy of your unconditional devotion. Ask yourself what little parts of your (developed) personality do you need to let go of in order to live authentically – to let the full light of who you are and the special unique strengths you bring to shine through for the world to see?

Learn to organize your life around your legacy. Think deeply about the mark you want to make in this world and how you want to be remembered. What do you want to stand for?

Make sure your actions each and every day support your priorities – the things that bring you true meaning in life. Fully embrace the significance of the difference you can make in the lives you touch and in this world. So, ask yourself, what will I do today? •

Lisa Holba,
President and Founder of Dream It – Do It, is a professionally trained ‘life coach,’ specializing in helping people to manage change, set and achieve goals and think in ways that create success.

She is an active member of the International Coaching Federation.

Adapted with permission from Solutions magazine. BCS Communications Ltd