I distinctly remember the moment, in my early twenties, when I decided to figure out what living a full life looked like and to follow that path. I made up my mind not to settle for anything second-rate. I’m now in my thirties and I’ve compiled a list of 10 important discoveries I’ve made over the last decade, about living fully. This list has been so important to me that I’m keeping it as an essential part of my ‘toolkit’ while I walk the next stage of life. I believe it will help you too, if you’re willing, to take hold of life with both hands, whatever stage of life you’re in, however old you are.
1. Actively seek out new role models
Many of us grew up with great parents who taught us good, life-affirming values and we may have had some other fantastic teachers along the way. My advice is to continue to seek out new and different people who inspire you. Seek people whose personal character you think is motivating. They might be ordinary people or they might be great leaders. Look for people who you think are living life fully and learn from their example. Research your role models’ role models! Learn from them in person, on podcasts, in books.
2. Keep learning
Learning new things is not only interesting and mentally stimulating but it also keeps us humble: the more you learn, the more you realise how little you know. Consider taking an online course through Coursera or Skillshare. Sign up for a local community college short course, subscribe to podcasts (do any of your role models host one?), or join the local library – many libraries now offer e-books and e-audio books too. If you need moral support to start something new, ask a friend and learn together.
It’s only by tracing your interests that you’ll find the things that make your soul sing, that resonate with you deeply.
3. Pursue your passions
Explore the things you’re interested in. It’s only by tracing your interests that you’ll find the things that make your soul sing, that resonate with you deeply. It’s possible these things won’t be connected with your profession but go ahead and pursue them. Your passions will inspire you and bring you pleasure and delight. They are a vital part of who you are.
4. Articulate what it means to live a full life
Picture yourself towards the end of your life, about eighty years old. What would you want to be known and remembered for? This will give you a clue as to what a ‘full life’ looks like to you. You’ve probably come across this exercise before but have you actually thought it through? Take two minutes to do it and then ask yourself what it would look like to start living like that right now.
5. Be intentional about designing your life
Take 15 minutes to draw a mind map about what you would like your life to look like and list several steps you could take to move in that direction. Making a plan, however simple, is a powerful action. As you write down your thoughts or draw the images you see, you are giving yourself permission to make choices about the direction your life will take. From my own experience, putting my vision on paper multiple times over the years has led me to change careers, create new habits, move suburbs and save for significant holidays, none of which may have happened if I hadn’t been intentional.
6. Take risks, make changes, make mistakes
This is all about building your character. Risks build courage and tear down your fear. Change gets you out of your routine and helps you appreciate the amazing variety life offers you. Mistakes are just a way of continuing the lifelong learning process. Embrace the chance to grow and stretch yourself. Again!
7. Surround yourself with great friends
Who do you spend the most time with? Seek out people who are encouraging, who value you for who you are, people who listen to you and to who you can be honest, people who share some of your interests, and most importantly, who share your values. These are the kind of people who will bring out the best in you, and you will in turn be a great blessing to their lives.
8. Build small, solid financial habits
Start small – pick out something to work on in your finances and concentrate on just that one thing. Proving to yourself that you can plan and make changes is a good feeling, and strengthens your ‘financial’ muscles each step of the way. When it comes to creating new financial habits, you may find that small consistencies trump attempts at major overhauls.
9. Practice listening
Good listeners have wisdom, understanding, clarity of thought and patience. Listening shows that you value other people. It helps you grow in responsibility and empathy. It helps you to approach challenges with the expectation of solving problems. It helps you learn to put others before yourself. Listening is one of the qualities of all great leaders.
10. Express gratitude
Thankfulness is powerful. It keep things in perspective, reminds us what life is really all about and how much there is to appreciate. Start listing a couple of things you honestly feel grateful for every morning when you wake up or each night before you go to sleep. It might feel forced at first but that’s only because so many of us tend to talk to ourselves negatively. Stick with it and it will become your favourite part of the day and help you celebrate life.
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