1. Uncover what matters most to you.
This can be tough, really tough. From the moment we are born we are subjected to the views and ideals of others. Our parents, peers, teachers, and society as a whole shape our ideas of what constitutes a happy and successful life. We get so caught up in what life should look like, the house, the kids, the dog, the perfect body etc. that we mistake these values for our own. There is nothing inherently wrong with any of these aspirations, however, all too often they fail to fulfill our truest desires. Get real on what matters to youin this life.
2. Start your day with your top priorities
The first hours of the morning are a sacred time, when the day is new and possibilities are endless. In every ancient tradition dawn is a time to focus on what is most important and set an intention for the day to come. When you get clear on what your priorities are, the next step is to act on them. The rest of the world is still asleep so there are far fewer distractions and obligations that can cause you to falter on attaining the life you desire. For example, if one of your top priorities is to develop or maintain your physical health, go for a walk each morning. By the time you have breakfast you will have already made progress toward becoming who you were truly meant to be. You might have to set the alarm a little earlier but the following poem inspires me when I feel like hitting the snooze button for the second or third time.
The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.
Don’t go back to sleep.
You must ask for what you really want.
Don’t go back to sleep.
People are going back and forth across
The doorsill where the two worlds touch.
The door is round and open.
Don’t go back to sleep.
~Rumi
3. Meditate
If you had trouble identifying what really matters to you meditation will help. The daily drama of our lives often muffles our own inner guidance. Mediation is a tool to help you reconnect with yourself on the deepest level. Meditation can be incredibly simple. Find a quite place where you wont be disturbed, sit comfortably on a cushion or chair. Set a timer for your desired amount of time, close your eyes, and focus on the sound of your breath. Every time you notice your mind has drifted to other thoughts gently bring your attention back to your inhale and exhale. It’s simple, but you might be surprised at how often your mind strays off track. Don’t be discouraged, it happens to everyone. Meditation is the process of becoming aware of your thoughts, and the spaces in between them. Gradually these spaces will increase, and you will begin to connect to your true nature.
4. Create an action plan.
Once you are clear about the prioroties in your life, you need to set goals that reflect your values. Goals turn your dreams into reality. Use the S.M.A.R.T. acronym when setting goals. They need to be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. Keep your goals somewhere visible, so you can reflect and revise them often. Goals are not meant to be set in stone, they will change and adapt to your life as you grow.
5. Don’t procrastinate on your happiness
It can be very easy to fall into the trap of the “ If, then” thought process. If I loose 10 lbs,then I will be happy, If I pay off my debt, then I will be happy. Goals and planning for the future are vital to getting where you want to go. Nevertheless, when you base your happiness on future achievements, you miss the most precious gift the universe has to offer…the present moment. Don’t wait to be happy, do it now. If you constantly procrastinate on happiness, you might forgo it altogether. Happiness is a skill that you can cultivate just like driving a car, or chopping an onion. If you need some guidance in this area I recommend you read “The art of happiness” by Matthieu Richard.
6. Believe in yourself
Giving in to fear, self-doubt and anxiety are equivalent to taking poison when it comes to leading an extraordinary life. However, when you pursue your dreams in spite of these fears, magic happens. The moment you step out side of your comfort zone, and take risks you open yourself up to new possibilities. If you notice the “I can’t” thoughts start to creep in, pause, take a breath and reassess the situation. Everyone fails at some point, but those that succeed learn how to overcome those setbacks.
7. Express yourself
We all have unique gifts to give in our lifetime, find out what they are and cultivate them. Taking time out for creativity can be like recharging your batteries. Dance naked in your living room, cook an amazing meal, write poetry, etc. By expressing yourself, for the simple sake of expression, you tap into your authentic self in an uncensored way. If you can share the fruits of your expression with others, all the better.
8. Align your desire with the intentions of the universe
If you have read this far, I am going to go out on a limb and assume that you have some belief in spirit, god, or a universal intelligence. It doesn’t matter what you call this ‘force’, or even if you believe in it at all. If your intentions are full of love, kindness and compassion for yourself and others attaining your desires will unfold naturally and be met with much less struggle than those motivated by greed or selfishness.
9. Acknowledge your own mortality
You can’t get around it, our time in this body is limited. I once heard a story about Buddhist monks that kept a human skull on the main table in the dining hall. The skull served as a constant reminder that we are all mortal, and life is precious. Use this fact as a constant source of motivation to make each moment count.
10. Practice gratitude
It has been scientifically proven that practicing gratitude is beneficial for our health, happiness and relationships. By expressing gratitude on a regular basis you show your appreciation for the gifts you have already been given. Gratitude can shift your focus from craving and hopelessness to abundance and joy. Try keeping a daily gratitude journal and watch the effect on your mood and daily outlook.
