Many individuals live their lives as if on autopilot, going from place to place, without enjoying the ride. We get so caught up in the details of life that we don’t really stop long enough to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Going from work to your cell phone to your laptop and back again becomes a bad habit that will rob you of living in the moment. Get back to the basics. This is critical if you want to live a rich and prosperous life. Even some of the busiest people know the value of stopping every now and then in order to refuel and reevaluate life. Otherwise, you become a hamster in a cage, running endlessly around the wheel, but getting nowhere.
Here are some tips to live a richer life:
1. Stay awake and engaged.
Many people go through life asleep – unaware of what’s going on. They go through the motions, but they aren’t fully present and engaged in their daily activities and joys of life. The first step in living a richer life is to become more engaged in your life. Put away your work, cell phone, laptop and television. Remind yourself to be more aware during times when you should be enjoying the moment for what it is. Just the act of being more aware will act as a catalyst to ground you and open your eyes.
Set aside 30 minutes each day to be fully present in whatever you’re doing. If you’re washing dishes, think about nothing else except for the feel of the water and the sound of dishes. If you’re watching your child’s soccer game, be involved in the game. Watch the players, encourage the kids playing, be aware of the weather and the energy.
Get sticky notes and write the statement “Be in the moment.” Place these notes everywhere in your home, car, and on your computer. This will act as a visual reminder to focus on being in the moment, not on the million other things you need or want to get done.
2. Be true to your values.
Your values will guide you and act as a compass in your life. Your values show the world what’s most important to you and will keep you grounded. When we get caught up in the fast pace and craziness of life’s details, we get further from our truths. When you disengage from your values, you ultimately end up dissatisfied and unfulfilled. Take some time to clarify your values and only engage in activities that honor these values.
Get out a piece of paper and write down everything you value in life – family, children, freedom, creativity, travel, health, spontaneity, and so on. Narrow this list to your top five values. Without these values, your life has little meaning. Now take a step back and look at how you’re living your life. Are the commitments you make each day honoring these top five values? If you value your health, are you living a healthy and active lifestyle? This activity should be a wake-up call to what changes you need to make.
3. Create a social and support network.
Having a strong social and support network will dramatically impact your ability to face life’s challenges. Take the time to nurture this group of individuals. They will help you to greatly improve your satisfaction in life. Friends make your celebrations more meaningful and get you through difficult times with comfort. If you don’t make time to nurture your friendships, you’ll feel lost and alone over time.
Do you feel supported and surrounded by good friends? Do you make an effort to nurture these relationships? What simple steps can you take to make these people more of a priority in your life? Can you commit to calling a couple friends every week to touch base? Can you pencil in lunch or coffee once a week? Can you schedule in a getaway once each year? Jot down ideas and work to implement them.
What steps are you taking to live a richer life and stay engaged? Share with us below.
