We live in an uncertain world. Natural disasters fill our news, work security does not exist, governments are still invading countries for political gain instead of focusing on the nourishment and progression of their own people and for many people living and enjoying life is becoming a challenge amidst the negativity, uncertainty and confusion of modern, western life. Which is why living a life by certain principles, beliefs and actions is more important now than ever before. These are eight principles that I live by. Please add to them, elaborate on them and apply them personally.
1. The key to constant enthusiasm is the forging of positive alliances with common-goaled people. Human interaction is at the core of our existence. Aim to have as many friends as possible. Surround yourself with people who want the best for you. Share your thoughts and dreams and they will help you achieve your goals.
2. Obsession is a great tool if used for creating your best life. Obsession is not a bad thing if applied to eating good food, exercising daily and learning to be a better friend, better family man/woman and a better colleague. Improving yourself should be an obsession. It is only unhealthy if it is applied in only one area of your life to the neglect of the others.
3. To find excitement in your life you must go looking for it. In business we know to go looking for clients. The same goes for our personal life. Fun and friends will not come to you. You have to go looking for them.
4. The effortless way to change your life is to replace old useless habits with new powerful and productive ones. It takes 21 days to sow a good habit. Start today.
5. Admitting you are wrong about a situation puts you in control of that situation. It liberates you and takes power away from people who would like to tell you that you are wrong.
6. Spend at least 5 hours a week exercising the body and at least 5 hours per week sharpening the mind. These are your only insurances to prolonged health and happiness. Body = eating fresh food & daily exercise. Mind = reading and learning daily about how to improve all aspects of your life.
7. True leadership is about giving everyone a fair go. Before you write-off a work colleague as having a bad attitude first consider whether your stated expectations have been communicated clearly and effectively. Good leaders acknowledge that not all of us are built for leadership. Some people need to be led and directed and that is an honorable quality. If all of us were leaders then not much would get done.
8. Do not dismiss your heart’s feelings. They are like a friend guiding you to greener pastures. Feelings are prompts for you to take action (e.g. opportunities) or prompts to make change in your life (e.g. problems). Stop and feel your feelings even if it hurts. If your feelings are one of the positive emotions of love, faith, hope, then act on it. If your feelings are one of negative emotions of fear, anger, envy, then recognize it as negative. If it’s fear, then face that fear. Do what you’re scared of! If it’s anger then ask yourself why you are angry. Are you blaming others, yourself or a situation for something that has happened? Recognize it as such.
