“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count.
It’s the life in your years.”– Abraham Lincoln
I love reading lists of things to do before you die, but after reading several of these lists, I’ve realized that each list is a very personal thing. It can only apply to the writer of the list, and not to all
human beings in general.
I won’t try to tell you what to do before you die … but I will suggest some questions to figure out how to live … right now. Each and every day.
Because you never know how much time you have left, and
trying to cram a list of things into that unknown time can be futile.
Instead, live every day to the fullest. Get the most out of life.
1. Who do I love, and what am I doing about it?
When someone
dies, you realize that you never know how much time you have with the people you love. They can go at any time — as can you. And so you must make the most of this
time.
If you aren’t spending time with the people you love, change that.
If you are holding a grudge against a family member, let it go and reconcile. If you’ve done something to hurt a loved one, ask for forgiveness. Drop the
pride, and make up. If you haven’t seen someone in awhile,
call them now to set up a date.
2. Am I pursuing my dream, or is fear stopping me?
What have you always wanted to do? Maybe
something you dreamed of as a
child but have given up as unrealistic? Maybe something
you still want to do but are afraid of failing? What fears are stopping you? And what would be the worst that could happen if you overcame those fears and pursued your dream?
If you’re already pursuing your dream, pat yourself on the back.
You’re doing awesome!
3. Am I doing something that matters?
There’s a difference
between doing work, and doing work that really matters. Much of the time, we use up the few days we have on this earth with busy-work, stuff that doesn’t make much difference, and that’s sadly a waste of our lives.
You should ask yourself, “Will this matter in five years?” I think this is a great
question. It helps you distinguish between trivial busy-work that
will take up all of your time but not matter in a few years, and tasks, projects and goals with high impact that will make a difference, in your career, in your life, in the lives of others.
4. What am I doing to help others?
Kind of ironically, you get the most out of life not just by taking what you can for yourself, but by giving to others. What have you done lately to help people out? Have you been kind to people? Have you been compassionate? Have you been there for anyone? Listened?
Volunteered for those in need? If you’re not doing anything to help others, this is a good time to figure out one thing you can do for someone, and put it into action. Ask this question on a
regular basis, and you’ll make kindness a habit.
“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.”– Albert
Einstein
5. Am I as good a person as I want to be?
I ask this of myself
all the time. Sometimes, when I’m
impatient or selfish or less-than-helpful, I think back on what I’ve said and done and realize that I could have done better. Instead of beating myself up about it, I
endeavor to try harder, to remember to allow my better
angels to guide me, to rise above the trivialities of life to a higher plane.
It’s not easy to be a good person, at least not all of the time. It’s
easier to be selfish, without thinking about it. But is that how you want to be remembered? Is that how you want to live your life? Give it some thought, and act accordingly.
6. What am I doing to live life with passion, health and energy?
You can do all the right things, and yet live a life that’s dull and sluggish. If you let your health go, you will have little energy and you will waste the minutes you have left on illness.
Instead, learn to live a healthy life, with good foods and exercise.
This will lead to more energy in your life. And then direct that
energy into something you’re
passionate about.
If you haven’t found that passion (or passions), start looking. You’ll thank me.
“We are always getting ready to live but never living.”– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Thanks for reading. If you know someone who could benefit from this article, feel free to forward it to them.
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Friday, 16 December 2011
The 4 Marks Of The Genuine Human
We live in a day and age where we are surrounded by an air of superficiality.
Now superficiality and its presentation will last for a while, but in time the winds of change will blow them away – and all will be revealed.
So lets run from such a fake and pursue genuineness that lasts the tides of time. For in the end, the genuine are those who stand and who are genuinely remembered and admired by the generations.
Here are just four marks that define the life of a genuine human.
1. They believe in themselves
Belief is so important if you are going to build a strong life. Belief is what carries you through the times when those around you may or may not necessarily support or understand the path that you have chosen. Especially if you have made it your mission to love what you do and do what you love.
So many on planet earth settle for – but the passionate will often, in the face of repeated failure, press on in the pursuit of their personal strength until they finally kick a goal and rise above their disappointments as a winner.
Belief carries you through the valleys long before you ever reach your mountaintop.
2. They speak the truth
Its one thing to think the truth, but it takes courage to speak the truth. At times the truth may put you at odds with the mass of downstream swimmers. But if its about a true issue then the genuine human will speak up for the truth.
People of this caliber have been represented by the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi, President Abraham Lincoln, Sir Winston Churchill and Mother Theresa. As you can see, that when you speak the truth you stand in the company of great men and women.
3. They think the truth
Jesus said that the truth would set us free. But first we must learn how to think the truth.
One of the ways this can take place in your mind is to learn the art of questioning everything.
So many go through life simply accepting everything that is thrust at them within religious, educational, scientific, political, and social circles.
But humans were never created to be sponges, and in recent days we have once again seen how the general populous has suddenly risen up with one voice against despotic governments, some which have ruled and reigned for more than four decades, and within days, weeks and months these regimes have toppled.
Why?
Because people started to think – in unison – the truth.
4. They act the truth
This thinking has then led to action. And this is where the power is unleashed – when you take this belief, this speech, and this thinking, and translate it into the power of action.
For until you act – it is but a dream. However, if you have the will to take even the first tentative action steps, then watch how things change both in your life and in the lives of others.
For this is the fourth mark of the genuine human – truthful action.
So believe the truth about yourself – that you are a valuable human and have value to bring to your world. Speak and think the truth and finally act truthfully – no matter what others say or think – for you must be true to yourself, and to your personal uniqueness.
These are the marks that will lead you all the way to true happiness and fulfilment.
*Inspired by notes in a sermon*
So which of these marks are you currently working on in your life?
Thanks for reading. If you know someone who could benefit from this article, feel free to forward it to them.
Now superficiality and its presentation will last for a while, but in time the winds of change will blow them away – and all will be revealed.
So lets run from such a fake and pursue genuineness that lasts the tides of time. For in the end, the genuine are those who stand and who are genuinely remembered and admired by the generations.
Here are just four marks that define the life of a genuine human.
1. They believe in themselves
Belief is so important if you are going to build a strong life. Belief is what carries you through the times when those around you may or may not necessarily support or understand the path that you have chosen. Especially if you have made it your mission to love what you do and do what you love.
So many on planet earth settle for – but the passionate will often, in the face of repeated failure, press on in the pursuit of their personal strength until they finally kick a goal and rise above their disappointments as a winner.
Belief carries you through the valleys long before you ever reach your mountaintop.
2. They speak the truth
Its one thing to think the truth, but it takes courage to speak the truth. At times the truth may put you at odds with the mass of downstream swimmers. But if its about a true issue then the genuine human will speak up for the truth.
People of this caliber have been represented by the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi, President Abraham Lincoln, Sir Winston Churchill and Mother Theresa. As you can see, that when you speak the truth you stand in the company of great men and women.
3. They think the truth
Jesus said that the truth would set us free. But first we must learn how to think the truth.
One of the ways this can take place in your mind is to learn the art of questioning everything.
So many go through life simply accepting everything that is thrust at them within religious, educational, scientific, political, and social circles.
But humans were never created to be sponges, and in recent days we have once again seen how the general populous has suddenly risen up with one voice against despotic governments, some which have ruled and reigned for more than four decades, and within days, weeks and months these regimes have toppled.
Why?
Because people started to think – in unison – the truth.
4. They act the truth
This thinking has then led to action. And this is where the power is unleashed – when you take this belief, this speech, and this thinking, and translate it into the power of action.
For until you act – it is but a dream. However, if you have the will to take even the first tentative action steps, then watch how things change both in your life and in the lives of others.
For this is the fourth mark of the genuine human – truthful action.
So believe the truth about yourself – that you are a valuable human and have value to bring to your world. Speak and think the truth and finally act truthfully – no matter what others say or think – for you must be true to yourself, and to your personal uniqueness.
These are the marks that will lead you all the way to true happiness and fulfilment.
*Inspired by notes in a sermon*
So which of these marks are you currently working on in your life?
Thanks for reading. If you know someone who could benefit from this article, feel free to forward it to them.
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
The 5 Facets That Constitute The Person
The 5 Facets That Constitute The Person Of Immense Value
Try not to become a man of success, but rather to become a man of value.
Albert Einstein
There is such an immense push, especially in the world of personal development, to pursue success, and yet there is something so much deeper that needs to be imbedded into a life foundations if it is, in my view, to be truly successful – that of being a life of immense value.
But value is a multi-faceted word, which I would like to take a closer look at. So here are 5 facets that I believe constitute the life of the person who seeks to become a person of immense value.
1. The Value Of Integrity
Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.
The end result of lack of integrity is ultimate distress, disaster and division.
When it comes to morality, each of us has been created with a moral compass that was implanted into our being the very moment we were conceived. We can choose to follow it and maintain a course of peace and joy. Or rather we can ignore it to our ultimate demise.
Listen to your God-given conscience and watch what wonderful things will come your way throughout your integrous lifetime.
2. The Value Of Reliability
This value is coupled with keeping your word. If you say that you will do something or be somewhere then do it and be there, even if it is uncomfortable or inconvenient.
Oh look, none of us are perfect and we all make mistake, but with all your being seek to be a man or woman of honor. Let your yes be yes and your no be no.
If for some reason you cant do something then say that you cant. If you can do something then say that you can. Be renowned as the reliable one – the trustworthy one.
3. The Value Of Quality
If you're going to do something do it with a spirit of excellence attached.
Go beyond the call of duty. Add a touch of class. Give 110%. Provide with passion. Invest your heart and soul in the assigned task. Listen, Learn and Live the quality life. Dont wait to be asked. Volunteer. Lend a hand. Dig deep.
4. The Value Of Investment
This goes far beyond financial investment. This is an investment of love, of knowledge, of encouragement, of support, of wisdom, of just being there for those who are part of your immediate family, and then on to your circle of friends and associates and further afield.
This is where the value of being a mentor for others is so important. So make sure that as you learn that you position yourself to also hand on to others what you have learned through the power of sharing.
Whatever you learn is not to be locked away in a vault, but rather to be sown as a seed into the hearts and lives of others.
The added value that arises in your own life as a direct result of being the teacher is that you will learn so much more.
5. The Value Of Love
Love is a force. Love is strength. Love is the steel that binds lives together.
To love and to be loved is the backbone of any successful and valuable life.
Love takes on many forms, but true love is more about the give than the take.
The reason so many people in our world & fall out of live is because they have forgotten that love – in order to be successful and long-lasting – requires of them to give, give, give, and give some more with at times no promise of it being returned to them.
But the very fact that the law of sowing and reaping is a reality – the more you give the more you will ultimately receive – if you persist.
This is the value of love.
So stop trying to become successful. Seek first to be valuable.
Thanks for reading. If you know someone who could benefit from this article, feel free to forward it to them.
Try not to become a man of success, but rather to become a man of value.
Albert Einstein
There is such an immense push, especially in the world of personal development, to pursue success, and yet there is something so much deeper that needs to be imbedded into a life foundations if it is, in my view, to be truly successful – that of being a life of immense value.
But value is a multi-faceted word, which I would like to take a closer look at. So here are 5 facets that I believe constitute the life of the person who seeks to become a person of immense value.
1. The Value Of Integrity
Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.
The end result of lack of integrity is ultimate distress, disaster and division.
When it comes to morality, each of us has been created with a moral compass that was implanted into our being the very moment we were conceived. We can choose to follow it and maintain a course of peace and joy. Or rather we can ignore it to our ultimate demise.
Listen to your God-given conscience and watch what wonderful things will come your way throughout your integrous lifetime.
2. The Value Of Reliability
This value is coupled with keeping your word. If you say that you will do something or be somewhere then do it and be there, even if it is uncomfortable or inconvenient.
Oh look, none of us are perfect and we all make mistake, but with all your being seek to be a man or woman of honor. Let your yes be yes and your no be no.
If for some reason you cant do something then say that you cant. If you can do something then say that you can. Be renowned as the reliable one – the trustworthy one.
3. The Value Of Quality
If you're going to do something do it with a spirit of excellence attached.
Go beyond the call of duty. Add a touch of class. Give 110%. Provide with passion. Invest your heart and soul in the assigned task. Listen, Learn and Live the quality life. Dont wait to be asked. Volunteer. Lend a hand. Dig deep.
4. The Value Of Investment
This goes far beyond financial investment. This is an investment of love, of knowledge, of encouragement, of support, of wisdom, of just being there for those who are part of your immediate family, and then on to your circle of friends and associates and further afield.
This is where the value of being a mentor for others is so important. So make sure that as you learn that you position yourself to also hand on to others what you have learned through the power of sharing.
Whatever you learn is not to be locked away in a vault, but rather to be sown as a seed into the hearts and lives of others.
The added value that arises in your own life as a direct result of being the teacher is that you will learn so much more.
5. The Value Of Love
Love is a force. Love is strength. Love is the steel that binds lives together.
To love and to be loved is the backbone of any successful and valuable life.
Love takes on many forms, but true love is more about the give than the take.
The reason so many people in our world & fall out of live is because they have forgotten that love – in order to be successful and long-lasting – requires of them to give, give, give, and give some more with at times no promise of it being returned to them.
But the very fact that the law of sowing and reaping is a reality – the more you give the more you will ultimately receive – if you persist.
This is the value of love.
So stop trying to become successful. Seek first to be valuable.
Thanks for reading. If you know someone who could benefit from this article, feel free to forward it to them.
How can one assess one's success?
¤ Is it by the size of the bank account?
¤ Is it by the number of accumulating assets that one has? ¤ Is it by the level of business growth in the past quarter?
¤ Is it the quality of shares, bonds, stocks or even gold that one has been able to acquire?
¤ Is it the strength of relationships, the number of friends & the state of your family?
¤ Is it the fact that you can communicate with your child or parent on a heart to heart level?
¤ Is it that you can part with possessions & give them to others without a thought of loss?
¤ Is it the fact that you have time for the small & you are not fazed by the big?
¤ Is it that when tragedy darkens your door that you can respond in a state of peace?
¤ Is it that when storms rage you can stand firm as a rock?
¤ Is it that no matter how many times you get knocked down, you always get up & go again?
¤ Is success demonstrated by the car you drive or the house you live in?
¤ Is it simply the fact that you can find what you love to do & do it, while at the same time farm your living from that very thing?
¤ Is it the fact that you have lived a life of influence?
¤ Is it rather a life of obedience to the reason you have been created?
¤ Is it to live true to yourself?
¤ Is it to hold on to your convictions or to do what is right even though it may mean that you swim against the tide?
What is success? For when you discover the answer to that question for yourself you will live a life of complete joy & satisfaction as a fulfilled & successful individual.
¤ Is it by the number of accumulating assets that one has? ¤ Is it by the level of business growth in the past quarter?
¤ Is it the quality of shares, bonds, stocks or even gold that one has been able to acquire?
¤ Is it the strength of relationships, the number of friends & the state of your family?
¤ Is it the fact that you can communicate with your child or parent on a heart to heart level?
¤ Is it that you can part with possessions & give them to others without a thought of loss?
¤ Is it the fact that you have time for the small & you are not fazed by the big?
¤ Is it that when tragedy darkens your door that you can respond in a state of peace?
¤ Is it that when storms rage you can stand firm as a rock?
¤ Is it that no matter how many times you get knocked down, you always get up & go again?
¤ Is success demonstrated by the car you drive or the house you live in?
¤ Is it simply the fact that you can find what you love to do & do it, while at the same time farm your living from that very thing?
¤ Is it the fact that you have lived a life of influence?
¤ Is it rather a life of obedience to the reason you have been created?
¤ Is it to live true to yourself?
¤ Is it to hold on to your convictions or to do what is right even though it may mean that you swim against the tide?
What is success? For when you discover the answer to that question for yourself you will live a life of complete joy & satisfaction as a fulfilled & successful individual.
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