During the first few months of 2015, I was feeling pretty down about my job. Just a year earlier, I’d given up on my dreams of starting my own business and accepted a position in London with an IT research firm. That’s usually a positive thing. The benefits and compensation were excellent, and the people I worked with were wonderful. Nevertheless, it was not for me — I felt like I had given up entrepreneurship. Furthermore, my personal life was not in the best shape. It was a mutual decision between my girlfriend and me to break up. My grandmother, who I adored dearly, died unexpectedly the following week. I experienced a wide range of emotions. But most of all, I felt like I had no idea what was going on in the world. Have you given it any thought? What’s the point of living? We don’t know what we should do. A manual on how to be an awesome human being is not included in the delivery of a baby. For the first time in my life, I set out to find answers because I was sick of merely existing and not having a sense of direction. In addition to attending the funeral, I was able to see one of my mentors. That was before I moved to London, so it’s been a while since we spoke.
That’s what he said after I finished telling him the whole story. Some universal principles lead to a happy, wealthy and healthy life even though there is no right or wrong way to live your life. So, of course, my first question was, “On what principles? “Miyagi-style, in a way he spoke: I believe you are aware of the fundamentals. Everyone does, and it’s not a big deal. 99 per cent of the population, on the other hand, does not follow through on their own knowledge the best and most badass wisdom I’ve ever heard is contained in that one sentence. People rarely follow through on their promises. My life was also like that. In order to discover the principles my mentor was referring to, I spent the next year or so thinking, reading, and researching. “What are the things that people talk about, but never do?” I asked myself. This is the best I could come up with so far.
1. There is no gain if you do not put any strain on yourself.
Every now and then, we’ll bring up the topic of doing something completely out of character for us. There are so many things you can do, from running marathons to skydiving to starting businesses to travelling the world to writing books to make movies, and the list goes on and on. Think about the things you’ve always wanted to do. I’d like to ask you a question now. What’s keeping you from completing those tasks? Almost always, the answer is the same: It’s difficult. Life is supposed to be difficult. I’m so sorry to have to break this to you. That’s one of the most important things I’ve learned. Don’t be afraid to take on difficult tasks. Instead, focus on becoming a person who can withstand adversity. Mentally and physically. The adage “no pain, no gain” is true in every way. Muscles become weakened if they are not overworked. Cognitive ability will deteriorate if you don’t put your mind to work. If you don’t put yourself through the wringer, you’ll lose your moxie.”You rust away if you take a break. “Helen Hayes, née Hayes
2. Keep A Positive Attitude at All Times
Despite the fact that everyone is aware of this, I rarely see people putting it into practice in their daily lives. Whether at work, at home, or amongst their friends and family, they put up with a lot of negativity. Isn’t that normal? Because negativity permeates everything. People are, in fact, inherently pessimistic. That’s how we’ve been programmed from the start. This is why you see so much complaining, blaming, backstabbing, jealousy and bullies in the world today. All those things, on the other hand, keep you from having a healthy and prosperous life. So why do you allow yourself to be surrounded by negativity? Humans have the flaw of always seeing the best in others.
“It’s clear he cares.”
“She’ll turn around,” I said.
It was an accident, she insisted, and he apologised profusely.
“The future will be different.”
No one can be changed, isn’t that true? So, what’s the point? People only undergo a transformation when THEY DECIDE TO. Avoiding negativity is a good idea. No matter what.
3. Give more than you receive
You’re well cared for as a baby. Food, shelter and a lot of love are all provided by your parents. There are many things you have been given even if your childhood was not the best. Weirdly, we tend to carry that habit of taking things into adulthood. Taking, taking, taking is something we take for granted. In fact, we believe that we should be granted our requests in their entirety. There were long periods of time when I was in the same situation. However, in retrospect, I was being a liar. We are not entitled to any benefits. Is anyone obligated to give you the position you applied for? What about the promotion you desire? What about the gym’s sexy new member? Or even a resounding triumph? Rather than focusing on what you want, start thinking about what you can give. Taking is not the point of life. Don’t hesitate to start giving more. Do not be surprised if you receive additional offers. “The effect you have on others is the most valuable currency there is.”— Jim Carrey Helping others is the most important thing you will ever do in your life.
4. Time Is More Valuable Than Money
Out of all the resources in the world, time is the most valuable resource you have. “Yeah dude, I know that by now. “But why do we collectively spend time like we have an unlimited supply of it? Do you ever stop and think about how much time you have left on this earth? Let’s say you get to live to 80 years. Just do the math. It’s not that long if you keep wasting your time. Be more selective with your time. Don’t squander it as you can always get it back. Sure, you can always earn back the money that you’ve spent, but you can never earn back time. Once you spend time, it’s lost forever.
5. Create Your Own Path
We look at others and view them as examples. Fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, friends, bosses, mentors, authors, entrepreneurs, and artists. I’ve done that too. In fact, I still do it. Learning from others is one of the best things that I’ve done. Being humble is a good thing. But here’s the catch: You’re not all those people. You are you. That means one simple thing: Get off the beaten path and create your own. Of course, travelling the road that has been paved by others is much easier. But it’s not fulfilling. And accomplishment weighs more than money, status, and even comfort. Don’t be afraid to go in an unknown direction. Go places where people have never been before. How do you know you’re going somewhere new? People will likely not understand you. And that’s a good thing. “Men almost always walk in paths beaten by others and act by imitation.”— Niccolò Machiavelli
6. Do Whatever Life Expects of You
Look, life is random. Why are you born to your parents? Why do you live where you live? Why were you bullied at school? Why, why, why? Do you have the answers? I doubt it. Instead of wishing that things were different, accept the circumstances of your life. No matter how bad they are. Things are what they are. Look at it this way: Regardless of where you are in life, you are there for some reason. God, the universe, invisible forces. It doesn’t matter what it is. But when life expects something from you, show up and play your part.
7. Life Moves in One Direction
You can live in three different time dimensions in your head.
The past
The future
The present
If you live in the past, you’re stuck in the “why” mode. That means you always think about why things happened. That’s a recipe for unhappiness. If you live in the future, you live in the “what if” mode. That state of mind causes anxiety about everything that MIGHT happen in the future. Again, that’s a recipe for living a timid life. You know that damned well. You also know that there’s only one ACTUAL time dimension; the present.
Why don’t we live in the present? There are millions of things that prevent us from living in real time. One thing that has helped me let go of the past and future is to understand this: Life keeps moving forward — it doesn’t care what I think or do, so I might as well not waste my time on stuff I can’t control. If you look at it from a practical point of view, it doesn’t make sense to question the things that happen in our life — we just have to keep moving forward. There you have it — stuff you know, but don’t do. I can’t guarantee a good life if you follow all principles. But when you follow these principles, you have more respect for the subtlety of life. Because these principles have one goal: Get the most out of life. And that’s the only point there is.
