Usually, it's only at the end of our lives that we begin to understand the power of the road we've travelled. As we busily go through youth and distractedly go through adulthood, we seldom take time out to think about the journey we're on.
One of the great spin-offs of the 21st century shift of power from organisations to individuals is that it focuses our attention on responsibility for ourselves. We're so much more aware of taking ownership for who we are, and who we will become.
Here are 10 print-out-and-keep principles for living a life that you love:
1. Discovering your purpose is a journey.
When you spend time reflecting and learning about what you love, and are good at, a sense of purpose will evolve.
2. Follow your passion.
To do what you love is really the only way to live.
3. Set goals for your life.
A life without realistic, measurable goals will have someone else in charge of your destiny.
4. Your attitude will determine the direction you take.
The quality of your life will be determined by the quality of your thoughts.
5. Have a list of things you dream about; your own bucket list.
When you get the opportunity to tick off an item on this list, it empowers and inspires you.
6. Engage with mentors.
Accelerate your journey of learning by finding a mentor.
7. Surround yourself with positive people and role models.
8. Look after your health by eating properly and exercising regularly.
9. Have a life long learning attitude.
Learn something new every day.
10. Develop respect and love for people.
The skills needed to manage, communicate and lead are critical in a 21st century world.
As you travel this road through life there are two long-term goals that will make a significant difference to your life. The one understands the long-term view on money and investments, and the other is spending time developing who you are. Taking responsibility for possible risks along the journey will ensure that you waste little time on worry and rather spend that time on building relationships both with yourself and others.
Financial life planning rather than just financial planning is the way of the future. You need to ensure that you manage both your life and your money.
Did you know?
Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space lies our freedom and power to choose our responses. In our responses lie our growth and our happiness.
Are you going where you want to go?
There is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey, not a destination.
You may have heard this before, but it's one of the central principles upon which lives grow rich: work like you don't need money; love like you've never been hurt; and dance like no one's watching.
Are you going where you want to go, doing what you want to do and becoming who you want to become?
Look at who you will be in the future
Set some quiet time aside to look at two images of yourself in the mirror of your mind; the reflection of the person you are today and the image of who you will be in the future. If the gap between the two seems wide - well, that's a wonderful journey to embark on.
Money is an enabler
Financial life planning is the way of the future. We need to save and understand the way in which money can bring security and lifestyle choices. However, it is just as important to understand who we are and where we are going so that the purpose and passions of life can be the driving force and money the enabler.
Published courtesy of Liberty life