Have you ever caught yourself wondering: “Is this it?” Wondering if there is more to life than just the daily rump slump? If that’s the case you’ve probably also experienced the dilemma of wanting more out of life but not knowing what to do or where to even start. A big part of this is constantly daydreaming about the things you could do or the person you could be. Funnily enough, you’re not alone! Many of us have felt this way at some or even multiple points in our lives. Luckily, there are some practical steps you can take to turn your wants and dreams into reality. And no, there is no bibbity bobbity magic involved here. Just some good old focused intention and consistent execution. Read on for 8 tips on how to start living your best life.
Okay hold on, before we get to the tips, I want to say a few words on focused intention and consistent execution. I don’t just want to throw them into the mix and send you on your merry way. The foundation of succes for these tips lies in mastering your intention and execution.
The Power of Focused Intention and Consistent Execution
Let’s get straight into it. Focused intention is defined by an unwavering determination to succeed. I believe we all have intentions but not all are inherently good in nature. Of the ones that are good in nature, we tend to not give them the focus that they require to grow. Think of having a whole bunch of plants to water and giving every plant a few drops. Justly barely enough to sustain life but not enough to really grow and thrive. You can think of your intentions in the same way. We often find ourselves wanting more out of life and in doing so never really prioritizing anything. So often we try to do everything all at once instead of focusing our attention on realizing one intention at a time. If you have a limited amount of water it is better to water one plant well and let it grow and thrive, than to have multiple plants on the verge of withering away.
Once you have something you intend to do it gets your full attention. At this point, it is key to follow this up with consistent execution. To continue the plant analogy, if you choose to commit to watering one plant it is vital to the plants growth that you are consistent in your efforts to water it. Most people get caught up in promising to do many things and then never really deciding on anything or just doing a little bit of everything poorly. Instead of trying to be a ‘jack of all trades’, it is better to focus one one thing and consistently follow through on what you intended.
See below for 8 tips to help you define your next focused intention and lay the foundation for consistent execution:
1. Set Clear Goals
When you dream of doing so many things it can be overwhelming at times to decide on which one to focus. Quite often these dreams are just vague intentions that as a result never really materialize into anything. The first step to breaking this passive cycle is by setting clear, specific, and achievable goals that align with your values and desires. Having a clear idea of what you want to achieve is the first step to making it happen. Break your goals down into smaller, manageable steps and establish a timeline for reaching each one. This will make the process less overwhelming and help you stay motivated.
Useful Tools: Making your goals S.M.A.R.T. and using a vision board to help you visualize them.
2. Get Organized
Once you’ve defined your goals you can create a plan such as a schedule or a to-do list to help you stay on track towards your goals. Use your time effectively and make sure you’re prioritizing the things that matter. A sure fire way to stay on track is by creating routines to help you consistently work towards your goals. You’ll be amazed at how much more you can accomplish when you’re organized and focused.
Useful Tools: Digital calendars, time-tracking apps, habit journals and planners such as Trello, Microsoft To Do etc.
3. Cultivate Positive Relationships
If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far go together.
-African Proverb
Great you’ve focused your intention by defining clear goals for yourself. But don’t forget that nothing in life is accomplished in a vacuum. We achieve more than we could ever imagine by surrounding ourselves with positive and supportive people. These people will help encourage us and help us achieve our goals. Some might even find it hard to ask for help, but I can promise you that more often than not asking for help can be a great thing. With that said, having a good support system is essential to success. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people who share your interests or values. You might be surprised at how much you have in common!
4. Embrace New Experiences
Trying new things, meeting new people, and expanding your horizons can help you grow and give you a fresh perspective on life. It’s easy to fall into a rut and do the same things every day. On the other hand, stepping out of your comfort zone can be exciting and rewarding. The most important part of this is to be open to new ideas and to be willing to try new things.
Useful Tools: Meetup app, language apps, travel apps, meditation and mindfulness apps, fitness apps, brain training apps.
5. Learn Something New
Once we open our minds and become willing to try new things we create a great foundation to start learning new things. Hopefully, this is not something we do once or twice but rather that we adopt into our lives. Especially, since continuous learning is the key to personal growth and self-improvement. Whether it’s taking a course, reading books, or just seeking new knowledge, keep learning and expanding your mind. The more you know, the more you’ll be able to achieve.
6. Take Care of Yourself
When wanting more our of life, change doesn’t always come from the outside. Stop comparing yourself to others and ask what you can do for yourself. Make time for self-care and prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Exercise regularly, eat healthily, and get enough sleep to keep yourself feeling refreshed and energized. These days it’s especially easy to neglect your own needs when you’re focused on achieving your goals, but taking care of yourself remains essential to success. And the best way to take care of yourself is by learning to be comfortable in your own skin.
7. Volunteer or Give Back
Helping others can be a fulfilling way to make a positive impact on the world and feel more connected to your community. Volunteer your time or donate to a cause you care about. You’ll be doing something good for others and yourself.
8. Take Action
Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you – actively seek them out and put in the effort to make your goals a reality. Passively wanting more out of life never got anyone anything. Take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. Remember, nothing worth having comes easy.
Takeaways
Now let’s put it all together, wanting more out of life is a common feeling, but it’s up to you to take action and make it happen. Great you’ve got the intention, but make sure that consistent execution is following close by. Otherwise, dreams stay exactly that, just beautiful dreams. By setting clear goals, getting organized, cultivating positive relationships, embracing new experiences, learning something new, taking care of yourself, volunteering or giving back, and taking action, you can start living your best life. So what are you waiting for? Start taking those small steps today, and watch how they lead to big changes and a more fulfilling life.
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“The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.”
-Oprah Winfrey
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