I’ve been blessed to live a full life, and I’ve learned many valuable lessons along the way. One of the key motivations for starting this blog was to share some of the fundamental lessons I’ve learned, which will hopefully inspire and equip you on your own personal journey. Today I have selected a few of these key lessons to share with you, lessons I have lived by, and I believe have allowed me to enjoy a more fruitful, balanced life.
CELEBRATE LIFE, CELEBRATE GOD, HONOR GOD
Take time to celebrate the key things in life. It’s important to take stock, stop and celebrate what God is doing in your life. I believe we honor Him this way. Celebrations don’t always have to be big productions, but they should be shared and enjoyed with others. Doing this is not only a good example but is a meaningful way to cultivate gratitude to God and build connection with others.
TAKE MORE RISK THAN YOU ARE COMFORTABLE IN LIFE
You hear this often, but I really believe it to be true. I’m a risk taker in life, not an outright, rushed one but a calculated risk-taker. Without risk in life, there is not much reward. I believe in paying close attention to details; but also, living too conservative of a life will have you leave a lot on the table. I therefore encourage you to take risks where you are. If you are looking at making a decision or doing something new, take a half or even a full step further than you ordinarily would. Don’t go crazy, but don’t let past failures hold you back and impact your desire to move forward.
MANAGE AND MINIMIZE YOUR EGO
As you continue to become more successful in life, your ego has the potential to continue growing too. This is something I remain conscious of daily. It’s good to take pride in yourself, but don’t allow it to get mixed up with your need to achieve, be better, and produce more. Watch and manage your ego as best as you can, don’t leave it unchecked. Your ego includes everything you say and do even when you’re trying to be humble. Don’t let it get the best of you.
CHOOSE AN ATTITUDE OF THE GLASS BEING HALF FULL
My perspective on things – is the glass is always half full. Be sure you spend enough time looking at how full your glasses are. When you do this, you realize more often than not, your glasses are way more than half full. It’s so easy to see and focus on the empty part; however, don’t let that rob you of seeing how much is full and don’t let it rob you of celebrating that. We all know people who only see what’s wrong in life and it drags others down. Choose to be the person that looks for and sees the positive. Deal with the negatives as you need to, but don’t focus on it or let it consume you.
A GOOD EXAMPLE IS THE BEST SERMON
Practice what you preach. You can preach all you want to your kids, friends, family and coworkers; but nothing illustrates a point better than when one is a good example.
SAY WHAT YOU MEAN AND MEAN WHAT YOU SAY
I am cautious in the things and commit to do, because my intention is to do it to the best of my ability. At times, I will therefore say ‘no’, and I’m comfortable saying ‘no’, because I don’t want to slide or fall back on my commitment. I want to mean what I say, and I want to do my best at whatever I set out to do.
BE KNOWN AS A PERSON THAT CAN BE COUNTED ON
Being dependable may not seem attractive, but it matters more than we often realize. When people know they can trust your word and rely on you to show up, it builds respect over time. Consistency in small things speaks volumes.
BE MINDFUL OF THE COST OF SPEED
Be careful of how much you have on your plate. Too much can cause you to slack. I’ve been learning this lesson for a long time – there is a cost of speed. Managing life at high speed comes with a high cost. Life would be much easier if we could say no to the bad and yes to the good things. However, there are many good things that fill our lives, therefore don’t be naïve to the cost that comes with it.
YES PEOPLE DON’T HELP US
‘Yes’ people make you feel good, but they don’t do a whole lot for you. Be aware of the ‘yes’ people in your life, those that support you, and tell you how good you are. They are not helpful and will not cause you to grow.
STAY IN YOUR AREA OF GIFTEDNESS
Do your best to stay in the area of your giftedness. This doesn’t mean you can’t venture out and do different things in life, but when one moves from their area of giftedness, they need to work much harder. It’s interesting how others may think you’re great at something else when in reality you know you’re not that great. Maybe you did it better than most but try to stay away from areas outside your giftedness and your life will be more focused, fruitful and fulfilling.
GO FOR SUBSTANCE OVER FORM
In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in how things look – polished plans and perfect appearances. However, what matters more is what’s found beneath the surface: character, integrity and follow-through. Decide to focus less on impressing and more on being genuine.
BE CURIOUS ABOUT EVERYTHING AND LEARN FROM WHAT YOU DISCOVER
A curious mind keeps life fresh and interesting. When you ask questions, explore new ideas and notice what’s going on around you, you open the door to growth. Not all of it will be easy, but even challenges teach valuable lessons. Stay open and teachable, you’ll be surprised at what you learn along the way.
STRESS MANAGEMENT
Stress is a part of life and how we handle it makes all the difference. Instead of ignoring it or pushing through without pause, pay attention to what your mind and body are telling you. Take breaks when needed, ask for help, seek wise counsel and don’t underestimate the power of rest and simple routines. Managing stress doesn’t mean avoiding all pressure, it means learning how to navigate with wisdom, grace and healthy habits.
ACTION STEP
Pick one or two of these lessons and put it into practice this week. Don’t over think it but simply start and refine it as you go. Once you feel it has become a habit, return to this list, choose another lesson, put it into practice and so on. Remember, small steps done consistently create real change.
