“Go to school, study hard, graduate, and then get a good job.” That’s the mindset most people in the Philippines have. You want to live the best version of your life and not just follow the crowd; you want to create your own path, the one which you really want to live. Most of us find ourselves stuck with the same old routine every day. You might even find yourself asking if you are already programmed to do that routine for the rest of your life. Then, how will you be able to live the best version of it?

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” – Steve Jobs

Others will suggest, “To live your best life, think of what people would say about you in your funeral.” That may be creepy and macabre, but it does make sense. Do you think that the life you are living now will be remembered well by others? Will they remember the good or the bad?

Living your best life doesn’t necessarily mean that your end goals are to plunge in a pile of money and get dressed in a boudoir. Living your best life doesn’t need to equate to driving through the busy roads with a luxurious car. Living your best life can be made from the simplest of things. Here are the ways to live your best life.

BE POSITIVE

Don’t immediately jump on being negative about things consider the positive sides about it. You might say, “It’s difficult. I can’t do it.” without even trying. The negative things will always hinder you to see what life has to offer. What you can do instead is to see a negative situation as a learning experience that will help you grow as an individual.

APPRECIATE WHAT YOU HAVE

If you compare your life to others’ lives, then it will just make you jealous and frustrated. You should be thankful of what you have rather than counting the things that others have. There are a lot of things to be grateful for. If you have no idea what those things are, then this might help: 60 Things to Be Thankful for in Life.

TAKE ACTION

Always make time for yourself. Being healthy is an essential key for you to live fully. What is the use of achieving your goals and being successful if you can’t enjoy them because of a failing health? A 30-minute exercise everyday is already enough to give you good mood, better sleep, and healthier body. Don’t indulge on junk food. Switch instead to fruits and vegetables for snacking.  Here’s Pop Sugar’s guide to healthy snacks you can bring to work.

BE PROACTIVE

Every second counts so make the most out of it.  Do what you really want to do in your life to avoid regrets. Take chances! Things won’t happen if you’re just going to wait for it to happen.

You always have to remember that you are responsible for the life you’re living. Make time for what’s really important. Consider everything as challenges that will spice up your life. Encourage yourself to always see the beauty of life. Life isn’t always perfect but you can make it great. Always seize the day!

References:

(n.d.) How to Live Your Best Life. Retrieved from http://www.wikihow.com/Live-Your-Best-Life

(n.d.) What an Ordinary Filipino thinks the Philippine Education System and Global Competitiveness of Filipino Human Resources. Retrieved from http://cie.edu/home/what-an-ordinary-filipino-thinks-the-philippine-education-system-and-global-competitiveness-of-filipino-human-resources/

Fuhr, Lizzie. (2015, August 9). Stop the Unhealthy Snack Attack! 10 Fresh Ideas For Work. Retrieved from http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/10-Healthy-Snacks-Keep-Work-2696471

Genesis Fitness. (2016, April 11). 9 Benefits of 30 mins of Exercise Per Day. Retrieved from http://www.genesisfitness.com.au/blog/9-benefits-30-mins-exercise-day

Morin, Amy. (n.d.) 60 Things To Be Thankful For In Life. Retrieved from http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/60-things-thankful-for-life.html