What’s Your Philosophy of Living?

A few months ago a good friend was visiting, having just returned from a short adventure in China. I really admire how he is living his life. The trip to China was about taking a chance. Chasing an opportunity to see where it might lead. This friend is also someone who easily dances with life’s bigger, more philosophical questions, which is another reason I enjoy our friendship so much.

 

In our last conversation I asked him, “What is your philosophy of living?” We took a moment to get clarity about what I really meant by the question and finally settled on, the principle that guides your daily actions. He wrestled with the question for a bit as he thought out loud, but eventually declared an answer that seemed graceful, fitting and captured the essence of his life.

 

I, of course, knew I now needed to answer this question for myself. I pondered it for a while until this thought emerged – Leave everyone I touch with a greater sense of hope and possibility. At my core, I believe this is who I am, how I approach life and what guides my daily actions.

 

If you do not have a sense of what your Philosophy of Living is, the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to distinguish this for yourself. I do not believe many people take the time to understand this about themselves, and as a result, they may feel a bit rudderless in life, wondering what they are doing, why they are here or what the meaning of life is.

 

The irony of those questions is that they are not bigger questions about life itself, but rather questions about YOU as an individual and how you define your life. Many people avoid thinking about this because they feel it is hard. In reality, I think they avoid thinking about it because then they might have to actually begin living their life as they truly desire.

 

Don’t waste another year of your precious life avoiding this question. Seek the clarity your Philosophy of Living provides and set sail in 2015 with a stiff wind at your back and a strong rudder to guide you!

 

“What is it that I really want to do with the one wild, precious thing called my life? Don’t go back to sleep. The fires are always kindled. Don’t go back to sleep.”

– Anais Nin

 

The year is young! As arbitrary as time and our declaration of a new year is, it is an opportunity for all of us to begin anew!! If you feel you have been wandering aimlessly through your life or business, now is the perfect time to reset your direction and commitment.

 

As hard as that may sound at first, all it really requires is some quiet time away from your distractions so that you can focus on and reconnect to who you really are and what you are committed to. You may pretend you don’t know, but that is just another smokescreen keeping you from what you really desire.

 

Read how this applies to your business here.

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Your Answer Will Determine Your Success

I have been coaching for 12 years now, and during that time every one of my clients has achieved the goals they focused on.  Every single one.

 

That is not a testament to my coaching.  That is a testament to the human spirit and what is possible when we unleash the power within us and focus on our desires.

 

There is one important question that generates success like this and it escapes most people their whole lives — Do you know and understand your “why”?  In other words, what is it that drives you to do what you do?

 

This simple question is the difference between marginal living and fantastic success and satisfaction.  The more your “why” is connected to your heart and passions, the greater your commitment and success.  Without that motivation, life can appear as little more than a succession of days strung together highlighted by what might be on television or what you are going to do on your weekends.

 

That is not living with passion and purpose.  That is merely passing time.  And at our core, humans are not designed to simply pass time.  We are designed to make a difference in life.

 

Do you know your “why”?

 

If you don’t, or if you do but you are not aligned with your “why” and living it every day, then chances are there is some level of discontentment, unhappiness, and longing in your life.

 

Perhaps 2011 should be the year you discover it and let it fully blossom.

 

Knowing your “why” can power miracles you previously thought you were incapable of.  A wonderful example of what is possible when your life is powered by your “why” is demonstrated in the fun and inspirational movie, Saint Ralph.  You can see the trailer by clicking on the picture below.

 

Why not use January as an opportunity to find your “why” and not only power your success and satisfaction in 2011, but for the rest of your life?

 

 

The Universe is holding its breath, waiting for you to take your place.
                                                                                                                    – David Whyte

                                    

Each of us holds a unique gift to bring forth into the world.  Find your purpose and fulfill it.  Why not let 2011 be the year you finally give yourself, and the world, the gift we have all been waiting for – that unique “why” you hold in your heart that only you can bring forth.

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