What Matters Most
Just consider how fast our days seem to fly by.
We wake up. We start to think about the insane amount of things we need to get done.
Then, just like that, the day is over.
And, having the world at our fingertips doesn’t slow things down. It only adds to the chaos.
So, it begs the question: What matters most in our lives?
Obviously, it’s different things for different people. Nevertheless, each one of us has certain things we value more than others.
The Most Important Things in Life
Having status and designer shoes is great. But, in reality, having them won’t make you any happier or healthier than anyone else.
Most of us tend to obsess over what we don’t have. Sometimes, that obsession can become a driving force that leads to negative habits and behaviors.
So the big question is: How do we live our best life today and every day?
1. Identify What Matters the Most to You
First, take a step back and see if you can look at your life from a different perspective.
Then, break it down and dissect each aspect of your life. Are there areas to which you pay more attention? Are there other areas to which you pay too much attention — and should cut back?
For some, a balanced, well-fulfilled life, might include:
- A healthy body and mind
- Family and friends
- Money in the bank
- The drive to constantly learn new things
- A place to call home
- Realistic goals and a purpose in life
Important: Recognize that which matters most in life. It usually has nothing to do with material possessions.
If you attempt to reconnect with the things can lead to a better, happier and fuller life — you may also boost your own creativity and lower your stress.
It will give you control over your happiness — rather than allowing external factors to affect your inner peace.
2. Listen and Pay Attention
Listening is so much more than paying attention to those around you. It’s also about listening to yourself and paying attention to your likes and dislikes. This is a measure of your true worth and how much you love yourself.
Self-love requires practice. But it gets easier with time. When you’re at peace with yourself, you allow yourself to love others in a healthy, mature relationship.
Important: Show yourself the same kindness and compassion you show others. When you look in the mirror, focus on the good rather than the bad. Treat yourself to nice things and be happy with who you are.
3. Be in the Present
Too often, we find ourselves regretting the past or worrying about the future. However, what matters the most is the moment we’re living right here and now.
Connecting with the world around you makes you appreciate what you have. The more you’re “in-tune” with your ‘present,’ the more you’ll realize just how precious life can be.
As Earl Nightingale said, “Learn to enjoy every minute of your life…Think how really precious the time is you have to spend, whether it’s at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored.”
Important: Being self-aware helps bring tranquility and happiness into your life. In turn, the happier and calmer you are, the more things you’ll find to be thankful for.
4. Find a Hobby
Hobbies are the things you do for fun in your free time. They can range from knitting and gardening to golf, deep-sea diving and jumping from airplanes!
Your experiences in life are what make it worth living. They give it meaning and shape the way you see others around you. Doing something you enjoy has been widely hailed as one of the best stress reducers of our time.
You can also use it to push your boundaries and step out of your comfort zone. Sometimes, the idea of doing something new can be terrifying. If this happens to you, recognize your fear. Then, tell yourself it’s okay to be nervous about something new.
Important: Live your life. Be eager to try out new experiences. They’re what add fulfillment and richness to your life.
5. Practice Positive Habits
Identify all positive habits you already have and carry them out throughout your day. This practice alone will bring order to your life. Good habits also result in good physical and mental health.
With a steady routine, you can reduce distractions that stand in the way of your accomplishing things. They also help steer you toward making better decisions.
Studies show that by creating routines and enforcing good habits, you become better at taking care of your life, health and overall well-being.
The trick is to be authentic to your values and beliefs. In this media-frenzy world it’s not such an easy thing. Yet, just having confidence in who you are can help shine the light on what matters most in your life.
Important: Your thoughts are expressed through your words and, ultimately, your actions. Those actions turn into habits. Stick to enforcing positive habits in your life.
Final Thoughts
These five things are just some of the ways you can focus on what matters most in your life. At the end of the day it all boils down to how you focus on the positive things in your life.
Important: Stay true to YOU — and your values.