I reached 30 and I would love to share what life has taught me till now. Hope you will get some insights.
1. Expectation leads to misery
Do not expect anything; just accept everything or else you will be the scapegoat of misery. Expectation-desperation-misery is a chain reaction that leads to predicaments.
2. Less is more
Minimalism is the new cult now. Give away, get rid of, throw away and do whatever you can to go minimal. It sets you free.
3. Legitimate suffering is part of life
You cannot escape suffering; conflict is perennial. If you are a part of the problem, then you are a part of the solution too. Just face the conflict and be ready to suffer legitimately.
4. Love eludes when you chase it
Love is like a butterfly, it’s hard to catch when you chase it. It slowly lands on your shoulder when you least expect it. Love yourself first in a way you can share that abundance. Butterflies are waiting.
5. Vulnerability fosters intimacy
To be flawed is to be human. Intimacy cannot be fostered by strength, the real connection happens only when we are courageous enough to share our deepest fears.
6. Write down N.U.T.s
Have some Non Negotiated – Unaltered Terms (N.U.T.s) in your life. Write them down and be disciplined enough to send clear signals to the people who wanted to invade your personal boundaries.
7. Illusion of control is a mirage
Accept the fact that you cannot control everything. If you do so – you will be relieved from the enormous stress of controlling. Moreover, nobody likes a control freak.
8. We create our own reality
I used to blame situations initially, now I truly believe in the fact that we create our own reality. I think therefore I am. Invest in personal charisma to create the situations that favor you.
9. Excel in what people need
It is not enough to pursue the passion you love, it has to be in sync with people’s needs too or else you end up blaming the universe for digging you. Give what people need and find love in it – the universe works that way.
10. Do what you believe in even when no one else does
“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” – Steve Jobs
Just believe and relentlessly work hard – you will find the treasure.
11. What you focus on is what you get
This was proven in my case. Focus on the positive and you tend to see the negative aspects in a lighter vein. Similarly, focus on the negative and you tend to see the positive aspects in a cynical way. What you focus on is what you get. It’s all in you.
12. Habits die-hard
The paradox of our brain is, it gets accustomed to any habit and can’t spot the difference between a bad habit and good habit. So beware of habits – they decide your destiny.
13. Social networking is “SOCIAL NOT WORKING”
Social networking is an epidemic today. It is a great thing to a certain extent but not at the expense of our happiness. Find life outside the web, the universe is calling you.
14. Money is what you get in exchange for value
Of late, I used to think that money is the result of my excellence. Of course it is; but only when my excellence provides some value to the existence of mankind. Provide true value and you will never run out of money.
15. Exercise – Exercise – Exercise
Exercise not only burns calories, but also your insecurities. Pump up yourself and be amazed to see the new self with vigor and vitality. Trust me, you don’t give a damn for the people who once made you feel stupid.
16. A purpose driven life is fulfilling
Life without a purpose is like a ship searching for the harbor. You need to have a light house to guide you. The purpose in life is the light house to steer you towards a fulfilling and meaningful life.
17. Leading means living by an example
Leading is attractive but it is only short lived if you lead with power, money, fame etc. Just try leading by example – people will follow and surrender to you completely. History is the evidence.
18. Talent is different from skill
You might have a talent, but it is futile if you don’t practice. You need skill to hone your talent. Skill can only be achieved with diligent practice and dedication. Strive for the combo – you will be eternal.
19. There is a difference between “Goal Reaching” and “Goal Setting”
Reaching a goal is a discipline, setting a goal is a decision. If you just dream of the goal, nothing will happen unless you act with discipline upon the process of reaching your goal.
20. Today matters
“If I could come to your house and spend just one day with you, I would be able to tell whether or not you will be successful.” – John C. Maxwell
Tomorrow is never bound to be better unless you have a strategy to make it better. Today.
21. Instead of To-Do lists, have Should-DO list
Multitasking is a menace today. To fight the demon, have Should-Do lists instead of To-Do lists. You end up doing things on-time that matter most rather than wasting time on the junk. Really think about what the most important things on you To-Do list are and which you should defintely do in order to move forward. Those are the ones that count.
22. Give to get
Give, not as a strategy but by habit – you will surely get what you deserve. I’ve disclosed the secret to you, now find out ways where you can give truly and receive accordingly. It works, I promise.
23. Our true reality is in our identity and unity with all life
Our existence is determined by our identity and unity with mankind. Whoever tries to curb or disturb the process of life, they simply perish. You can only get what is yours by giving the other person what is rightfully his or hers.
24. Answers are in the Nature
Rocks become shallow by the constant trickle of water drops for decades, tells us the power of persistence in life. For all the confusions in life, you can seek answers from the Nature with observation and keenness.
25. The circle of life is complete
“What one has done in the secret chamber one has some day to cry out aloud on the house top” – Oscar Wilde
The circle of life is complete at the end, whatever you do, it returns back with the same force. Be cautious.
26. All glory is fleeting
“Your reputation is who people think you are; your character is who you really are.” – John Wooden
Remember, all glory is fleeting. There’s nothing more healing than living in the truth and presenting yourself as who you really are.
27. Brace yourself for impact
Life is fragile; you never know what happens next. Leave no remnants, love life and live consciously, make your mark, pursue the passion and that urgency, that purpose will really make a difference in your life.
28. By virtue of nothing, you gain something
It is skeptical but true. Mother Nature is abundant and resourceful, yet she never claims – that’s how she is eternal. That eternal status is attributed only when one is humble enough to accredit the virtue of nothing.
29. Desire is the bait, fear is the hook
Beyond the perils of desire and fear happens life. Do not get succumbed by these in the process of achieving greater good. If you resist those; the universe will conspire for your success.
30. Have no regret on your death bed
Finally forgive, forget and say your I love yous, thank who you are grateful for – trust me you won’t want any regrets when you’re in your deathbed. Do it now.