4 basic principles for living your life to the fullest

The Universe is about 13.8 billion years old. This is the oldest time known to humanity. Our earth is 4.5 billion years old, about one-third the age of the universe. Primitive Humans appeared around two million years ago, which is less than 0.001% of the earth's age. And lastly, human life can last for 80 years on average which itself is infinitesimal compared to the age of first human appearance.

Despite such a fleeting life span, we humans have achieved so much. It is due to the virtue of our ability to think and act as a single entity. Although one single brain can live for 80 years, our collective consciousness is 4000 years old(age of human civilization).

It is quite liberating to think that if we acted right, our human civilization would last forever; expanding and conquering the universe with each new generation. But it is equally dreadful to realize that a personal self can only live for a minuscule amount of time. Just think about it, a human is born in this world without his consent; a totally random act. And he dies without his consent either. He can live for 80 years, or die the next day or next instant; he can never tell. He can comprehend the age of the whole universe yet his own age is uncertain.

With life so precious and time so minuscule and even uncertain, it is very concerning for every single human if he/she is living their life to the fullest; if they are utilizing the best of their abilities; if they are contributing enough for human civilization. And most of us realize early on in our life that we could live much more vibrantly than our present selves. We have been wasting our time on useless things while we should have done something productive. While being constantly aware of our mortality, yet not taking any steps for our improvement; this leads us to the pitfall of lamentations. 

But since you have come this far, you are one of those conscious individuals who seek to change themselves to make the most of their life. Although I wouldn't guarantee I would be able to fulfil your desire, I will definitely share some insights which might help you get on the right track to living your life to the fullest.

I will be sharing with you four basic principles for improving yourself. Here You will have to first, realize yourself; second, pursue your realization; third sustain your improved attitude and lastly interact properly with other people. Each of these basic principles will have further steps to help you grasp the methods.

So let's get started with the realization of your own self.

• Realization & Discovery: 

1. Finding your passion: 

Which activity makes you feel really alive? If money weren't a thing, what would you feel like doing for the rest of your life? Knowing your passion and following it is the initial step towards living a fulfilling life. Your passion could be writing, speaking, dancing, teaching, problem-solving, travelling and many more. For some of you, it might be hard to find your passion but once you find it and work towards it, every moment will feel liberating.

2. Set role models: 

Your role model is the personification of your ideal thoughts. You see what you wish to be in your role model. Having a role model will direct your focus towards something physical which you can easily pursue and not something abstract. Your role models are stark proof that the path you are following has a definite future.

3. Connect with something deeper and meaningful: 

Humans live with their thoughts but they are moved and inspired by their emotions. When you are tied to something on a spiritual level, you find ultimate bliss for pursuing that. Some people feel meaning in god or religion, some in the philosophy of science; but whatever the case, finding a deeper meaning will enable you to live happily even if everything else disappoints you.

4. Discover your values:

Your values define who you are. These are the set of principles or philosophies that you abide by under any circumstances. Values you consider could be basic human needs like freedom, Security, anti-violence and so on. And be sure to protect your values at all costs because once your values are breached it will also wound your self-confidence.

5. Seek advice from knowledgeable people:

Whatever you are trying to achieve, there is definitely someone who has a piece of better knowledge about it. Don't try to learn everything from scratch, learn from people who have better knowledge about the topic.

• The pursuit for your improvement:

1. Make your passion a full-fledged career:

Finding and pursuing your passion is fine but if you can't gain revenue from it, you might have to depend financially on some less interesting jobs. This will kill your time and creativity which you could have utilized on the activity that you love to do. So even if it's a small amount, try to make your passion a career.

2. Be committed to your growth:

Your every action should be directed towards your self-growth. Don't waste your precious time on purposeless things. Always be conscious of your mortality and commit every second to growth.

3. Create your own opportunities:

When you are initiating in your passionate pursuit, opportunities scarcely come knocking at your door. You have to create your own opportunities and environments where you can foster yourself. When you have the mindset for building your favourable environment, you will be successful in every situation in your life.

4. Let go of your past:

When we were naive and mentally immature, we have done certain actions which we regret to this day. But has regretting solved anything for us? Have we committed ourselves to correct our mistakes? We can never change what happened in the past but we can work ourselves to build a better future. So focus on what you can change and not lament what was already done. Let go of your past.

5. Take more risks:

Every opportunity carries a risk within. And when your aim is to measure the depth of the ocean, sitting on the beach won't cut it. You have to take risks and make a plunge into the unknown world. Taking risks enables you to experience a new environment, and learn new skills to cope with it. You might fail many times in your endeavour but the experience you gained from it will be invaluable.

• Sustaining your attitude:

1. Treat the day as a fresh start:

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery but today is what lies within our reach. So don't fret over what happened the day before, you can't go back in time. Rather you can change what lies ahead. Whenever you wake up in the morning, don't lament on problems you faced yesterday, today is a fresh start to your life. You now have the chance to mend your mistakes and do the best you can.

2. Look for opportunities around you:

To be sustainable in your journey to living your life to the fullest, you have to look for opportunities everywhere around you. Even within misfortune or obstacles, you have to find blessings. And when you change your perception in that exact manner, no obstacle will ever phase your path.

3. Accept Vulnerability:

No matter how rich you are or how powerful you are, the misfortunes of this uncertain life will always make you feel weak. Death of a loved one, betrayal by a trusted person, personal health and so on, many things will always be there in your life which you can never get rid of. Rather than fighting them, accept that you are still vulnerable. But what lies within your power is your attitude to such events. Accepting vulnerability and only focusing on what lies within your power, will bring you self belief and mental peace.

4. Get your mind right about money:

How much money do you need to live your ideal life? It depends on what your ideal life is. Do you wish to be the world's richest person? Or do you want to be a successful painter? For the former aim, you will have to always focus on money but for the latter, a decent sum of money will let you pursue your dream peacefully. When you run after money without any purpose, you will never be able to reach your ideal self. So earn only that much which will help you live a fulfilling life following your passion.

5. Live healthily:

Do you wish to be a billionaire who is fighting a chronic disease with medicine? Or do you wish to be a perfectly healthy peasant? If these were the only two choices available, I would definitely choose the second option. When your health is dwindling, your success rarely matters. So take care of your health along with improving yourself.

6. Keep a journal:

Writing in a journal is the best way to review your life. It gives you a way of self-analysis, to see if your actions are in alignment with your passion, values and purpose. Many people review their life daily in a journal; some before going to bed, some after waking up. But no matter what the routine, keeping a journal is a sure-fire step of getting your life back on track.

• Interaction with others:

1. Appreciate your loved ones:

Just like you, your loved ones are vulnerable to life's misery. They are alive now but you wouldn't be able to tell what misfortune befalls on them the next instant. So appreciate their company while you have them in your arms.

2. Give back:

Do you know why billionaires and millionaires are happy? It's not because they have a lot of money. Rather it's because they give back a lot. Helping the needy with what we can afford brings mental peace. Our mind gains enormous satisfaction in helping others. It boosts our self-belief that we are also contributing well to this world. So give back to the people who are in need and try to alleviate their life however you can.

3. Laugh often:

Laughter is a sign of positivity. It boosts your mood and confidence in any situation. But beware, it is contagious. When you laugh, you induce feelings of laughter for those around you as well. And after a while, you will bring joyous feelings to everyone around you.

4. Spend more time with people who bring you joy:

If you have a friend's circle that constantly finds flaws in you, then it isn't the best decision to remain in such an environment. You might start to feel you are really weakling. But in reality, you might be a highly skilled individual who hasn't found a favourable environment to showcase them. Everyone has flaws and strengths, but those who are happy to point out your strengths and inspire you to pursue your dream, are your real friends. Staying in a deranging friend's circle due to fear of being alone is a sign of toxic relationships. Leave such people and find those who motivate you, praise your good qualities, give healthy feedback on your limitations and make you feel alive.

5. Be kind and respectful: 

Now, when I say be kind and respectful, I don't mean in a way that degrades your self-esteem. Give respect to everyone, including yourself but make sure this action of yours is in alignment with your values. Be kind to those who are in need and be respectful of those who deserve you. But remember, if a person doesn't deserve your kindness and respect, ignore him/her. Don't spout negative words about them, such words have never done anything fruitful. Rather ignore them and don't look back.