We’re often taught that possession of certain things—like sports cars, job titles, degrees, wealth, followers, friends, influence, and fame—symbolizes winning and living our best life. It's understandable; these possessions and the people who have them are often celebrated as successful, even revered as heroes and idols. They appear to have it all figured out, living what seems to be their best lives. But do they truly? And do we, by chasing after these same markers of success? I'm inclined to think that winning and living our best life aren't necessarily synonymous. Can one experience loss and still be living their best life? I firmly believe so.
I guess in some ways I might be considered old school. I was raised to believe that passion, continuous learning, forgiveness, laughter, curiosity, gratitude, and kindness towards others were the cornerstones of a fulfilling life. Success would come with hard work, but the essence of being a winner was defined by actions, not possessions. Living by these values has not been without its challenges.
I distinctly recall a period in my life when my first marriage ended, a company I had invested in failed, and I found myself in significant debt. It was a tough time. Many voices around me labeled me a loser. Fortunately, I refused to accept that narrative. Despite the fear, anxiety, doubt, anger, and chaos that engulfed me, I held onto my belief in myself. I knew I was a winner because I still held onto my core values of passion, gratitude, and respect for others—values instilled in me from a young age. That's not to say it was easy. It was horrible. Yet, I weathered the storm. I had experienced loss, but I was still living my best life, and that made me anything but a loser.
Winning is important in business, sport, and life in general. Winning feels good. However, even as winners, we’re not immune to chaos. The two can coexist. I believe winning and living our best life involves a continuous journey of self-improvement towards fulfillment, happiness, and overall wellbeing, irrespective of the chaos we encounter. It's about aligning our actions, aspirations, and values to create a life that feels genuinely authentic and meaningful.
Here are some core principles and values I believe guide us towards living our best lives.
Authenticity: Being true to yourself is paramount. Embrace your uniqueness, passions and strengths instead of conforming to societal norms or pressures.
Mindfulness: Cultivate awareness and presence in each moment to appreciate the beauty of life, reduce stress, and make conscious choices that align with your values.
Gratitude: Practice gratitude for the abundance in your life, even the seemingly small blessings. This fosters a positive outlook and contentment.
Resilience: Life throws challenges our way, but resilience enables us to bounce back stronger. Embrace failures as opportunities for growth and develop inner strength to overcome obstacles.
Purpose: Discover and pursue a sense of purpose that gives your life direction and meaning, whether through your career, relationships, or personal passions.
Connection: Build meaningful relationships with friends, family and community for support, love, and a sense of belonging.
Self-care: Prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing through self-care rituals like exercise, rest, and hobbies. Seek professional support when needed.
Continuous growth: Embrace a growth mindset and commit to lifelong learning and personal development. Embrace new experiences, challenges, and opportunities for growth.
Balance: Strive for balance in all aspects of life, including work, relationships, leisure, exercise, and diet. Creating harmony in these areas allows for a well-rounded and fulfilling life.
Winning and living our best lives is a dynamic and ongoing process, even amidst chaos. It is the culmination of our experiences, the reflection of our choices, and the embodiment of our values. By embracing these principles, we not only navigate life's complexities with resilience, purpose, and joy but emerge as undeniable winners in our own unique journeys.
Peace,
Steve
Peace,
Steve
Comentários