There is a famous quote that is usually attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt that encourages everyone to “do one thing every day that scares you.”
I like that idea. It’s the idea that growth and character lie outside your comfort zone. The truth is if you don’t build your life, culture and society will build it for you. Here are ten simple ways to take control and build your life every day.
Read
The ability to read is the ability to live a million lives and learn a million things. Think about it this way. Reading gives you the opportunity to experience things you might never otherwise experience. It gives you the opportunity to know things someone else took the time and effort to learn.
Here is a simple example. On my blog last week I wrote about how to get up early. For a three-minute reading investment you can learn how to build the discipline to get up earlier without spending the hours of sleepless nights and early morning false starts I spent to learn the skill.
Most of us either don’t realize the power of a book or we prefer the laziness and comfort of a television. Either way it’s time to change. It’s time to challenge your mind and your imagination. It’s time to read.
Ask for forgiveness
From the President on down our country is filled with people who never admit they are wrong. It’s a terrible trait. No one is always right. I know I’m often wrong. When you’re wrong, admit it. And if the situation calls for it, ask for forgiveness.
Wake up early
Before you argue this one with me ask yourself this question: How many successful people do I know who sleep in? There you go.
Tell someone you love them
Someone needs to hear how much you love them. It could your spouse, child, friend, or parent. Whoever it is, don’t assume they know. Even if they do, they still need to hear it and you still need to say it.
Workout
Your body was built to be in motion. Like a car that rusts and breaks down when left in a garage, your body will breakdown without consistent use. Get a tune up and get on the road.
Pray
In the movie Finding Forrester an author played by Sean Connery is asked why he is putting his socks on inside out. He replies that it’s supposed to be good luck. When questioned if he actually believes that the author responds, “No, but it’s like praying: what do you risk?”
Prayer is either one of the most powerful forces in the universe or it is nothing. Either way, what do you risk? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Be kind
They say that being kind is free but that’s not true. It often costs time and energy, and most of all it costs selflessness. Kindness may not be free but it is worth a lot. You never know what little act of kindness can mean to someone. And that someone may be you.
Prioritize your priorities
Priorities are the compass of life. They tell you which direction to head and when you are getting off course. If you don’t prioritize, the world will do it for you. Getting your priorities straight will save you a lot of wasted time and effort.
Spend time with family
Life happens fast. Children grow fast. People often tell us this but then as the days slide by we forget. It’s time we stopped forgetting. Each day take time to be with your family. Because one day you will blink and they won’t be there.
Work on something that will last longer than you
Maybe that means spending time teaching your children. Maybe it means writing a book or painting a picture. Maybe it means building a company. Whatever you are building with your life that will last beyond you, build a little more of it each day.
