If you think about something important you want to do or say, act on it immediately. Do not talk yourself out of it or wait for a perfect future moment, as life’s uncertainty means every second counts.
Do not merely hope, pray, or wish for things to happen; if something is important enough to hope for, let that desire drive you to take concrete actions to make it a reality.
Recognize that none of us know how much time we have, so live every second with clarity and purpose, as if you are in ‘overtime’ where every moment is critical and must be made the most of.
When facing life’s challenges, prioritize your core purpose (e.g., meaningful work) and the people you love, as these provide essential strength, motivation, and are the most important things in the world.
Instead of passively looking for positive outcomes from tough times, actively create positive opportunities or movements from difficult experiences. This transforms challenges into something meaningful and impactful.
Shift your focus outwards, beyond personal desires, to causes or people bigger than yourself. This outward orientation can be liberating, adding power and energy to your life and reducing suffering.
Make it a priority to spend time with your family whenever possible. These moments are precious, and you may regret not having taken those opportunities later in life.
When contemplating your life or making decisions, use the phrase ‘what matters most’ to guide your thoughts. This helps to focus on core priorities like family and love, cutting through less significant worries.
Utilize humor as a critical and powerful tool to navigate extremely tough times, even when facing death. It can provide essential relief and help both you and your loved ones cope with difficult situations.
Use your commute, such as a walk, as a ritualistic ‘reset’ period to mentally transition between different modes of life (e.g., professional to personal). This helps you prepare for the next phase with greater presence and intention.
Avoid extreme or hyper-focused approaches in life, such as overly strict diets, and instead embrace a ‘gray area’ of flexibility and balance. Recognize that you don’t control everything and that life isn’t always black or white.
It is beneficial to deal forthrightly with and clearly observe difficult thoughts and emotions within the structured ‘container’ of meditation. This approach is better than allowing them to stew unconsciously and drive your actions blindly.
If you are new to meditation or experiencing distress, approach the practice slowly and with self-care. Begin with short periods, such as five minutes a day, to gradually build confidence and interest.
When feeling distressed, consider practicing walking meditation as an alternative to sitting. Directing attention externally during a walk can make it easier to manage difficult internal thoughts and emotions.
It is perfectly acceptable to meditate while lying down, especially if it’s the only time or way you can practice effectively without falling asleep. The key is to sustain attention, and lying down is a traditional posture.