Adopt a ’thinking in reverse’ process: for any important endeavor or interaction, first define what a successful outcome would look like, then plan how to achieve it. This provides clarity and focus, ensuring time is well spent.
Embrace the understanding that life is short and unpredictable by living with innate intentionality and not taking anything for granted. This mindset drives purposeful action and maximizes each moment.
Challenge the custom of waiting until funerals to express profound appreciation; instead, make a deliberate effort to tell people how much they matter to you now. This ensures they hear your words and enriches both lives.
Regularly define your ideal life outcomes across all key areas (personal, family, financial, health) for the next 1-3 years, then set six-month benchmarks. This allows you to track progress and adjust actions as needed to stay on track.
Develop a sense of purpose in life that extends beyond personal joy and pleasure, as this focus on others can provide energy, fulfillment, and potentially contribute to longevity.
Distinguish between interests (which are pursued when convenient) and commitments (which are pursued even when inconvenient). Focus your energy on commitments to achieve meaningful results and avoid wasting time.
Make saying ’no’ easier by aligning decisions with your clearly defined ideal life outcomes and indicators. If an opportunity doesn’t fit your established goals, it’s simple to decline.
When presented with a new opportunity, commit to taking a few days to think about it before saying yes. This provides time to assess its alignment with your established goals and priorities, saving you from misaligned obligations.
When expressing gratitude, consider doing so in a group setting, as collective appreciation can be more powerful and impactful than individual expressions. This amplifies the message and connection.
Dedicate time to connect with people who have significantly impacted your life, expressing specific gratitude for their influence and learning from their perspective. This can be a profound personal journey of acknowledgment.
When expressing gratitude, use a structured approach: recall how you met, share specific shared experiences, detail why they were important, and ask for their perspective on your own character. This ensures depth and specificity in your appreciation.
After significant gratitude conversations, record them (e.g., audio) and send a personalized memento (e.g., a picture, summary letter, or recording) to the person. This helps them process and revisit the appreciation, making it a lasting gift.
Proactively plan for your spouse’s future lifestyle and comfort, especially regarding living arrangements and financial affairs. This eases their burden and provides peace of mind in the event of your demise.
Consider accelerating your philanthropic efforts, not just for organizations but also for individuals who have been important in your life but may not have achieved similar financial success. This provides immediate impact and personal gratification.
Develop and practice authenticity, empathy, and compassion in your interactions to foster deeper, more meaningful relationships with others. These qualities are foundational for genuine connection.
View life’s challenges as opportunities for growth, understanding that difficult experiences can strengthen you and shape your character. This mindset turns adversity into an asset.
Recognize that failure is a part of life and an opportunity for self-discovery and resilience. Surviving failure can be a powerful learning experience that makes you stronger.
Consider engaging in therapy as a valuable tool for self-discovery and personal growth, especially after traumatic or challenging life events. It can provide insights and coping mechanisms.
Understand that marriage evolves through many stages (dating, kids, empty nest, retirement, aging) and actively adapt your love and care to your spouse as they change over time. This sustains and deepens the relationship through life’s transitions.
Visit justsayitnow.org for tools, concepts, and guidance on how to effectively express gratitude to others, whether through notes, calls, or other means. This website provides practical support for initiating your gratitude journey.