“Success in life is founded upon attention to the small things rather than to the large things.” – Booker T. Washington
Our lives are a large collection of single days one right after the other. The sun rises, the sun sets, and it rises again. And in the end, the lives we chose to live will be determined by how we choose to spend each day.
Unfortunately, for most of my life, I embraced little intentionality in my days. I survived each new day, but made little effort to make the most of it. Instead, they simply just came and went… and many were wasted.
But over the past few years, my views have changed. I have begun to view each day as an important gift. I have sought to embrace each one individually and discover the potential that it holds. After all, some may get more days than others, but each of us have been given this one. And we ought to be making the most of it.
Here are 10 simple steps I have personally found helpful to make the most of every day:
1. Rise early. It was this article about becoming an early riser that motivated me to make this significant change in my sleeping habits. And I’ve never looked back. Early mornings are quiet, peaceful, productive, energizing… and my favorite part of the day.
2. Eat right. The food we put into our bodies becomes the fuel on which it runs. We are wise to make sure it is the right kind of fuel at every meal. Just be sure to include some protein in your breakfast, your mind will be sharper and clearer because of it.
3. Exercise. According to recent studies, people who exercise regularly report to be happier, calmer, and better equipped to handle whatever the day decides to throw at them. Interestingly enough, the study seemed to indicate these benefits were experienced on a day-to-day basis, which means you can begin to experience them today by choosing to exercise just 20 minutes.
4. Accomplish one big task. We all have projects, work, and requirements for our time – things that we need to accomplish. Likely, your to-do list is longer than you can accomplish in one day. But to make the most of this day, choose one big thing on your list and do it first. If you finish, move on to the next.
5. Do one thing that you love. Apart from the day-to-day requirements of living life, you have dreams, goals, and hopes. You have hobbies that you love and activities that breathe life into who you are. Embrace these life-giving opportunities. And do one thing every day that you love.
6. Rest effectively. Rest is as essential to our bodies as food and water and air. Our bodies need to be refreshed on a daily basis and a weekly basis. Don’t neglect to schedule rest. And don’t feel guilty about it when you do.
7. Be present with others. Put away distractions. Engage in conversation. Ask questions. Give time for answers. And look people in the eye when you do. Their eyes reveal far more than their words.
8. Give to someone else. Your fullest joy in life will not be found living it selfishly for yourself. Rather, the periods of greatest joy and fulfillment are found in the moments and motivations when we are choosing to give to others. Invest your life in someone else everyday. Mentor a child. Help a co-worker. Fund a local charity. Or just make that phone call to a friend who needs to hear from you.
9 Nurture your soul. Our lives are more than flesh and blood. They are also mind and heart and soul. Find time each day to feed your soul by embracing gratitude, laughter, hope, and faith.
10. Reset. Tomorrow is another day with great potential and opportunity. You’ll want to begin it with a clear slate and a fresh start. Take 10 minutes each evening to clear the clutter and refresh your home for the next day. Tomorrow’s self will thank you for it.
Today is among the greatest gifts we have ever been given. Let’s use it wisely and refuse to waste a single one.
Image: LowJumpingFrog
I think the biggest challenge in this day is item 7: Be present with others. I have found it very hard to put down the smart phone and give my full attention to those I am around. I think it is an addiction that we don’t realize. I have made a conscious effort on my recent journey to living a more simple life to put it away and give 100% of my attention to those I am with.
Lastly, did you find yourself like I do? Living for the weekends? I think it’s a shame because there are so many days between weekends that we end up missing. Thanks for the post! :-) ~Brian
Brian, It is a huge addiction which I believe is recognized. It will eventually have a 12 step program just like AA. You realizing the issue is the first step to solving it.
Namaste
I hate AA. It is like fundamentalism in any religion. I enjoy your posts and like this one, but please inform yourself of current thinking re “adiction”. Try watching “Wasted”, with Canadian environmentalist, David Suzuki. Thanks, and keep posting.
Sorry, 2 “d”s in “addiction”!
Why put two ‘d’s when one does virtually the same job? #Minimalism
Good comment, if it isn’t a smart phone, its a video game or a TV blaring. God forbid we address issues by talking face to face about our problems. Ive been silent turning off TV when no one is watching it, and starting tonight we are eating supper at table with just music playing. I think we all have DISTRACTION ADDICTION.
I do sometimes forget to eat healthy in the morning to start my day off right. It makes a huge difference on how I feel throughout the day when I do or don’t. Eating protein is very key and I make sure to remember to do that.
Secondly, rising early in the morning is what I’ve been working on these past couple of weeks and it hasn’t been that easy. The reason why I say that is because I tend to go to bed quite late and getting only like 5-6 hours of sleep is really hard for me to greet the day. It is a working progress but so is mostly everything in life.
Thank you for the other ideas you posted and I’ll be sure to include those in my days ahead of me!
~ Tyler
Today I felt really sluggish and tired and I went through the whole day doing.. well nothing! All I did was watch screens. Tomorrow I’ve decided I will do everything I intend to do and I will never have a minute boredom.
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow a Mystery, Today is a Gift, Thats why it’s called the Present
Hi Mia,
I think it’s great to live each day with intention and complete the tasks that bring you closer to your goals. But I also think there’s a place for boredom. Boredom has become a dirty word in our culture, but really, filling our day from morning til night with tasks can be another way we distract ourselves. I think we should all be careful not to fill our time with busywork that makes us feel productive but may in fact just be time clutter. Good luck on your journey!
I’m never bored. There are always places in my mind to go. These are good goals to set for each day, and they are doable if I just be intentional. Thank you for sharing them.
I know everyone else has probably heard this phrase a lot but I really love it going to write it in many places studying trying to be more present what a great way to look at it thank you
I know everyone else has probably heard this phrase a lot. Yesterday is history tomorrow is a mystery but today is a gift that’s why they call it the present. I really love it going to write it in many places studying trying to be more present what a great way to look at it thank you
This is a great article, with lots of helpful advice. I would only advise one addendum to step four, “Accomplish one big task”. Before moving on to the next task, take some time to acknowledge your achievement. Not as an opportunity to inflate the ego, but I think too often we rip through tasks, and then (and often as a distraction from other important areas of our lives) we ask, what’s next? next? How about now? I think it is very healthy to just pause, acknowledge the accomplishment, smile, breathe, take a small break, THEN gather up our resolve to tackle the next task.
Thanks for this great post, I very much enjoyed reading it, and will be implementing your advice in 3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . . Now! :) Have a great day!
Lucky for me, many of those items can be combined! But one thing I think is important (and can probably tie into 7&8) is to be sure to smile! People walk around looking so dour (and with their faces pointed to the device in their hands) — but you can make a difference if you smile and look people in the eye that you pass. For example, one day at the supermarket, a guy took the space I wanted because he pulled all of the way through from the other side. I found another spot a few spaces away. When I got out of my car, he looked at me and smiled and said “I’m sorry that I didn’t see you when I pulled through — I wouldn’t have taken your space.” His smile and acknowledgement really changed my attitude. I just smiled back and told him I found a fine spot too.
IMO, the world is too grumpy! I try to make it a point to look at people and be pleasant.
I wish there was a “like” button for comments. Great point Alex! I notice the same thing when I walk around. I like to say hello to people I don’t know but it is like nobody wants to talk to anyone these days. Your point about looking people in the eye reminds me of TIm Farris and his task of “Eye Gazing”. If I recall it correctly he talks about looking into peoples eyes as you walk by. If they catch you just keep looking and smile. It helps build confidence and most people will quickly look away…but you also notice every so often, some people will actually smile back.
I agree with you Alex the world IS too grumpy, I make it my mission to smile randomly at people in order to create some kind of smile chain. I do look slightly mad but it really is lovely when people just acknowledge one another somehow.
I also definitely agree with early rising, not only is it lovely to have peaceful time before the world starts moving around me, I find that I am more prepared for work when I have had time to awaken fully and prepare my mind for the day ahead.
Thanks for this reminder. It really comes down to simple things which are very do-able. It helps to have them laid out so simply. Even focusing oon a few would make a big difference!
ooops – sorry for the typos!!! I am not as ignorant as my comment might appear…
I’ve been getting up at 4:55 a.m. weekdays for over 11 years due to my work schedule; not sure if that qualifies for your definition of an early riser. Even after 11 years, this wake-up time does not work well for me. My body really wants to sleep 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. I have trouble being sleepy early enough to mesh well with the 4:55 a.m. wake-up time, so I usually don’t get enough sleep and feel sleep-deprived.
Have you ever tried kinesiology to reset your body’s time clock?
May work… after 11 years, one would have thought your body would have gotten use to the early rises. :(
I hear you!After not getting adequate sleep & working all day,I would think you would be tired enough to retire earlier?
I hope you can break the
habit & train yourself to retire earlier each night & feel rested each morning:)
That was a really inspiring article! I have one question for you though: how do you let go of stress? I mean it might sound like a silly question, but sometimes I feel stressed out, and I don’t know why: it’s like an underlying type of stress, like you need to do something and you forget what it is. When that happens, I usually can’t do much (can’t focus on a book or a movie) so I sit on the couch and wait. I guess it’s somewhat like meditating, although I have never seriously given it a try.
If that happens, what do you recommend fellow minimalists should do?
If you are capable, walk. Exercise is the most rewarding gift you can give yourself each day…only 30 minutes of walking can help your body and kick off a wonderful spiritual awareness. Start a “Thank-you” book and write each day one thing you are thankful for…the moon, the stars, your family…this keeps you focused on the positives. Then figure out what is causing that stress…if it’s something you can control, get rid of it!
Hi and thanks for the advice. Although going for a walk might sometimes be impractical, focusing on what I am grateful for really makes a difference!
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Do you have children? I have the same issue (maybe not quite so bad), and I think it is mostly just an incurable part of motherhood! I guess the issue is how you manage it. I keep trying to manage it by managing my (adult) children, and that doesn’t work worth beans.
It’s funny because the early riser thing always gets me. I am naturally a morning person – i love mornings, its my time to meditate, drink my green smoothie, and relax. Everyone always gets surprised by that – because it is really rare for a person to be a morning person. Most people get up grumpily and pour copious amounts of coffee in themselves, so they can stay awake. The offside is that I am done by 10pm. I am flat on my bed. I cannot stay awake longer than that. :)
I’m a morning person too! I do drink coffee, but I drink it because I love it! I can drink it any time of day. I often get to bed late, and want to sleep in, but I’m always a much better person when I just get up early, even if I get less sleep.. I accomplish more,and am in a much better mood.
I have a really hard time past 10 pm too! Unfortunately, there are times that I can’t help it, as I babysit my grandchildren and their parents work late, and then sometimes visit. I feel rude to just go to bed when they’re here, but lately, I’ve been telling them I have to. No matter how late we’re up, we still get up around 6, and I need my sleep. :)
From a neurologist who is a brain expert, he says our brain is wired to sleep starting at 10pm. The most important time to be asleep is between 10pm and 2am. This is known as deep sleep. The body needs this deep sleep to function. This has been this way since caveman times when everyone went to sleep as soon as it was dark. Only recently in human history, maybe since Edison inventing the light bulb have we stayed up late at night. I am trying to get my deep sleep now but its hard with others in my house.
It would have been way earlier than 10pm,then if they went to sleep as soon as it was dark.I think they may have talked around the fire for a few hours & sleep gradually overtook them.(Hehe-just my imagining;))
I love this. They’re all so achievable for me but I need to consciously remember to do them. Chalk pens on the bathroom mirror should do it! Thank you for such a timely (for me) reminder that it really doesn’t take much to make the most of our time. :)
This was such a wonderful summary. It just made my ‘top 10 posts to reflect on’ tab. First new addition in a while!
Great article, very inspiring.
Beautifully simple, perfectly timed! Thank you SO MUCH!
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Great list Josh. Thank you.
I really liked this post except for the waking up early thing!
I work 10-hour overnights and #6 is especially difficult as I cannot seem to sleep well (more than a couple of hours) during the day. But eating right (timing) and exercise can be a challenge too. Any tips n tricks for those of us leading a “turned around” life?
Wonderful advice. I especially like #7 Be Present With Others. Sadly, when I worked at a preschool I saw all too often that some moms walked in and out with their cell phones going, hardly noticing the children they had in tow. Hopefully they stopped doing that. Time with our loved ones is precious. We need to cherish the moments we have. ♥
Wonderful article. I try to follow “guidelines” like this every day of my life. My to do list is forever long but by placing the larger things as a first priority, day by day, it breaks them down to something more manageable. Just as important is giving time to let your mind, body and soul relax and recoup. Thanks for the tips! Love em!
Very inspiring words… I love your articles!!! Thanks from BRAZIL for your motivation!
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I want to thank you so much for all your positive, thought provoking posts. Everything shared just touches me and give me hope and direction to just keep on working towards finding a life that is fulfilling, challenging and rewarding. The one person I loved the most who was my everything has passed away and I’m struggling to find a life with value and meaning and hope and this site has been my lifeline. Thank you
Just by reading this I feel my day has turned around and could help the way I’ve been living my life lately.. Thankyou so much :)
This article is great! My biggest problems were the first and second advices because I’m not really a morning person, but I know that people can change their bad habits, so I’m going to give it a try! Thank you for these advices :)
This list is so perfect for me to read today. Such simple and powerful ways to make life better. I LOVE your blog and can definitely say I’m very thankful to have found it.
In reference to number seven- I am switching to a basic flip phone and will not use Internet (no email or facebook) from my phone at all. I am addicted to my iPhone so this is my attempt to be present with others. Wish me luck !
Very well written post, thanks for sharing this. I will definitely follow this from today onwards. God has sent us for a specific purpose, but I think I delay the things by procrastinating. If we take each day as it comes with a definitive routine, life will be much more simpler and organised. I especially liked point no. 7 and point no.5, 7 and 10.
Pt. no. 5 – due to hustle bustle of daily life we usually forget things which we like doing, our child like hobbies. Those few minutes give immense Joy.
Pt. No 7- In this digital world, where we have connectivity with many people at the same time. It becomes difficult to be present with one person at a time. But ultimately those who talk to us frequently and want to be connected are the one’s who care for us or vice versa. I will surely be present for them now on.
Pt No 10 – Clear cutter so that tomorrow is easy.
All the points mentioned above are the ones which we already know in some form. But the way it is described above is a very good read and to act upon with immediate effect.
Thanks once again for writing this.
Number 1 , rising early, is something I introduced into my life some years ago and it is no exaggeration to say it transformed my life in so many ways and on so many different levels. I really notice the difference to my day if my early morning rituals don’t happen for some reason.
Habits are such an important contributor to a fulfilling life.
For me going to the gym and doing a bit of cardio and a bit of serious weight lifting works miricles for stress, anxiety and depression. It kind of resets the brain chemistry, which is very much affected by stress.
Imagine if everyone followed these 10 steps daily…. We would live in a much happier world. Thank you for your wisdom.
Going thru the hard work now of tossing all that doesnt matter. MY urge to purge is even stronger now.
Decorating for Christmas with only things I love. Only keeping what i love also.
Time to let go…in sooo many ways.
I am having trouble dealing with people who are stuck in old ways of spend and shop regardless of how much they already have and how far in debt they are. They have no interest in this, just not ready I guess.
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Thank you for such a good article. I looked and read so many articles but not impressed so much. I like step number 1 and 2 but rest of the steps are fine to kick start a productive yet happy life. God bless you Joshua!
Thank-you for this simple list this week Joshua , we need these simple reminders to keep our eyes open to the traps and routines we can fall into. I have had two recent deaths at far too young of ages in my family this last month and I am done with trying to do too much in too little of time. I plan to change my path to say “No” more often in the coming year and focus on relationships and families more rather than extra side projects, volunteer needs and work. Trying to help and do everything isn’t the best choice and I think in the past year it has made me not “in the moment” for my friends and family. Additionally a lot of what I do involves social media and the constant engagement is taxing me. I need to find a way to manage it and not let it control me. Lastly, thank-you for your part in the Minimalist film, I watched it two nights ago and enjoyed it.
Stay away from Yahoo .