“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, sets, and rises again. And in the end, the lives we choose 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 making every day count. Instead, they simply just came and went… and many were wasted before I learned how to make the most of my day.
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 life. And we ought to be making the most of our lives.
Here are 10 ways to make the most of every day.
1. Wake up early.
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 every day. 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 clean 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
ren says
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.
Jan Ramsey Brick says
Imagine if everyone followed these 10 steps daily…. We would live in a much happier world. Thank you for your wisdom.
jill says
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.
Ali Davies says
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.
Monika says
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.
Julianne says
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 !
Helen says
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.
Jenni says
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 :)
Jake Inaista says
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 :)
dfriesen says
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