I know not all of us were born with the hidden wisdom to become the best versions of ourselves. And even if we do know the exact steps we should take to bettering ourselves, sometimes procrastination wins over our better judgement, and we revert to pathetic globs of human flesh. No worries! Here is a list of 15 life secrets we should attempt to abide by daily. Take a moment to consider picking out a few of them for the lazy summer ahead, so that you may create a better version of you.
1. Diminish your attachment to materialistic possessions.
To live a more carefree, satisfying life means letting go of physical possessions. When you live with the intent of materialistic gain only, you are literally tying yourself down to that object. Remember, material goods end up owning you. Not the other way around.
2. Remember people's names.
People like to feel appreciated and remembered, which is why this is an important tool to have honed. In order to remember a person's name, repeat it to yourself several times or a create catchy phrase, so that the name becomes permanently etched in your mind. This can become a benefit to you when you need something from them later and you can actually call them by their name.
3. Exercise!
You have one body, so there is no excuse when it comes to taking care of it. Exercise comes in many forms. Soccer, tennis, running, yoga, hiking, and I could go on forever. A lack of a gym membership is not an excuse to let your body suffer.
4. Learn a second language.
America is the only nation that I can personally think of that does not force its children from a young age to learn a second language. There is no doubt that being bilingual is an advantage, and can even bring you closer to your own heritage. There are multitudes of free websites and apps that act as tools in helping you learn a second language. Duolingo.com is one of my personal favorites. Remember, repetition is key!
5. Drink water.
Up to 60 percent of the human body is nothing but water, so it only makes sense that you would need to replenish yourself with the elixir of life. 10 glasses per day is the optimal number. Add a spritz of lemon or lime juice to satisfy your taste buds, as well as kick-start your metabolism.
6. Rewire your brain to start avoiding negative thoughts.
You must first start becoming more aware of your emotions. Are you happy? Good! Keep releasing those good vibes. Are you sad? Then snap out of it in any way necessary because you know better than to waste your precious time with negative thoughts.
7. Meditate for at least 10 minutes a day.
This is the art of learning how to become the master of your thoughts. It is crazy to think that our lives are so jam packed with noise, that we no longer know how to even control our own thoughts. Thoughts emit frequencies that create the world you and I are fortunate enough to live in. Practicing meditation will make you the master of your own thoughts.
8. Keep your brain sharp.
I know. I know. You would think that school is enough, but that is forced upon us. Your brain is a muscle like any other, and to keep it from deteriorating, you have to keep exercising it. Read a book. I swear to you that in the short period of conscious existence, there has been at least one author who has written a book that is catered to your exact desires.
9. Learn to be more present in the moment.
The past cannot be changed, and the future is made up of your present actions. So honestly, the only important moment is the one you are living now. Even something that happened 20 minutes ago is considered the past. When you practice living your life in the very moment, you automatically become a happier person, because there is nothing wrong with the exact moment you are alive.
10. Practice gratitude every waking moment.
Close your eyes and envision something you are grateful for. Now say thank you three times to God, the universe, or a whatever higher presence you believe in. Truly feel grateful for the gift you have received. Open your eyes and feel the happy energy flow through you. That is the power of gratitude.
11. Create a sleep schedule and stick to it.
This might be the hardest one yet, but it is also one of the most important commitments that you should make in order to live a more happy and healthy lifestyle. Creating order in your daily routine begins with a sleep schedule.
12. Create a Bucket List that constantly feeds your curiosity for experience.
Try something new. Get out of your comfort zone and experience the world through different environments and sensations. Try everything at least once. This is the only way to live life without regrets. Not to mention, you'll never run out of stories to tell your colleagues. The adventurer is always envied.
13. Make an effort to improve your first impressions.
Learn to make good eye contact and develop small talk that can keep anybody entertained in a general setting. First impressions do leave a lasting impression, and you do not want to burn a bridge before you even get the opportunity to build one.
14. Practice the art of visualizing.
This may seem unhelpful, but remember that thoughts emit frequencies that eventually mold the world surrounding us. This means that what we choose to focus on becomes the epicenter for what manifests into our daily lives. Set aside a time each day to visualize what it is that you desire, and truly believe that it will come to you.
15. Perform all actions with love in mind.
This is a cliché, but for a reason. If you truly want to be the master of your own life, you must learn how to lead every action in your life with love in mind. It is the golden rule. Love your family, love your friends, and kill your enemies with kindness. In a world that is built on a social media presence that feeds on hatred, you must strive to lead by example. Think love.