Living a Full Life
The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have.
(Louis E. Boone)
We all need to be in a perpetual state of fulfilment, growth, tranquillity and joy regardless of the ups and downs in life. This will enable us in becoming self-aware, calmer, happier and leading a meaningful life, which in turn, will lead to a better society, unified nations and an enlightened world. As it is, there are no immutable heroes or cowards, saints or sinners; there are only choices between acts of courage or of cowardice, between compassion and cruelty.
The ever-changing, ever-changeable you, is composed of the integral calculus of the choices you make. The you that is you today has the freedom to choose to be a different you tomorrow. That is how we all evolve as human beings even as the host majority of us merely engage themselves in “eating, sleeping, defending and mating - the four principles of material bodily demands which are common to the animals and the human beings” as expounded in Hitopadesha (Verse 25).
Are you feeling like your life is passing by and you are not making the most of it? Do you wonder if there is something more? Have you asked yourself, “Is this really all there is to life?” Those are totally normal thoughts. But if you want to try to get the most out of your life, check out these tips on how to live life to the fullest.
According to Harvard University, only 15% of success comes from facts; 85% is driven by attitude. Yet 100% of our attention is focused on facts. Most people are limited by self-centredness, which only leads to mediocrity. Thought of self is the greatest obstacle to success. Those who have achieved mind-blowing success have thought beyond self.
“Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well.” (Theodore Roosevelt) Living a full life means being present, enjoying the moment, and making choices that align with your core values.
One way to make the most of life is by ensuring that every day contains as many positive feelings as possible. Set aside moments daily during which you can concentrate on and be grateful for things that bring joy—such as loved ones’ laughter, beautiful sunsets, or activities you enjoy. Surround yourself with positivity: read books with happy endings, listen to podcasts that inspire, or spend time with people who have an upbeat outlook on life whenever feasible. And remember to take up journal writing!
Living entirely requires risks and stepping outside of one’s comfort zone. Growing and having new encounters becomes plausible when you push yourself past boundaries with which you are already familiar. Try doing something different on a regular basis: picking up a new skill, trying out another exercise class, or participating in activities that scare you (within reason). Get used to being uncomfortable. It’s a sign that you’re growing personally. Welcome each chance for self-development with open arms to live a full life!
Instead of staying with what’s familiar, go places you haven’t been before, sample foods from cultures you don’t know, or pick up a hobby that’s always intrigued you. Such adventures will not only provide excitement while they are happening (along with lots of great anecdotes afterward!) but can also help broaden one’s horizons by making available different perspectives on life—and ideas worth thinking further about.
Being present is crucial for a satisfying life. It means wholly engaging in the moment, cherishing what’s happening right now rather than fretting over the future or ruminating about the past. Mindfulness can be cultivated through meditation, taking deep breaths (even just for a few minutes), or just paying attention to what’s going on. Research shows that things like these practices boost emotional health, reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and increase overall feelings of happiness.
Building meaningful relationships enriches living life fully. Spend time and energy nurturing connections with family, friends, and new acquaintances. These relationships provide support, love, and joy – the foundations of a satisfying life. Share your experiences, communicate openly, and take a genuine interest in other people; when you do, they’ll do the same for you. Feeling connected in this way does more than stave off loneliness. It also helps ward off stress and anxiety-related problems while boosting mood and self-esteem.
If you want to make your life better, one of the most satisfying ways is to help other people. It could be something small – like smiling at them or watching their children while they do something important. When you do things for others, it makes them feel good, creating a bond between the two of you, which in turn has a positive effect on your mood. Acts of kindness also bring people closer together: if enough individuals do nice stuff as part of everyday life, we all will have more understanding.
It is essential to know what you stand for if you want to live authentically. Your core principles function as a personal GPS that can direct your choices, behaviour, and plans. When you understand your core values, it becomes easier to move through the world with intention and clarity – making sure each step reflects who you are at the deepest level. There is a deep sense of satisfaction – even serenity – that comes from behaving in ways that match up with your convictions.
One way to completely change your life is to become more giving. Give not just money but also your time, energy, and attention. Spread positivity into other people’s lives as well as yours. Being generous will make you feel richer in spirit: thankful things exist outside ourselves (community connections grow more substantial). They develop a “culture of reciprocity” which benefits all involved parties.
Another crucial aspect of maximizing existence is landing a dream job. If your work involves things you are good at and passionate about, going to work every day will feel like play rather than obligation. A job like this does not just provide a regular income – although that is important too. It can also bring deep personal satisfaction and opportunities for growth. It will challenge you and encourage your creativity (maybe even require it). Each morning when you wake up, there’s a good chance of being glad it’s time to start work.
If you want to live life to the fullest, it’s super important to ignore the haters. Prophets of doom critiquing your every move or pessimists who doubt your capabilities with their negativity should not be allowed anywhere near you. Instead, focus on all the people rooting for you and tune out anyone expressing doubt or disdain. This way of thinking will give you resilience in pursuit of those dreams.
An open mind enables creativity and is crucial if you want to make the most of life’s opportunities. When you’re open-minded, you allow new ideas to enter your world – even if they challenge what you think or believe. Don’t forget to stay curious: this, too, will help broaden your horizons. And be prepared to step beyond what feels comfortable – try eating unfamiliar foods, for example, or consider alternative points of view when discussing politics or religion.
Living life to the fullest is more than just something we want to do – it’s a way of thinking! It means welcoming each new day with open arms because you never know what good things might happen. So don’t sit around waiting for something brilliant to happen. Instead, take pleasure in small everyday activities; take pleasure too in knowing that these small pleasures are all part of your bigger journey. With enthusiasm and thanks, today could be the day when you start living your happy life fully.
Bhushan Lal Razdan, formerly of the Indian Revenue Service, retired as Director General of Income Tax (Investigation), Chandigarh.
He is also the Chairman of Vitasta Health Care Trust.
