Don’t try to be perfect. Just be an excellent example of being human.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Growth requires pain. – Be patient and tough, someday this pain will be useful to you. Those with the strength to succeed in the long run are the ones who lay a firm foundation of growth with the bricks that life has thrown at them. So don’t be afraid to fall apart for a little while. Because when it happens, the situation will open an opportunity for you to grow and rebuild yourself into the brilliant person you are capable of being.
- You will learn as long as you live. – There is no stage of life that does not contain new lessons. As long as you live there will be something more to learn. And as long as you follow your heart and never stop learning, you’ll turn not older, but newer every day. Read The Last Lecture
.
- There is a positive lesson in every life experience. – Don’t forget to acknowledge the lesson, especially when things don’t go your way. If you make a mistake that sets you back a little, or a business deal or a relationship doesn’t work, it only means a new opportunity is out there waiting. And the lesson you just learned is the first step towards it.
- True beauty lives under the skin. – When you start to really know someone, most of their physical characteristics vanish in your mind. You begin to dwell in their energy, recognize their scent, and appreciate their wit. You see only the essence of the person, not the shell. That’s why you can’t fall in love with physical beauty. You can lust after it, be infatuated by it, or want to own it. You can love it with your eyes and your body for a little while, but not your heart in the long-term. And that’s why, when you really connect with a person’s inner self, most physical imperfections become irrelevant.
- Only you know what you’re capable of. – Unless someone can look into the core of your heart, and see the degree of your passion, or look into the depths of your soul and see the extent of your will, then they have no business telling you what you can or cannot achieve. Because while they may know the odds, they do not know YOU, and what you’re capable of. That’s something only you know.
- Your love creates your happiness. – The happiness you feel is in direct proportion to the love you give. When you love, you subconsciously strive to become better than you are. When you strive to become better than you are, everything around you becomes better too. During your youth, love will be your teacher; in your middle age, love will be your foundation; and in your old age, love will be your fondest memories and your greatest delight. Read The Road Less Traveled
.
- You earn respect by being respectful. – Respect isn’t something you can demand or manipulate by saying what you think people want to hear. You earn respect by listening, acknowledging feelings and treating others with the same respect you hope to get in return. Treat everyone with kindness and respect, even those who are rude to you – not because they are nice, but because you are.
- Negativity poisons the soul. – Don’t let needless drama and negativity stop you from being the best you can be. Avoid the drama, and focus on what truly matters. Life is insanely short and your time is precious, so don’t waste your time on trivial matters. Let go of the things that are weighing you down. As you unclutter your life, you will slowly free yourself to answer the callings of your inner spirit.
- Your health is your life. – Regardless of the size and shape of your body, it is the greatest tool you will ever own. Without it, you wouldn’t be alive. How you take care of it or fail to take care of it can make an enormous difference in the quality of your life. Exercise to be fit, not skinny. Eat to nourish your body. To truly be your best, you must give your body the fuel it needs. Toss the junk and fill your kitchen with fresh, whole foods. Run, swim, bike, walk – sweat! Good health is essential for having the energy, stamina and outlook to tackle your goals and dreams.
- Letting go is part of moving on to something better. – You will not get what you truly deserve if you’re too attached to the things you’re supposed to let go of. Sometimes you love, and you struggle, and you learn, and you move on. And that’s okay. You must be willing to let go of the life you planned for so you can enjoy the life that is waiting for you.
- This moment is a gift. – The truth is, your whole life has been leading up to this moment. Think about that for a second. Every single thing you’ve gone through in life, every high, every low, and everything in between, has led you to this moment right now. This moment is priceless, and it’s the only moment guaranteed to you. This moment is your ‘life.’ Don’t miss it. Read Tuesdays with Morrie
.
- Your choices design your life. – You have a choice each and every single day. Choose to appreciate what you have. Choose to make time for yourself. Choose to do something that makes you smile. Choose to be excited. Choose to laugh at your own silliness. Choose to spend time with positive people. Choose to be persistent with your goals. Choose to try again and again. Within your choices lie all the tools and resources you need to design the life of your dreams, it’s just a matter of choosing wisely.
Photo by: Colton Mitt
My Era says
Thank you for sharing these, they all made me focus on my future and think differently about the difficult times I am going through 🙂
Kimbundance says
Yes, these are very true. Being human is a great thing, with many lessons!
JJ says
This is phenomenal guys! Seriously… one of my favorite articles you have written. The last three points blew my mind – they are flawlessly stated.
Thank you.
martin says
“The truth is, your whole life has been leading up to this moment.” – That’s such a great thought – it motivates me to do something great and make my time count. Thanks for rocking my world again. 🙂
Tom Parker says
Great list. “Negativity Poisons The Soul” is an important one to be aware of. When things go wrong in life, it’s hard not to focus on the negative and let the negative thoughts drag you down. It’s almost a natural reaction.
However, in the past, when I’ve done this, it never really helps solve the problem. I’m slowly getting better at not letting the bad things bother me as much and spending more time thinking about things I can effect.
TJ says
As usual, I really enjoyed reading this article. It perfectly reflects our real life :D.. Your love creates your own happiness .. and YES your choices design your life .. have a Great life journey people! make yours a meaningful one.
Julie says
I enjoy every single one of your posts. Do you have or will you put these into a book form? I would love to give your wisdom away as gifts… and read it when I need computer free days.
Wayne says
I enjoyed this, but was also wondering if anyone has any insight on how to deal with being blindsided by someone you love?
James says
Change starts within oneself. Change perspective ??
El Pynchon says
Number 11 gave me chills and immediately centered my scattered energy!
Wow, thank you so much!
-L
Braja Patnaik says
Past experience prejudices our expectation of the future. We are conditioned to expect things to unravel in a certain manner, based on our own experiences in similar environment and settings. But we all have the power of choice to design our life every single moment. That ‘Freedom of Choice’ is the greatest gift that life gives us. And our life is also a summation of those small choices that we keep making whether consciously or sub-consciously. Point no 12 !
Jerrywhyte Obamwonyi says
Great one again Marc and Angel. Truly our lives are the sum total of the choices we make either consciously or subconsciously over the years.
And truly, negativity in all its disdain poisons our spirit and soul.
Arielle says
Thank you very much!:)
Kathy Byram says
Your site rocks!
Elaine says
Wowzers!! I could do a cartwheel I’m so happy reading this 🙂
Hawkins says
I really like this article. One of the best ever on your blog.
leilla says
You’re right, there is no stage of life that does not contain new lessons… this itself is a lesson that made me stronger and stronger and stronger. Thanks for the reminder 🙂
AnDee says
I think about #11 all the time…Except I go bigger.
Everything I’ve done, as well as everything every ancestor has done to the beginning of time…
I think it is something to celebrate. That we are here. Given the amount of lives it took {throughout time} to get us right here, right now. If just one of my ancestors had chosen to give up {before the genes were passed on} I would not be here today.
That blows my mind.
{also makes me wonder at being the “last” in that stretch…}
These lists have helped me through a very rough patch lately. Thank you. So much.
wendy merron says
Marc and Angel, great blog. Even keeping one of those 12 in mind can be a great feat.
What resonates for me is your very last sentence.
“Within your choices lie all the tools and resources you need to design the life of your dreams, it’s just a matter of choosing wisely.”
The concept that we can choose how to feel, experience, react, and think is so profound.
Ten years ago I learned this concept. It was a turning point in my life as I felt the proverbial “light bulb” light up!
Thanks for a great blog.
Noman says
You are phenomenal writer and blogger.
Sandra says
Love your site! Thanks for inspiring me and others.
🙂
chai says
Thank U so much… your blog helps me a lot especially in times that I’m alone, hurt & depressed. Every time I read your article it gives me a positive feeling. So I’ll always remember #1… GROWTH REQUIRES PAIN…. very well said.
Marc says
Thanks as always everyone! Your inspiring comments mean so much to us.
@Wayne: You might want to check out: 10 Signs it’s Time to Let Go
Brian says
Thanks for another great post Marc. My favorite is number 3. It is also very important to look for the lessons in our positive experiences. They teach us how to bring more success and happiness into our lives.
Sarah W says
LOVE love LOVE this article, I read one of your articles every day. Thank you so much for providing inspiration to me and so many others!!! xoxo
maria says
thank you so much. i love reading your blogs:)
Chu Nam says
Great read. Great reminder.
I know my life is amazing.
I grateful my life.
Thank you
TS Bray says
Thanks for sharing these rules for being a human; now can we get more people to actual follow them? Spread this post!
Cheers,
TS
Taylor says
Awesome list – thanks for sharing!
peter ojo says
I love these motivational words, thank you very much.
Hubert Koh says
Awesome read. Sometimes we are so busy in our life, we forget that we are only human.
Martine Moore says
“This moment is priceless, and it’s the only moment guaranteed to you.”
So very true! And life IS too short to sweat the small stuff and most the stuff we worry about doesn’t ever happen anyway. Practicing living in, enjoying the moment. Love you both! Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
Martine