Monday, September 26, 2011

Some tips on gaining significance in our lives

Is there a chance that you could be at the stage of your life where it's time to change directions or turn it up a notch?  Are you getting complacent?  Maybe you aren't enjoying your job or life as much as you used to?

You may not be alone.

Many of us experience what we refer to as the halftime of our lives or the midway point.  We have accomplished a level of success that we are content with but know in the back of our minds that we really need to push ourselves to achieve something different in our lives.  Something that is more rewarding and gives us that warm and fuzzy feeling inside.

We are all looking for significance.

Here are some tips that just might help you reel in some of those things that you have always been looking for:

Have fun in everything you do.  People want to do business with people that are having fun.  People also want to hang out with people that are having fun.  The fun people in the world have a tendency to attract others.  All of us want to have fun and with fun the success will follow.

Do something you are passionate about.  If you are passionate about what you are doing it will spill over into everything you do.  Passion wins in many people's minds.  Again, people want to surround themselves with people that carry a lot of passion around.  It too draws others closer.

Find that one thing that gives you solitude.  We all need that "happy place" that lets us unwind and forget about the everyday stresses that tend to control us sometimes.  For some of us it might be reading a book, taking in a movie, or maybe going to that special place that helps you forget about work.  Whatever it is find it, you will be glad you did.

Always keep a mentor close.  We all have our own board of directors that we go to in time of need.  They are the ones that bring us back into the right frame of mind that keeps us on track.  They are also the ones that help us make the major decisions in our lives like buying a house or car, or a big purchase.  Mentors are a very powerful piece of the puzzle that all of us should have.  If you don't have one, seek one out.

Start the day on a positive note.  There is nothing better than starting your day with something positive or uplifting.  Maybe it's a coffee or breakfast meeting with a client or friend, or maybe a morning bike ride.  It might even be a walk with the dog.  If you start your day with something positive, it sets the tone for the remainder of the day.

Give to a charity or volunteer yourself.  There is nothing that can give you the feeling of significance more than volunteering or giving back.  Have you volunteered on a board lately or a non-profit organization?  Have you donated to a charity?

To gain significance we always have to sacrifice something.  And it is comforting to know that our significance will last beyond our lifetime.