It’s a cliché to point out that we only have one life and that we should make the most of it. But somehow, it always resonates with everyone. After all, we are doing what we’re doing now because we have goals we want to achieve.
But sometimes our life becomes too goal-driven that we forget to enjoy our days. Having a goal is ok as long as we’re not wasting the journey. We weren’t born just for our goals after all. We are here so that we could enjoy being here, whatever our circumstances in life.
Most life hacks would tell you to follow your passions and you’d be happy for the rest of your life. But that’s not practical especially when your passions don’t put food on your table. However, it doesn’t mean you couldn’t live a good life. Yes, you should not forget about your passions. But you could pursue them while having a good-paying job. You just need to balance your life and define your priorities. These life hacks that we offer are to make your daily grind bearable.
Have some altruistic dreams
Altruism is not very common in a society that has evolved to become very individualistic. But if you think about your worries, you will discover that most of these are rooted in your individualistic desires. You got too much work because you want to earn more. You have to pay the loans you incurred by buying a new car or building your dream home.
When you have an altruistic aspiration, all of these would feel petty. When you’re thinking about how to design a project on food security, for example, you don’t feel worried that you couldn’t afford to dine out at a fancy restaurant. It’s not that you are suddenly comparing your situation to the communities you are hoping to work with. Your mind is simply preoccupied with these bigger concerns that you have no time to idly think about the luxuries you’re not experiencing.
Thinking about the greater good doesn’t mean you’re neglecting yourself. It is recognizing that your needs are also the needs of others and you can do better by including them when you work to meet your needs. It is putting up a carport canopy for people who are waiting for their rides instead of simply carrying an umbrella for your individual use. Of course, bigger issues, like food security, have bigger impacts on world economies. You might not be able to connect it to yourself immediately, but that’s also the appeal of altruistic goals. You don’t feel like you’re doing a service to yourself.
Care only for a handful of friends
It’s not that you couldn’t or shouldn’t have many friends. But understand that not all of those you would care for would feel the same about you. The need for reciprocity is not limited to romantic relationships. It’s in all kinds of relationships as core elements such as respect and commitment need to be reciprocated by the parties involved. If one does not feel the same way towards another, then there is no real relationship because each views the other differently.
But it doesn’t matter if not everyone reciprocates how you feel about him or her. It’s okay if you just have a handful of people around you. It’s even better. That way, you can be true to yourself as much as possible. These people don’t care if you make mistakes. They will even help you get back on your feet when you fall. So you don’t have to worry about the opinion of others about you. The true people you will surround yourself with will understand you and will be with you through thick or thin. The rest’s opinions don’t matter.
Know how to let go
This is one of the difficulties people have that is why they are so miserable. They can’t accept failure. But it’s simple logic. If you can’t change it anymore, then no matter how you think about it, cry about it, rage about it, there’s nothing you can do. So do everything you can if you can still make things happen according to your plans. But if they don’t, accept it. You can’t change the past. You can only shape your future.
This attitude in life will make you feel at peace. You don’t hold grudges. Sure, you won’t forget, and remembering is good because it would mean you will not make the same mistake again. But you don’t have negative feelings about what had already happened.
How we live our lives vary. Our goals are not the same. Some would be more materialistic, while some would perhaps value experiences or knowledge more. What is clear is that everyone would feel the same set of emotions in their lives. These life tips will hopefully build on your ability to recognize these emotions and act on them as you go about your daily work.