We all have those moments when we react out of frustration, like when that car cuts you off in traffic. Instead of calling the driver a “jerk”, could you consider if they are having a really bad day (we’ve all been there!). Having a purpose can help you live a more calm and meaningful life with others, and be your best self, more often.
Consider these 8 Tips to Live Meaningfully and Purposefully:
1. Get to the heart of it! At the end of the day, why are you here? How are you going to use your gifts and talents to make the world a better place? What do you want to contribute to the world? This usually ties into the next tip of a noble goal.
2. Create a life mantra. Some examples are, “To inspire compassionate wisdom,” or “To support myself and others to live in truth.” Think about how you’d like to be remembered in life and keep saying this to yourself — daily!
3. Step back perspective. When we look back at ourselves 10 or even years ago things that stressed us out then are not in our view or mindshare today. So today, when stressed or making difficult decisions, focus on a longer timeline. What will matter in a year? Five years from now? 10 years from now?
4. Why and Who. “Why is this important?” and “Why are we prioritizing this?”. “Who is this for?” and Who is important to me in this matter?”. Why and Who are the key questions for 95% of situations to help move them forward.
5. More questions, less presumptions. The ability to imaginatively put yourself in someone else’s shoes is key to connecting with them. Empathy is something we can all get better at by asking questions instead of making presumptions. If someone cuts you off in traffic, instead of assuming they are a “jerk”, ask yourself “I wonder what is going on with them today”. This also helps to keep your rising frustrations intact.
6. Be a great listener. Deep listening is about paying attention to nonverbal cues: a person’s posture, body language, tone, and inflection. We transmit emotional messages through all of these methods. If you want to truly hear, understand, and feel what the other person is communicating, you need to look for verbal and nonverbal cues.
7. Deeper connections. Sometimes small talk is great, but often I want to get to know someone. Here is how to make a deeper connection — share a little more of yourself and ask questions that are a little more personal. Listen without judging and see what you discover.
8. Practice loving-kindness meditation. Meditation has been shown to increase empathy and kindness. I highly recommend it.
For more tips and personal wellness mentorship, go to https://schisandra.life/contact/ or reach out to me @ schisandra.life@gmail.com to help clarify your purpose so that you can create a meaningful life.