Sunday tends to be my day for relaxing and recharging for the week ahead…  I think I’m going to start posting some more introspective pieces over the weekend as well.  It helps me a lot to write things down (yes, I am an OCD list-maker), so I might as well post it here while I’m at it.   Just thought I’d kick it off with some of the things that help me stay on course– would love to hear what helps you to relax, get organized, and make the most out of life in general.  Please share tips in the comments below!

Tenryu Zen garden on flickr

“I know nothing except the fact of my ignorance.” – Socrates

Wise words for us all, I’d say.  But even if you know nothing, that’s no excuse for inaction.  In fact, the best way to counteract ignorance is to learn at every opportunity you have.

1. Breathe.

Even better if you close your eyes doing it.

2. Prioritize.

This is probably the most important thing you can do to get your life in order.  If you don’t know what your priorities are, you have no guidelines on how to spend your time and money on the things that really matter most.  It’s so easy to get swept up in school, work, or any number of small distractions that cross your path, but the best way to keep it all in focus is to take a step back, and go back to first principles.  Breathe.

3. Think about your priorities on a regular basis.

Kinda like desktop shortcuts…  when you’ve got easy access and it’s right there in front of you, things are just simplified.  I use the time on my morning commute to think about my family/friends and when I should catch up with who.  Another important thing to me during this time is taking several moments to appreciate everything I have.

4. Listen to yourself.

Nobody knows you better.  If you have a good or bad feeling, it’s not necessary to analyze it to death in order to determine exactly why. You just have to know that you feel a certain way; then act accordingly to promote or fix the circumstances that brought it about. Of course, trusted advisors are helpful, but in the end, go with your gut.

5. Be observant of your environment.

I’ve learned a lot of important lessons by watching others– sometimes I’ve seen great role models, but more often I’ve seen demonstrations of what NOT to do.  Also be aware of your environment’s effect on your mood.  It’s much easier to make yourself happy if you know what elements contribute to your happiness.

6. Spend your time on the things that matter most.

Here’s where your priorities come into play.  If I don’t spend enough time with my family or friends, I get uncentered. Even if I’m tired or have worked a massively long day, it’s refreshing to spend time talking, or just being around the important people in my life. Taking an extra hour to work on that stressful project may not yield much, but spending time with friends allows you to return to work refreshed– which will likely get you a better end result.

7. Be disciplined about where your money goes.

Before you spend, ask yourself some questions:

a. Is this an investment or a purchase?

Investments increase your happiness and satisfaction in the future.  A purchase is generally satisfying in the short term but will not yield additional benefits. Compare how happy you’ll be tomorrow, and 5 years from tomorrow.

My biggest investments? Education & gym membership– both have paid me back in spades.

b. Can I do something for less that will make me as happy or happier?

If so, why not take that alternative? I like to look cute as much as the next girl, but it’d pain me to walk out the door in $2k worth of clothes, $500 shoes, AND a $3k handbag. I don’t think I’ve paid retail for clothes since I started buying my own, and frankly, I get a rush out of getting great value for my money.

8. Stay positive, and look for the opportunities in life.

There will always be people who are worse off and better off than you. Even if you have a setback, take it as a chance to learn, and keep your eyes open for the great new opportunity headed your way.

I’ll leave you with one of my favorite poems:

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.