Living an Extraordinary Life

My sorority, Phi Mu Fraternity, posted this article on their alumnae website "Living an Extraordinary Life" and I wanted to share with you. These are simple lessons to have the best life possible, because as we all know, you only live once!

Choose.

Don’t let circumstances wash over you like a flood. Understand that by not choosing, you have also made a choice. Be clear that you are always choosing … always.

Transform.

Make choices that are transformative. This is distinct from “doing something different;” this is about making choices that take you in the direction YOU want to go, even if the point of destination seems far away. You are not going to arrive somewhere different if you stay in your comfort zone. Make small choices, every day, along the way.

Have dynamic vision.

Create your vision anew, every day. This vision of your life needs to contain elements of a passionate perspective, an ever-changing experience of moment to moment life as if you have already arrived. It’s like picking a point on the horizon -- say, Hawaii -- and every day, imagining yourself there sipping on a tropical beverage and feeling the salt spray on your face. Achieving the extraordinary requires that your intention remain firm.

Take action.

Magical thinking gets you nowhere. Sure it’s good to be aware of the weather, of planetary shifts and of your religious beliefs but do not expect that God or the Universe will pay your bills. Take action toward your vision or you will never reach the point you’ve chosen on the horizon. Take the sailing course, sign up for the trip.

Observe.

Notice that you will receive assistance from unexpected sources. This is not magic although it seems like it is. Passion is contagious! When your plans are for the greater good, there will be helpers along the way.

Plan and then go beyond the plan.

Human beings tend to go toward guarantees in life; toward safety and zero risk. The risk is where the real creativity lies. Can you imagine that you never ever had a challenge in your life? How would you grow? Challenge yourself to have more than you have ever dreamed of before.

Expect the very best from yourself.

This is not the same as being critical of you. It is, in fact, the opposite. Champion yourself. Always think the best of you. Expect the best to happen. Expect that you will perform at your best. When you expect the best you come closer to receiving the best.

Have fun.

Sure the dishes must be washed, the kids taken care of, the paper written, the report filed. Would you rather complain and be miserable, or be happy and have fun while doing those things? Having fun, keeping an eye on your dynamic vision, taking action steps toward that vision, your life can be very exciting and that’s extraordinary.