Three Lessons I Learned From Life

When I was younger, I made a lot of mistakes. I had no direction. I spent most of my time on autopilot. Time, money, and opportunities just slipped by me. I didn’t study as hard as I should have in school. In sports, I just got by with what I had to do instead of putting my best effort forward. What a waste of time!

If something was difficult, I wasn’t doing it. I wouldn’t call myself lazy. I just wasn’t focused on what was important. I was busy doing unimportant tasks. I don’t regret what I did, or how I wasted my early years, because I did have fun. I met some great people and gained an appreciation for a strong work ethic. But, I can’t beat myself up too much, because I didn’t really know what I was supposed to be doing.

Unfortunately, all of these fun times, and lack of being the best that I could be, resulted in graduating late, wasting a lot of time and money, and having no clear direction in life.

Why am I sharing this with you? Because it was a time in my life where life coaching would have really helped me. There were three big lessons that I hadn’t learned.

1. Always have a vision. You have to know where you are going. That was one of my challenges. I had no idea where I wanted to go, so I didn’t have a path to get there. I started out in Chemical Engineering and ended up in Marketing. What a path! Today, I always know where I want to be in three months. I have a personal vision board and a business vision board. I know what I am working toward. This clarity allows me to prioritize what I need to do, and stop doing what isn’t needed. I don’t think I knew what a life vision was back in school. But, I do now, and I am a big proponent. Some people take a little longer to figure out their vision, but even a starter vision can make a difference. Visions aren’t set in stone and definitely change over time. So, just start somewhere.
2. Pay Attention. You are responsible for your life. Only you can create the results that you want. Whether it’s a great relationship or good health, don’t put anything in your life on autopilot. Stop mindlessly going through your routine. Notice the opportunities and resources that will help you get what you truly want. One thing I did not do when I was younger is pay attention. My friends didn’t all of a sudden get good grades and fly out of town. I just didn’t pay attention to what was going on around me. If I had, I might have seen more opportunity for myself. I might have questioned my own actions, and really tried my best. If you ignore something good in your life, you will lose it! If you want something better in your life, you have to work for it. You can’t put anything in your life on autopilot.
3. Make Life Happen. Don’t let life happen. Don’t let drifting get the better of you. Drifting leads to confusion. There is no clear destination. And without a clear destination, we fail to see the opportunities that are all around us. Don’t regret the action not taken. Make real changes in your life. Know where you are going. Live with purpose and intention. I wasn’t making life happen, I was letting life pass me by. I wanted to have fun and didn’t care about living up to my full potential.

So, create your vision, and go for it. Pay attention to everything good and bad in your life and work for what you want. Make your life happen with intention and purpose. Don’t just let life happen to you. Do you have a clear vision for yourself? Is there anything in your life that you aren’t paying attention to like you should be? Are you taking advantage of opportunities and resources to make your life the way you want it?

If you answered no to any of these questions, start now to change those answers to yes.