Ever felt like life was passing you by in a blur of to-do lists and responsibilities? I used to feel that way, trudging through each day without much thought or Purpose. But a few years ago, I realized I wanted more from life - I wanted to feel inspired and find deeper meaning. So I set out on a journey to discover how to live my best life according to my own values and priorities.
Along the way, I learned a lot about myself and what really matters. I found ways to slow down, appreciate each moment, nurture my relationships, and contribute to something greater than myself. Living your best life is about tuning out distractions and focusing on what gives you a sense of meaning, joy and purpose. It's a journey, not a destination - one that looks different for each person. I'm still learning and evolving, but I've discovered a few principles that help me live in a more purposeful and meaningful way. My hope is that by sharing my experiences, I might inspire you to start your own journey to living your best life.
Define Your Core Values
To live your best life, you've got to know what really matters to you. For me, defining my core values was key.
What do you care about most? What principles guide your decisions? For me, my top values are:
Integrity: I try to be honest and truthful in all of my interactions and communications.
Growth: I have an insatiable curiosity to learn and expand my mind. I'm always looking for ways to improve myself and gain new knowledge or skills.
Relationships: The connections I have with other people are the most meaningful parts of my life. I value things like love, empathy, and quality time with friends and family.
Once you've defined your core values, use them as a compass to make important life decisions and set priorities. Say no to things that don't align with your values, and yes to the things that do.
For example, if relationships are a top value, make the time to strengthen your close connections. Call a friend, plan a date night with your partner or play with your kids. If growth is important, take that online course you've been wanting to do or read a book on a topic you want to learn.
Living according to your values will help you achieve meaning, purpose and fulfillment. While life has its ups and downs, knowing your values provides an anchor in the storm. They are a source of strength and motivation to become the best version of yourself.
So take the time for self-reflection and define what really matters to you. Your values are a roadmap to living your best life.
Pursue Your Passions
To live your best life, you have to pursue your passions. What excites or interests you? For me, it's writing, reading, and learning new things.
Find ways to incorporate your interests into your daily life. I try to read and write every day, even if just for 30 minutes. It fuels my creativity and gives me a sense of purpose. You might take a class on something you enjoy, join a local club, volunteer, or start a hobby. Make time for what matters to you.
Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Trying new things exposes you to new possibilities and helps you discover hidden talents or interests. Last year, I took an improv comedy class on a whim. Turns out, I loved it! Now I do shows once a month. You never know what you might find if you just take a chance.
Surround yourself with like-minded people. Connecting with others who share your passions will motivate and inspire you. I joined a writer's group to get feedback on my work and exchange ideas. Find your tribe and support each other.
Make a list of things you've always wanted to do but haven't yet. Pick one and start today. Don't wait for the "right" time or until you have more money or vacation days. Live your best life now by seizing opportunities to do what you love. You only get one life, so pursue your passions and savor each moment. The meaning and purpose you've been searching for have been inside you all along. Now go explore!
Spend Time With Loved Ones
Spending quality time with the people I care about most is one of the keys to living my best life. ###Make Connecting a Priority
I try to make connecting with loved ones a priority in my daily life. Whether it's calling my parents and siblings, meeting a friend for coffee, or planning a fun date night with my partner, I put in the effort to nurture these relationships.
Call or video chat with family and friends who live far away. Hearing their voices and seeing their faces, even if just for a few minutes, makes a big difference.
Make it one-on-one for the people closest to you. Do an activity together like going out for a meal, seeing a movie, hiking, or just talking.
Bond over shared interests and experiences. Cook a meal together, work on a DIY project side by side, go to an event you'll both enjoy. Making memories together strengthens your connection.
Be Present and Listen
When I'm with people I care about, I make an effort to be fully present. I put away my phone and other distractions and focus on listening to them and participating in meaningful conversation.
Make eye contact, pay attention to their body language and really listen to what they're saying. Ask follow up questions.
Share details about your own life too and talk about topics that you're both passionate about. Bonding over common interests and engaging in lively discussions creates closeness.
Express appreciation for them and the time you spend together. Saying "I'm grateful we could do this" or giving a heartfelt hug, especially for those closest to you, shows how much you value them.
Spending quality time with loved ones, whether family or close friends, contributes greatly to living a happy, purposeful life. Make time to nurture these relationships and be fully present when you're together. The connections you forge and the memories you make will sustain you during difficult times and enrich your life's journey. Focusing on what really matters - the people you care about - helps provide meaning and purpose.
Practice Self-Care
To live your best life, you have to make self-care a priority. As the saying goes, “You can't pour from an empty cup.” When I'm burnt out, uninspired, and running on empty, I'm not much good to myself or others. Practicing self-care helps me recharge so I can continue moving forward with purpose and meaning.
Get enough sleep
Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep impacts your health, mood, and decision making. I always feel so much better after a good night's rest. Make your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet for the best sleep environment.
Eat healthy and stay hydrated
What you put in your body directly affects how you feel. Focus on whole foods like fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit excess sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. And drink plenty of water to stay properly hydrated. When I eat healthy and stay hydrated, I have more energy and mental clarity.
Exercise
Even light activity, like a 30 minute walk a few times a week, provides benefits. Exercise releases feel-good hormones that boost your mood and act as natural stress relief. Find physical activities that you genuinely enjoy so that you stick with them. I love walking and yoga. What types of exercise do you like?
Practice mindfulness
Spending a few minutes a day focused on your breathing or the present moment has significant benefits for both the mind and body. Mindfulness reduces stress and anxiety, improves focus and concentration, and leads to an overall increased sense of well-being. Some of my favorite ways to practice mindfulness include meditation, deep breathing, and journaling.
Make self-care a habit and priority in your daily life. Be kind to yourself and remember that you deserve to be happy and healthy. When you feel good, you'll be in the best position to pursue meaningful goals and live your best life. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you.
Help and Connect With Others
Helping and connecting with others is one of the most meaningful ways I’ve found to live my best life. When I make a positive impact on someone else, it gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Here are a few ways I can try to help and connect with others:
Volunteer Your Time
Giving you time to help a good cause is a win-win. I volunteer at an animal shelter walking dogs and helping clean cages. Not only do I get to connect with the animals, but I’m supporting an organization that helps find them forever homes. Volunteering is a great way to meet like-minded people and form new friendships based on shared interests and values.
Reach Out to Someone in Need
There are always people in our lives who could use a helping hand or kind words. I try to check in regularly on elderly neighbors and see if they need help with chores like raking leaves, mowing the lawn or running errands. For friends going through a difficult time, I reach out to let them know I’m there to listen without judgment. Helping others in need is a simple act that can make a big difference.
Practice Compassion
It’s easy to get caught up in our own lives and daily stresses, but practicing compassion helps shift the focus outward. I work on listening without distraction, responding with empathy and understanding, and being less critical in my thoughts about others. Compassion fosters connection and kindness. When we make an effort to understand what others are going through, it brings us together and strengthens relationships.
Spread Positivity
Negativity and cynicism are contagious, so I try to spread positivity whenever I can. I compliment strangers, hold doors open, smile, make eye contact and engage in friendly conversation. Positivity brightens someone else’s day and makes you feel good in the process. Even small acts of kindness are meaningful and help create a more positive community.
Focusing on helping and connecting with others gives life deeper meaning and purpose. It’s a simple formula for living your best life.
Learn and Grow Every Day
To live your best life, you need to commit to constant learning and personal growth. ###Read and Study Regularly
I make it a habit to read books, articles, and studies on topics I'm interested in every single day. Reading exercises your brain and exposes you to new ideas, perspectives, and knowledge. Some of my favorite subjects to read about include psychology, philosophy, leadership, and mindfulness. You can also take free online courses on websites like Coursera, Udemy, and Udacity. I'm currently learning Spanish and brushing up on my photography skills.
Reflect on Your Experiences
After reading or taking a course on something new, I reflect on how I can apply the lessons to my own life. I ask myself questions like:
What resonated most with me?
What can I start doing today to make a change?
How can I build better habits and routines?
Reflection is key to learning and growth. Without it, most of what you read or study won't stick.
Continuously Improve Your Skills
I'm always working to strengthen my skills through practice and coaching. For example, I've been working with a life coach for the past six months to improve my communication, set better boundaries, and become a more empathetic leader. I also practice public speaking at local Toastmasters events and am learning to code through interactive tutorials.
Travel When Possible
Traveling exposes you to new cultures, ways of thinking, and life experiences that you can't get from books alone. When I have the opportunity, I visit other countries and immerse myself in the local surroundings. Travel awakens your mind and soul, and staying in your routine and comfort zone will limit your growth.
Making continuous learning and self-improvement a habit and priority in your life is essential to living your best life and reaching your full potential. Growth and progress happen through constant effort and pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. Live, learn, reflect, and improve each and every day.
Take Care of Your Physical Health
To live your best life, you need to make your physical health a priority. Our bodies and minds are deeply connected, so keeping yourself in good shape will boost your mental and emotional well-being too.
Eat a balanced diet
Focus on lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Limit processed foods, sugar and unhealthy fats. A healthy diet gives you energy and helps you maintain a healthy weight. It also reduces the risk of disease and improves your mood.
Exercise regularly
Find physical activities you genuinely enjoy, whether it's walking, yoga, cycling or strength training. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Exercise releases endorphins that improve your mood and act as natural painkillers. It also helps you sleep better at night and boosts your self-confidence.
Get enough sleep
Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night to feel well-rested. Lack of sleep can negatively impact your mood, memory and health. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, limit screen time before bed and make your bedroom as dark as possible for the best night's rest.
Manage your stress
Try relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, journaling or Tai Chi. Spending time with others who support you, doing hobbies you enjoy and limiting unhealthy habits can also help decrease your stress levels. Too much stress causes inflammation in the body and can lead to health issues like high blood pressure or digestive problems if left unaddressed.
Limit unhealthy habits
Don't smoke, limit alcohol consumption and avoid recreational drug use. These habits damage your health, relationships and quality of life over the long run. It may take conscious effort and time, but eliminating them will significantly improve your wellbeing.
Taking good care of yourself physically and mentally is key to living your best life. Make self-care a priority and you'll have the energy and clarity of mind to pursue your goals and find deeper meaning each day. Your body and spirit will thank you for it!
Establish a Morning Routine
Establishing a solid morning routine has been life-changing for me. Waking up with purpose and intention sets the tone for my whole day. Here are a few steps I’ve found helpful for designing a meaningful morning routine:
Wake up 30-60 minutes earlier.
Giving myself some extra time in the morning has allowed me to start my day at an easier pace. I’m not rushing out the door or scrambling to get everything done. Having a more relaxed wake-up helps me feel less stressed and more in control of my day.
Do some light exercise.
Getting my body moving, whether it’s yoga, walking the dog, or following an exercise video, provides an energy boost and mood lift to start my morning. Even just 5 or 10 minutes of light activity is enough to release feel-good hormones that motivate me for the rest of the day.
Practice mindfulness.
A short meditation, deep breathing, or journaling session helps center my mind and focus my intentions. Reviewing my goals and priorities for the day gives me a sense of purpose and direction. Starting from a place of intention and inner calm allows me to be more present and productive.
Eat a good breakfast.
What I eat in the morning fuels my energy, mood and mental state for hours. A balanced breakfast with lean protein, high-fiber carbs, and healthy fats keeps me satisfied so I’m not distracted by hunger or cravings later on. Some of my go-toes are oatmeal with nuts and berries, a veggie omelet or a smoothie.
Establishing these steps as part of my regular morning routine has truly transformed how I experience and navigate each day. I feel more motivated, focused and equipped to live purposefully and pursue my goals. The morning sets the tone for the rest of your day, so make it count by creating a routine that energizes and inspires you.
How to Live Your Best Life FAQs: Get Inspired and Take Action
When I first started on my journey to live my best life, I had a lot of questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions I came across, along with the answers I found.
What does it mean to live your best life?
Living your best life means finding purpose and meaning, pursuing your passions, and achieving your full potential. It's about living intentionally and making the most of each day. For me, it meant quitting my unfulfilling job, focusing on the things that really mattered to me, and working to improve myself each and every day.
How do I find my purpose or passion?
Finding your purpose starts with self-reflection. Think about the times you felt most alive and engaged. Look for common themes and connections. Your purpose could be helping others, creating things, achieving goals, or something else. Don't worry if you have more than one passion—you can blend them together into a fulfilling life.
I feel stuck. How do I get inspired and take action?
When you feel stuck in a rut, inspiration and action are key. Here are a few tips to get started:
Expose yourself to new ideas by reading books, listening to podcasts, or following people who inspire you.
Travel somewhere new. A change of scenery can spark creativity.
Start a passion project. Having an outlet to express yourself can boost motivation and energy.
Help someone else. Giving to others gets your mind off your worries and boosts positive feelings.
Take small steps each day. Don't feel overwhelmed by big life changes. Start with one small action each day to build momentum.
The journey to your best life is one of continuous progress and learning. Stay curious, keep taking inspired action, and don't be afraid to adjust your course along the way. Your best life awaits! Focus on living with purpose and meaning each and every day.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a few tips to help you live your best life by finding meaning and purpose. Ultimately, it comes down to knowing yourself, pursuing your passions, and making a positive difference however you can. Don't wait for meaning and purpose to find you - get out there and create it for yourself. While life will always have ups and downs, maintaining an attitude of gratitude and focusing on what really matters to you can help ensure you live without regret. I hope these insights have inspired you to start living your best life today. The world needs more people living purposefully and making a positive impact. Why not start with you?
