Enjoying The Process
Our world is complicated which tends to complicate our individual lives. For millions of us the daily stresses of career, family, and life in general are incredible. An alarm clock wakes us before we’re ready and we’re off to the races! We rush to get the kids ready and off to school, or dash to get off to work, or scurry to meet the obligations of the morning. Our day is filled with the redundant pressures of routine. Evenings are too short. We work towards a weekend for a break in the grind. The months and years fly by as we are so busy and caught up in our chaotic lives.
Citizens the world over – for the most part – spend so much time “doing” that there is not sufficient time built in for “enjoying” (life). I know, it is not as if there were many choices in the matter; we all must do what is necessary to survive (and perhaps prosper?). At some point, however, there must be a compromise between “building a quality life” and “enjoying a quality of life”.
So often I hear myself (and others) say something like: “I’ll be happy when…” Or I hear: “I’ll relax when…” Do you hear similar phrases from yourself and others? These are words that reflect something less than contentment with the status quo. Such are expressions of a lack of something that would equate to enjoyment. Life is often times too serious, and we forget youthful enjoyment.
Success – in my opinion – includes enjoying the process of “getting there” (to our implied goals or overall objectives). Ideally, success (again: to me) means reaching the end of life with few – if any – regrets in hindsight. So how do we build components in life that remind us – or teach us – to enjoy the process of living?
First of all we do just that: build in components that remind us to enjoy each day. It is generally accepted that when we repeat something (like an action) it becomes habit after 15 or more repetitions. This means that we “condition” ourselves to remember to stop, look, listen, and enjoy the world and our place in it. We teach ourselves to look at the sky each day, to watch the changing seasons in more than just a passing manner. Yes, first we must be aware that we need to remind ourselves to enjoy (at least something about) each day.
Next, we need to include rewards and incentives within our goals and consistent actions that help us enjoy the process. Celebrate the small steps in the process that add up to a larger achievement. The rewards and incentives should fit within the context of the goal – relate directly to the goal – and be meaningful enough to motivate and yet “force” us to enjoy the moment.
Further, we must make a consistent effort to spend time with our loved ones without fail or excuse. It is rightly stated that ‘a family that plays together stays together’. We must be able to reach the twilight years in life, look back and say: “I made time for my loved ones and enjoyed sharing in their lives.”
And finally, we should realize a conscientious responsibility to this planet that makes our life possible, rejoice in its beauty, and make it a goal to do our part to preserve and heal the earth. Perhaps in making this concerted effort, we can learn more enjoyment and humility.
I suggests that essential steps along the success path include motivation, mental preparation, goal setting, research and development, consistent actions, and flexibility. We have within our control, ability, and ultimate responsibility the opportunity to build in “enjoyment” elements in each and every step along the pathway to success. I challenge you to examine your routines and goals and look for meaningful and useful actions that you can implement that will help you enjoy the process of getting there.
Stumble Upon
Del.icio.us
Buzz
FREE eBook: "6 Steps To Lifetime Success & Abundance"
Loading ...
