The beauty of using the word “amazing” in any context is that you get to define what “amazing” means for you. An amazing life can and will look entirely different for you than it will for me or anyone else. We each make that determination.
Balance will always be part of the equation, especially if you have a life partner. Your view of amazing and their view of amazing may be different. So, there will be compromises to make. But, finding that balance — that compromise can be amazing as well.
Define Amazing for you. Only you can envisage the definition. If you aren’t happy in the job or the relationship or something is just not right, then what do you want? What will make an unhappy situation better?
Once you define what “amazing” means to you and what you’re trying to do; you make choices to make it happen. In other words, you choose the path. And, on that path will be milestones. One can’t expect that an amazing life destination will be as easy as making the decision and boom, you’re there.
New skills may be needed. Maybe new people need to be met; new connections made. Maybe new living arrangements need to be made. The point is you must figure out what the amazing thing is, first. What the path is to get there, second. And plot all the points in between to get to that amazing thing.
Once you have that path defined, start your journey. Understand and accept that the path may be rocky. Take risks; fully embrace the journey, and trust your instincts.
Keep that amazing thing in your sights. If you’re passionate about that amazing thing, you will reach the destination. Optimism is key. Lean in, don’t flinch, and you will succeed.
What are you doing in your spare time?
To get to that amazing thing, you might need to sacrifice something that you usually do in your free time. If you tell yourself there’s no time for the journey towards amazing, think about what you do in your spare time. It’s a choice — a balance. It’s simple. Don’t watch those television shows in the evening. Don’t go to happy hour with friends after work in the evenings. Work on plotting that path, instead.
Celebrate all the small victories on the way.
Don’t wait until you reach the final amazing destination. You’re setting goals, milestones as you journey to the amazing thing. Celebrate even a small goal when its met. You’ve made a success. Set aside a little reward for yourself. Maybe it’s just taking an afternoon off or a dinner out. Celebrate the milestones. This makes the journey much more enjoyable.
The road to happiness lies in two simple principles: find what it is that interests you and that you can do well, and when you find it put your whole soul into it — every bit of energy and ambition and natural ability you have. ~ John D. Rockefeller
How do you live an amazing and creative life without fear?
First comes inspiration; the amazing idea is born. Then, instantly comes fear. The fear is a little bully in your mind that tells you it won’t work. Or that nobody cares. Or, someone already did it. Or, you don’t have an audience. Or, you’ll be criticized. That little bully called fear doesn’t understand creativity.
Fear is old and reptilian. Creativity is new and weird, and something we do with invisible inspirational forces. ~ Elizabeth Gilbert
We all should strive to live amazing and creative lives. Do it because, for 100,000 years, our ancestors did it. Do it to connect with humanity. Do it because we need to evolve and keep the mind healthy. Do it because in the end, you’ll be a different person; it will shape and change your life for the better.
We live with the little bully by being brave. Don’t try to confront fear, that’s exhausting. Accept the presence of fear, allow it to exist. Do it afraid.
Give yourself permission
Another element of fear is entitlement, which refers to the thought that you don’t belong. Permit yourself to change your life. Give yourself permission to want what you want. And, permit yourself to be worthy. Within you exists the highest authority that will give you permission. Let it.
Persistence
A lot of people may feel like they can’t be persistent because it can feel confining. We all suffer in one way or another. Persistence gets us through, plain and simple. Having persistence shows there is something you want more on the other side of the sacrifice. And you can do this.
Believe you have the right to transform yourself and your life into AMAZING.
Breaking Surface by Mark Nepo
Let no one keep you from your journey,
no rabbi or priest, no mother
who wants you to dig for treasures
she misplaced, no father
who won’t let one life be enough,
no lover who measures their worth
by what you might give up,
no voice that tells you in the night
it can’t be done.
Let nothing dissuade you
from seeing what you see
or feeling the winds that make you
want to dance alone
or go where no one
has yet to go.
You are the only explorer.
Your heart, the unreadable compass.
Your soul, the shore of a promise
too great to be ignored.