There’s a stark contrast between merely existing and truly living.
This difference lies in the choices we make every day. Simply existing is going about your life without really engaging or enjoying it, just doing what’s necessary to get by.
Living fully, however, means making the most out of every moment, and actively seeking happiness and fulfillment.
To start living fully, you need to follow certain rules. Rules that shift your focus from just existing, to truly experiencing life.
Here are 10 rules that can guide you in this journey towards a fuller life. Trust me, it’s not as complicated as you think.
1) Embrace the present moment
We’ve all heard it before, but it bears repeating — living in the now is crucial to living fully.
Too often, we’re caught up in our past regrets or future worries, forgetting that life is happening right now.
This isn’t to say that you should ignore your past or future completely. Reflecting on your past can teach valuable lessons, and planning for the future can provide direction. But obsessing over them? That’s where the problem lies.
Living fully means immersing yourself in what’s happening right now. It’s about savoring that cup of coffee, enjoying the laughter of a friend, or simply appreciating a beautiful sunset.
This is easier said than done, of course. Our minds are constantly buzzing with thoughts. But with practice and mindfulness, you can train yourself to be more present.
2) Say yes to new experiences
I’ve always been quite the introvert, preferring the comfort of familiarity over the uncertainty of new experiences. But a few years ago, I realized this mindset was holding me back from truly living.
So, I decided to make a change. I started saying yes more often – yes to the impromptu road trip, yes to trying out that quirky hobby, yes to the random coffee date.
I won’t lie, it was daunting at first, and not every experience was a home run. Like that time I tried salsa dancing and ended up stepping on my partner’s toes more than the dancefloor!
But every new experience, whether good or bad, taught me something valuable and added color to my life. I’ve met interesting people, discovered hidden passions, and most importantly, learned more about myself.
Don’t shy away from new experiences. They might be out of your comfort zone, but that’s where real growth happens. Start saying yes more often and watch how your life transforms.
3) Cultivate gratitude
Gratitude is more than just saying ‘thank you’. It’s a way of looking at the world, a perspective that focuses on the positive aspects of life.
As noted by experts, regularly practicing gratitude can lead to reduced levels of depression and stress. It’s also been linked to better sleep, and even improved physical health .
But how do you cultivate gratitude?
It’s simple — start by acknowledging the good things in your life. From small things like a delicious meal or a sunny day, to bigger things like supportive friends and family or reaching personal milestones.
It might feel awkward at first, but soon you’ll start noticing positive aspects of your life that you previously overlooked. Over time, this practice will change your mindset, helping you appreciate life more and live it fully.
4) Set meaningful goals
Living fully doesn’t mean aimlessly wandering through life. It involves setting meaningful goals and striving to achieve them.
Goals give you a sense of direction, a purpose to wake up each morning. They motivate you to grow, learn, and step out of your comfort zone.
But remember, not all goals are created equal. A meaningful goal should align with your values and passions. It should excite you and make you look forward to the journey, not just the destination.
Don’t limit yourself to conventional goals either. If your dream is to write a book, go backpacking across Europe, or start your own business, then make it your goal.
Setting goals is only the beginning. You also need to take consistent action towards achieving them. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks and start working on them one by one.
Remember, the journey towards reaching a goal is as important as achieving it. So enjoy the process and celebrate small victories along the way.
5) Practice self-care
In the hustle and bustle of life, we often forget to take care of ourselves. We put our needs on the back burner, thinking we’ll get to them “when we have time.” But here’s the truth – you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and spa days (although those are great too!). It’s about taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. It’s about setting boundaries, saying no when you need to, and prioritizing your health.
It could be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to meditate, going for a walk in nature, or enjoying your favorite hobby. Or it could involve seeking professional help when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
6) Foster deep connections
We’re social creatures by nature. We thrive on connection, on shared experiences, and relationships. And these aren’t just pleasant additions to life; they’re essential to our wellbeing.
In our digitally connected world, it’s easy to mistake ‘likes’ and ‘follows’ for genuine connection. But nothing can replace the warmth of a heartfelt conversation, the comfort of a shared silence, or the joy of a shared laugh.
Fostering deep connections doesn’t mean having a large social circle. It means nurturing meaningful relationships with people who understand you, support you, and enrich your life. It could be family, friends, or even a pet!
It’s about being there for others and allowing them to be there for you. It involves opening up, being vulnerable, and revealing your authentic self.
Remember, it’s the quality of your relationships that matter, not the quantity. So take time to nurture these connections. Reach out to an old friend, spend quality time with your family, or make an effort to meet new people.
These connections are what make life truly worth living.
7) Learn to let go
I spent years holding on to a dream that was no longer serving me. I was so invested in the idea of becoming a lawyer that I ignored all the signs telling me it wasn’t the right path for me. It was only when I finally let go of that dream that I found my real passion — writing.
Letting go can be incredibly liberating. It could be letting go of a failed relationship, a job that’s draining you, or expectations that are weighing you down. It’s about accepting that some things aren’t meant for us, and that’s okay.
Now, this doesn’t mean giving up at the first sign of trouble. But it does mean recognizing when something is causing more harm than good and having the courage to let it go.
Letting go isn’t a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. It’s an act of self-love and a step towards living fully. So, take a good look at your life and ask yourself, “Is there anything I need to let go?”
8) Embrace failure
Failure has a bad reputation.
Many of us fear it, avoid it, and when we do fail, we see it as a confirmation of our inadequacies. But here’s a fresh perspective – failure is a stepping stone to success.
Every time you fail, you learn. You learn what doesn’t work, and that brings you one step closer to finding what does. It’s through failures that we grow, evolve, and gain the wisdom to navigate life more effectively.
Consider some of the most successful people in the world; they’ve all experienced failure. Yet they didn’t let it define them. Instead, they used it as fuel to drive them forward.
So next time you face failure, remember, it’s not the end of the world. It’s an opportunity for growth. Instead of shying away from it, embrace it. Learn from it. And then pick yourself up and keep moving forward. That’s what living fully is all about.
9) Cultivate a positive mindset
Your mindset can greatly affect the quality of your life. A negative mind will always see the glass as half empty, while a positive one will see it as half full.
Cultivating a positive mindset doesn’t mean ignoring life’s problems. It means choosing to focus on the good despite the bad. It’s about seeing challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than obstacles.
A positive mindset can make you happier, healthier, and more resilient. It can help you overcome adversity and achieve your goals.
But how do you cultivate a positive mindset? Start by practicing positive self-talk. Instead of criticizing yourself, encourage yourself. Surround yourself with positivity — positive people, positive environments, even positive content.
Positivity breeds positivity. Start cultivating a positive mindset today and watch how it transforms your life.
10) Be true to yourself
At the end of the day, living fully boils down to one thing – being true to yourself. It’s about honoring your values, following your passions, and embracing your uniqueness.
In a world that’s constantly trying to mold you into something you’re not, staying true to yourself can be a challenge. But it’s a challenge worth taking.
Being true to yourself means saying no when you want to say no, and yes when you want to say yes. It means pursuing what makes you happy, not what makes others happy. It means living life on your own terms.
Final thoughts: It’s a journey
Living fully is not a destination but an ongoing journey. It’s about continual growth, learning, and self-discovery.
The beauty of life lies in its unpredictability and diversity. Every person’s journey is unique, as are their experiences and interpretations of what it means to live fully. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
These ten rules are not set in stone, but they can provide a helpful starting point. They’re intended to guide you, inspire you, and perhaps even challenge you.
Remember that living fully doesn’t require grand gestures or monumental changes. Sometimes it’s the small shifts in perspective, the quiet moments of appreciation, the courageous steps outside our comfort zone that can make the biggest difference.
The journey towards living fully is a beautiful one, filled with growth, discovery, highs and lows. Embrace it all. After all, this is your journey and no one else’s. And it’s these unique experiences that make life truly worth living.
What would Marcus Aurelius say?
Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?
Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.
Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.
