Unexpected life events can serve as “Wake-Up” calls, nudging you to reassess your life and happiness. I have had several of these unexpected life events, but the most significant one was in 2019. I was working too many hours and ended up having emergency surgery on a twisted colon. Yes, that typically only happens with dogs and horses, but it did happen to me.
These moments, “Wake-Up Calls,” are the universe’s way of telling you to change things in your life. It could be an illness, the death of someone close to you, a divorce, a friendship fall-out, or more. When this happens, how do you reassess your priorities and put yourself on a better path for creating more happiness in your life? Here are three strategies to help you.
1. A Life Audit
A life audit (click here to review Real Simple’s Audit article) requires you to look at many aspects of your life such as your health, relationships, career, and personal growth.
Let me share a story. I have a close friend who’s been debating retirement for several years. This year, she’ll have been with her company for 40 years, she’s 67. Recently, she planned to have lunch with a longtime friend, the person who introduced her to her husband of 30 plus years. Unfortunately, the friend had to cancel due to catching the Norovirus. Tragically, he passed away just three days later. He was also 67. Losing someone unexpectedly is always a harsh reminder of how short life can be. Now my friend will retire so she can travel and have more time to do things she has wanted to do.
Where are the areas of your life that could use some attention? Take a moment to reflect on these important questions:
- Do you make time for regular exercise?
- Do you eat healthy?
- Are your relationships fulfilling?
- Do you have activities or practices that energize you or inspire you personally?
- Do you do something that brings you joy on a daily basis?
These key areas can help you assess whether you’re living a balanced, healthy life. Small adjustments in any of these areas can lead to big improvements in your overall well-being. Whether it’s setting aside time for physical activity, nurturing meaningful connections, or finding hobbies that spark your passion, focusing on these aspects can significantly enhance your happiness and personal fulfillment.
2. Defining your Core Values
Values are beliefs or principles that help guide your life. What are your most important values? Here is a list of some values you may think about:
- Integrity – Acting honestly, ethically, and consistently with one’s principles, even when no one is watching.
- Respect – Treating others with kindness, fairness, and dignity, and valuing their opinions, boundaries, and differences.
- Compassion – Showing empathy, kindness, and a willingness to help others in need.
- Family – Prioritizing relationships with loved ones and valuing the bonds between family members.
- Hard Work – Believing in the value of dedication, effort, and persistence to achieve personal and professional goals.
- Freedom – Valuing independence, autonomy, and the ability to make personal choices without unnecessary constraints.
- Growth – Continuously striving for self-improvement, learning, and expanding one’s skills, knowledge, and experiences.
- Accountability – Taking responsibility for one’s actions, decisions, and their outcomes.
- Health – Prioritizing physical, emotional, and mental well-being to lead a fulfilling and balanced life.
- Generosity – Sharing resources, time, or support with others, often without expecting anything in return.
- Courage – Facing challenges, fears, and adversity with strength and determination.
- Justice – Upholding fairness, equality, and standing against injustice or discrimination.
Choose to focus on three values to start. Prioritize them in your life for creating more happiness in your life. My hope is that by thinking about these first you will make decisions based on a more authentic purposeful life. For additional resources on Core Values, click HERE, for a GQ article.
3. Eliminate Negative Mental Habits
What are Negative Mental Habits? Those are habits that can hinder happiness, such as dwelling on the past, being self-critical, or comparing yourself to others. I love the quote:
Comparison is the thief of joy – by Theodore Roosevelt
By focusing on positive behaviors such as mindfulness, focusing on personal growth, and being grateful, you can eliminate these negative mental habits and create more happiness in your life.
Final Thoughts
By utilizing these strategies, you can intentionally shape a life that prioritizes happiness and minimizes the need for external wake-up calls to prompt change. I would welcome an opportunity to hear your thoughts. Please comment below. Or subscribe to receive this blog weekly.