Powerful Ideas for an Extraordinary Life

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61

Become an adventurer. The human brain craves novelty. Revitalize your spirit and

sense of playfulness. Become a kid again. Once every few months, plan to enjoy a

new, thrilling activity such as white water rafting, scuba diving, windsurfing,

rock-climbing, joining a martial arts club, sailing, deep sea fishing or

camping. This will keep your life in perspective, bring you closer to those you

share the activity with and keep you feeling invigorated and young.

 

62

Spend time with Nature. Natural settings have a powerful effect on your senses

which in turn will lead to a sense of renewal, refreshment and peacefulness.

Peak performers through the ages have understood the importance of getting back

to Nature. Start camping or simply taking quiet walks in the forest. Rest by a

sparkling stream. Cultivate your own little garden which will serve as your

personal oasis in the middle of a crowded city. By cultivating a friendship with

Nature, you will quickly find more serenity, contentment and richness in your

life.

 

63

Recall the wise saying " mens sana in corpore sano " which means in a sound body

rests a sound mind. Never neglect the body which is intimately connected to the

mind. This is your temple. Feed it the finest fuels, exercise daily and care for

it as you would your prized possession - because it is.

 

64

Be so strong that nothing interferes with your peace of mind. A well-known boxer

was once unhappy. When asked why, he said that he had allowed himself to think a

negative thought. Curb your desires and stay centered and focused - it gets

easier with practice. You truly cannot afford the luxury of even one negative

thought.

 

65

Do not eat three hours before sleep. This allows for smoother digestion and a

more restful sleep. For deeper, more renewing sleep, remember that a daily dose

of exercise promotes good sleep as does a period of relaxation an hour before

bed. Also do not bring work to bed with you or think about anything which might

agitate you. Ease yourself into sleep like a baby being sung a soft, soothing

lullaby. And finally, as Leonardo da Vinci said: " a well-spent day brings happy

sleep. "

 

66

Be careful about your reputation. If it is good it will take you to the highest

of heights. But once tarnished, it will be difficult to retrieve. Always reflect

on your course of action. Never do anything you wouldn't be proud to tell your

mother about. Have fun always but temper it with common sense and prudence.

 

67

Find mentors to model who will guide you in your progress. The mistakes of the

world have all been made once before - why shouldn't you have the benefit of the

experience of others? Find someone who has both courage and consideration for

others, someone who is therefore mature. Your mentor must have only your best

interests in mind and should be sufficiently senior to offer you good guidance

on the subjects you seek assistance with. Everyone needs to feel appreciated and

even the busiest of executives will find time to assist a person who respects

them and values their advice.

 

68

Make a list of all your weaknesses. A truly confident and enlightened person

will note a weakness and seek to methodically improve. Bear in mind that even

the greatest and most powerful people have weaknesses. Some are better than

others in hiding them. On the other hand, get to know your best qualities and

cultivate them.

 

69

Never complain. Your words have power and the language you use determines the

way you perceive reality. Be known as a positive, strong, energetic and

enthusiastic person. Someone who complains, is cynical and always looks for the

negative in everything, will scare people away and rarely will succeed at

anything. From a purely psychological viewpoint, things are always created

twice: once in the mind and then in reality. Focus on the positive. Be so

mentally tough that nothing takes you off your planned course to success.

Visualize and firmly believe in what you want. It will most certainly come true.

 

70

Overlook the weaknesses of your friends. If you look for flaws you will most

surely find them. Be mature enough to ignore the petty failings of others and

see the good that each one inherently possesses. We can learn from everyone.

Everyone has a story to tell, a joke to share and a lesson to learn. Open your

mind to this and you will learn a tremendous amount. Friends are so very

important to a happy existence - especially those who have shared many

experiences and laughs with you. Work hard to make friendships, and all your

relationships for that matter, stronger and richer. Call your friends, buy them

small gifts of books or other items you believe they might enjoy. The " law of

the farm " applies to relationships as well as to the rest of life - you reap

what you sow and to have great friends you must first be one.

 

By Robin Sharma

 

to be continued...