Live Fully Now - Robin Sharma

Too many human beings postpone living. We say that we will live our best lives when we have more time or when we finish the pressing projects that are consuming us. We tell those around us that we will be more loving and passionate when things slow down. We promise ourselves that we will get into world-class physical condition and eat healthier food when we have a little bit more time. Yet, deep within us, each one of us knows that there will never be a better time to live our biggest life than now. And if not today, then when? 

Most of us live as if we have all the time in the world. We put off living and reaching for our highest and best. And yet, the days slip into weeks, the weeks slip into months and the months slip into years. Before you know it, your life will be over. And most people, when they are on their deathbeds, have the same regrets: that they did not take enough risks, that they did not realize their highest personal potential. And they did not give more love.

There are no extra days. There are no meaningless days. This very day is the day that you can make a choice to stand for something higher and be the person you know in your heart you have always wanted to be. Today is the day you can make the decision to get into outstanding physical health or to be a genuine leader at work or to be more authentic as a human being or to take more risks and run towards your fears. To me, that’s what leadership is all about. Seizing the moment and living your life as an example to others of what’s possible for a human being to create. Keep thinking about what your best life will look like. As I share in my speeches and workshops: “with better awareness you can make better choices and when you make better choices, you will see better results.” 

Six Ways to Achieve Personal Greatness

1. Write out a 20 year plan for your professional as well as your personal life.Great companies ensure that they are governed by a well thought out mission, vision and value statement. A clear plan along with a statement of your most important values will allow you to make wiser choices which will lead to less failures. 
   
   
   
2. Spend more time thinking. One of my clients is Satyam Computers, one of India’s most successful IT companies. One of their guiding philosophies is to encourage teammates to spend 1/3 of their time in contemplation. Most effective human beings think more than others. Think about what you want your life to represent. Think about how you can create more value. Think about what is not working in your life so you can make changes. 
   
   
   
3. Get into balance. Striking a balance between your work and your personal life is not easy. It’s a daily challenge. But by working at it, your life will work much better. Schedule the time for exercise. Ensure that your family and friendships get the priority they deserve. Take some time for yourself because when you feel better, you will be a source of positive energy to all those around you. 
   
   
   
4. Take calculated risks. Every seven days, do something that makes you feel uncomfortable. The very thing that you are afraid to do is the thing that you should do first. Remember, on the other side of your fears lives your growth. 
   
   
   
5. Be more loving. Great teams are built by authentic leaders who are not afraid to speak truthfully and show kindness. This is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength. Be loving, polite and compassionate to all those around you. This does not mean that you don’t make the tough calls when you need to. What it really means is that you bring more of your humanity into your life. 
   
   
   
6. Be different. Leaders, by definition, don’t follow the crowd. Live life on your own terms. Listen to the values that are most true to you. Be creative. Remain an idealist.