10 Reminders for Meaningful Living

Every day, we are presented with the choice to venture down the journey of comfort or growth. At its end, we must ask ourselves: What did I do to make myself better than I was yesterday? In a culture of instant gratification, we need to define what "better" looks like for ourselves as individuals and leaders.

The process of getting better cannot be rushed. All we can do is be intentional throughout it. The mastery of self-leadership ultimately comes down to our ability to cultivate the discipline and resiliency to get 1 percent better each day. True growth will stem from our ability to silence outside noise while prioritizing our well-being and self-care. Our positive growth will demand us to be uncomfortable at points.

It takes courage to abandon our comfort zones and to propel forward when the terrain is unstable. Yet moving forward even when the next step is unclear puts us in a position to evolve while also exploring the deeper depths of who we really are.

May the following 10 reminders allow us to reflect on where we are today and where we desire to go tomorrow. Realize wisely and earnestly we are in more control than we think of designing a life filled with intent, meaning and purpose.

1. The truth will always set you free.

2. The best years of your life are in front of you. Things have a way of working out for the best.

3. It is never too late to become the person you have always dreamed of being. You are never too old to dream!

4. You don't win all the time and you don't lose all the time.

5. Let what you do be an expression of who you are and the legacy you want to leave. If it is to be, it is up to me!

6. Spend less time with people who suck away your energy and more time with people who inspire and challenge you to be better and different.

7. No matter how good something looks, if it doesn't feel right ― walk away!

8. Stop the act of comparing yourself to others. You are exactly where you are supposed to be. The reflection in the mirror is more than enough.

9. Falling down is a part of life. Getting back up is living.

10. Do not die with your dreams still inside you. Live immediately in grace and gratitude.

Living every day to get 1 percent better will enable us to declutter our lives while focusing less on things that don't really matter. As we go out into our day, may these Dr. Maya Angelou words guide us:

“Seek patience and passion in equal amounts. Patience alone will not build the temple. Passion alone will destroy its walls.”