If there were only 8 things you could focus on in life, what would they be? Now the key is you want to choose the 8 things that are going to guarantee you live your life in the greatest way and accomplish everything you want to.
That seems like a question that has a complicated answer doesn’t it? It would be hard to choose just 8 things. There is just so much we can focus on. Whether it is our careers, goals, being a great parent, being responsible, having the right mindset, living a balanced and well rounded life … let’s face it, there is a list of things that literally could go on and on.
How on earth could we ever narrow our focus to just 8 things?
I mean if we are going to really do things right, we need to have everything in our life buttoned up. And, on top of all that, there seem to be tons of universal lessons, lots of things we need to learn and so many areas of ourselves and our personality that we need to develop, strengthen and continually work on.
If we are really going to do this “living” thing right, it is by no means a cakewalk.
Despite all of that though, we also know a lot of times the best thing we can do is keep things simple.
When something seems overly complicated, we can break it down into its most basic and fundamental parts.
We can then focus on understanding and doing each smaller part really well, and by doing so, we will master or succeed at completing the bigger thing we have broken down. When it comes to life and living in a great way, this is a great technique to put to use.
Life can be broken down to its most basic and fundamental parts, and if we can just understand eight things (yes, only 8), and do each of them amazingly well, we can be guaranteed that we will be doing things right and living in a great way.
This is when we are the most successful and able to accomplish those things we really want. This is when life gets real, real good.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not saying these eight things are easy to master. We have to learn all we can about each of them and be committed to continually work at doing them impeccably day after day. But, by focusing on just these 8 things, we really can understand everything we need to do and know the direction we need to be moving in everyday.
Is that all?
Yes, and considering that life is filled with about a zillion things, knowing you only have to focus on doing 8 things amazingly well, is a great thing. It is something that is by all means doable and all we have to do is focus on doing each one of these things better and better each day.
Okay, so enough already. What are the eight things I am talking about? Here they are (in no particular order):
The Only 8 Things You Have to Master and Do Amazingly Well:
1. Doing what you know is right. Don’t try to justify decisions and talk yourself into doing things in a way that is inconsistent with what you know deep down is right. Do things as you know they should be done. If it just doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
2. Become a philosopher. Okay, you don’t have to go that far, but you do need to always work to understand more and more. Ask those questions you may consider strange at first (What is my purpose? Why am I here? Who am I?, etc) and look for your own answers and truth. Be confident that the right answers will come at the right time.
3. 4. & 5. (Yes, 3 rolled into one, but it is a BIG one) Be kind with your words, actions and thoughts. Live in a great way. Focus and care about other people. Be thoughtful, loving and considerate. No gossiping, trash talking, complaining, being vengeful … you know the list.
6. Be disciplined and always willing to work and do what you have to do. Train yourself to be diligent with respect to anything and everything you do. Always devote the right amount of effort and attention to whatever it is currently in front of you.
7. Continually and consistently focus on the right things. Don’t allow your mind to be distracted by things that really don’t matter or that are just negative energy. Don’t get caught up in nonsense or needless drama.
8. Always work to have a great mindset. Unwind, relax, and do any activity you need to each day to calm your mind and have a great peace of mind.
Live Today Better than Yesterday.
Sibyl,
Nice list here, and certainly all very important things to focus on. In general I really connect with the trifecta of 3, 4, and 5. I am working hard to always be an encourager and affirmer to others. I never want to downplay what some else aspires to do or has experienced. If we can all focus on being encouraging and inspiring members of society it would offer such a boost in general motivation and a positive attitude. It’s about learning to be optimistic and positive for ourselves and then translating this to others. Thanks for sharing!
Joe: Thanks for the comment. I totally agree with you that one of the most important things we can do is be optimistic and positive and then sharing that energy with the people around us. Great point. Thanks for sharing it.
Peace of mind is definitely something I need to work on more. There are many nights where I just can’t sleep because I know if I died right then and there, my life would be full of regrets
Henway: The first step is recognizing and understanding that you need to work on your piece of mind. It is a good thing that you are already at that point. After you acknowledge it is an issue, then you can just start working at it day by day until you get to where you need to be. Thanks so much for the comment.
Great list. 3/4/5 reminded me of the Dalai Lama’s response when someone asked him to describe his religion. “My religion is kindness.” What if followers of all religions described their religion that way? Wouldn’t the world be a better place?
6 reminded me of my daughter who wanted to give up on lacrosse after her first practice because “she didn’t know how to play.” I suggested that she give it more than the 2 hours she had already invested. Within a short time she loved the game and soon made the varsity team.
7 reminds us all to develop good thinking “habits.” We can reset our homepage to reflect this practice.
8 reminded me of a meditation instructor at a training I attended recently. “Keep a cheerful attitude,” he would say now and then.
And back to 1. You and I are both lawyers. I am retiring from teaching law this year. I have always told my students to follow this excellent advice. Never compromise–not even once. Always take the high road, even when no one’s looking.
Great post!!
Galen: Thanks so much for the comment. I really enjoyed reading it and hearing your take on the 8 things. Tell your daughter that was a good decision to stay with lacrosse
I totally agree with you about always taking the high road. There is never any reason to sacrifice your morals or what you believe deep down is right.
Sibyl,
I love this list you’ve shared! I especially connect with “becoming a philosopher” (or really – of understanding “me” and what my purpose is). And that continues to be a journey – and one I’m really glad to be on!
The idea of distractions – that’s definitely one I could really embrace more – of staying focused on what has meaning for me.
This has me thinking this morning – so thank you so much for creating and sharing in this space of yours.
Lance: Thanks for the comment and I am glad the post got you thinking. That means I am doing my job
Isn’t it great to be on the journey of discovery. There really is nothing better than living and learning.
Sibyl,
Your tips were terrific. I cannot think of anything you left out here. If we were disciplined enough to follow them we’d surely live today better than we did tomorrow! Thank you for another awesome article.
Thanks Angela for stopping by. So glad that you liked the article and the list. I agree that now that we know them, all we have to do is follow them
> Become a philosopher
Now those are fine words of wisdom, and so true.
Thanks J.D. Much appreciated.
Great list Sibyl! Perhaps another way to say 3, 4, and 5 is “Live by the Golden Rule” and treat others the way you would want to be treated. For number 6, I would just add ‘be mindful’ and live in the present – so few of us master this tiny, yet very important detail and virtually miss our own lives! I’m glad I stumbled on your post
Hey Barb: Thanks for the comment. So glad that you liked the list. I totally agree with you that 3,4,5 resemble the golden rule. That rule to me is what it is all about
If you can just follow the golden rule, life unfolds in so many amazing ways.
Hi Sibyl,
Life is often complicated because we focus on so many things at once. So taking a hard look at what we should really focus on and narrowing it down goes a long way in getting rid of excess in our lives. As a result, we are likelier to do amazingly well because we are more focused. That said, I love the 8 things you have come up with. They are really great guidelines for successful living. The following resonated most strongly with me.
I think doing what is right as opposed to doing what is easy is very important. This often involves more work and effort on our part but in the end it is worth it because it will pay its dividends. More importantly, when we do what is right, we have less to worry about and fear, thus we are likelier to do amazingly well.
When it comes to making choices, it pays to think ahead and remember the big picture. When we realize the consequences of our actions in the long run, we are likelier to do what is right.
Thank you for showing us how to live today better than yesterday!
Irving the Vizier
Hey Irving: Thanks for the comment and for letting me know there just may be something to that new tagline of Live Today Better than Yesterday. I have been testing it out for a while, so I really do appreciate the feedback. I am 100% with you about doing what you know is right. I think this is one of the most important rules in life. If we can just be true to ourselves, there is no way we can move in the wrong direction.
Sibyl,
I like your # 2. I have always considered myself a form of philospher.
In my journey to understand myself I have become more and more confused because I am a complex individual. I really think my purpose is to eat as much food as humanly possible and sleep at least 3 times a day. lol!
The idea of asking yourself questions is so paramount because in asking you open up the possibilities of receiving answers and acting upon them. If you don’t ask you won’t ever receive. In your answers you usually will find purpose and purpose can guide you towards your passions and fulfillment in your life. Great post!
Hey Frank: Thanks for the comment. That sounds like you hit the nail on the head with that purpose
I agree with you that it is really important to ask yourself questions. You can’t be afraid to admit what you don’t know and you always have to be in search for more and more of your truth.
Hi Sibyl,
This is great my friend. A great list especially number 3,4,5 and 8 Watching our self talk is crucial in our lives. We have got to be kind with our words, thoughts, and action. In fact if we follow these three, most of our worries and anxiety will vanish. Also calming our minds is crucial. I personally take around 15 minutes daily to calm my mind from all the thoughts that I have. It helps to relax me big time. Thanks Sibyl for sharing
Hey Dia: Thanks for dropping by again. I agree with you that being kind with our thought, our words and actions pretty much sums it up. If we can just do those things, everything else will usually follow suit and fall in line. Taking 15 minutes a day to calm your mind is a great thing to do. I am all about the daily rituals. That is a good one.
Hey Sibyl,
Nice article there.I feel these are the very basics of being successful and perfect that everyone knows but the point people miss is the implementation of these great tips.
Thanks Shivam for the comment. I am so glad that you liked the post and I agree with what you said about implementing them into your everyday life. That really is what it is all about.
I really like this – you would think that these things are obvious – but we (me!) lose track of these in the busyness of living. You know that odd thing? I have become closer to others, but less close to my children, who see my expanding of my spiritual side, and my efforts to be a better person as somehow embarrassing! Go figure. As always, LOVE your posts.
Hey Laura: Thanks for the comment and I totally hear what you are saying about thinking these things would be obvious. They just seem to be such common sense once we hear them. I know that is how I felt too. The key though is taking that knowledge and logic and integrating it into your day and your actions. That is where the work comes in
Thanks so much for the comment and stopping by. Keep on expanding 
that means you are moving in the right direction.
Another “obvious” that isn’t to! Self-improvement and growth DO take work. It doesn’t come naturally, and for it to become a part of who you are, you have to keep forging ahead!
So true Laura. You have to be committed and disciplined enough to keep working at it. Thanks so much for the comment. Much appreciated.
funny..you were speaking about signs and how to listen. i came across your website and every bit of advice is EXACTLY what I needed to hear. (thus, I feel this a sign. Especially the bit about Someone Taking Your Dreams)
I am not sure just yet but there are some practical things I can do right this second that I feel will help me get to a place whereby I can sit down and think about all of the topics and questions for myself.
Thank you.
Janice
Janice: I am so glad that the articles pointed you in the right direction. I totally agree with you that you can find your answers if you sit down and think through things. Thanks so much for the comment and for dropping by. It is great to have you here:)
yea im much older now…and very centered around..wat would jesus do..and how would he like for me to behave….and im living my life to the fullest on ur list…when going thru its so nice to be able to read your posts…thanks for being u….yet although our encounters with others will not always be pleasing…continued strentgh and the power to substain is sooo much needed….peace and love to ya…