Do you leap out of bed every morning thrilled to meet the day and all its adventure? Or, do you find yourself dragging your feet around in the morning, dreading your day and all that it contains?
If the latter describes you, here are four ways to give yourself a boost in life and to help you start living with more zest:
1. Let Go of Complacency.
I’ve been reading 20,000 Days and Counting by Robert D. Smith and am inspired at his question: “100 years from now, what will you have left behind?”
He challenges readers to consider how many days you’ve lived so far. According to the calculator on his site, I’ve lived 11,418 days. That’s a lot of days and I know that I’ve not lived all of them to the fullest.
You’ve only got one shot at life, so don’t waste it. You were made for more than the status quo.
Do something. Start somewhere. Today is the first day of the rest of your life — however long you have to live. Don’t waste it!
2. Stop Living in Fear.
Fear cripples and suffocates the life from you. It keeps you from even trying. It whispers things in your ear like, “You’re not good enough.” “You’re not qualified enough.” “You’re a failure.”
If you want to stay forever stuck, keep listening and believing those lies. They will bring you down and suck the life out of you.
I read the autobiography of Chuck Norris last year and loved how he said (my paraphrase), “Instead of running from my fears, I force myself to face them head-on.”
He talked about how he was deathly scared of public speaking. He made himself accept speaking engagements and opportunities again and again until he finally got over his fear and now it doesn’t bother him at all.
What are you afraid of?
3. Quit Listening to the Naysayers
There will always be people who disagree with you, criticize the choices you’ve made in life, or are just plain negative. That’s a fact of life.
The surest way to live a miserable life is to try and please everyone. It’s impossible… but you can sure run yourself ragged trying.
Now, let me be clear: If you’ve offended a friend, you need to do your best to make things right. If someone has a legitimate concern about the direction you’re headed or something you’re doing, you definitely should listen to them and take their counsel into consideration.
However, if your life is being picked apart by Negative Nelly and there’s no basis for the negativity, you gotta stop letting her bring you down. You can’t control what other people say about you, but you can control how you let it affect you.
Did you get that? It’s their problem, not yours. Remind yourself of this when you can’t seem to do anything right by someone else. Most of the time, it’s not because there’s anything wrong with you; it’s because they are insecure themselves. And they try to make themselves feel better by criticizing someone else.
Tactfully remove yourself from negative people and situations as much as you can. When it’s not possible to avoid the negativity, picture an invisible shield between you and the negative person and tune out their unfounded attacks remembering that they are unfounded.
In addition, do not respond to negativity with negativity. That only fuels the fire more. Either don’t respond at all or respond with genuine love and kindness.
4. Jump Outside Your Comfort Zone
Jon Acuff posted the above quote that asks a fantastic question: “When was the last time you did something for the first time?”
Does jumping out of the safe zone scare you? Well, then take a tiny baby step. And then another tiny baby step. Whatever you do, though, don’t stay put.
One thing that helps me is to ask myself, “What’s the worst thing that can happen?” In most cases, there are pretty much only two “worst case scenarios” when trying something new: a) You try something and fail at it — which isn’t bad at all, as I already hopefully convinced you of just a minute ago. b) You try something and decide you don’t like it. In that case, there are a billion other possibilities of things you can try next.
I loved this quote from Michael Hyatt that I heard on his Platform University video that I watched yesterday morning:
“The most interesting things in life happen just outside your comfort zone.”
I’ve found this to be true in my own life. There are so many amazing experiences, relationships, and experiences I would have missed out on if I had stayed in the safe zone.
Sure, it’s scary, but if you’re willing to take the risk, I promise that you’ll end up finding it really rewarding. Plus, I’ve discovered that when you start pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, your comfort zone moves. Things that were once completely daunting to you can become exhilarating and invigorating.
And no matter what happens when you get outside of your comfort zone, I promise that it will be more inspiring than staying stuck in a rut.
What helps you wake up more excited about your day — and your life? I’d love to hear!
Crystal,
Thank You for this post!
I really appreciate your positive go get em attitude!I think about you in certain situations and wonder what you would do. I am trying really hard to not let my desire for a business fizzle. You are an inspiration. Life is tough, but you seem to help me knock down those hurdles one at a time.
Again thanks!
Avid reader
What helps me wake up more excited about my day and life?
GRATITUDE. I nearly died in a car wreck several years ago. I was transported to the hospital via helicopter. My oldest son was hit by a truck (going 45mph) crossing the street after school…he almost died.
So, I just don’t take days for granted. It could always be my last. Or worse, it could always my children’s last.
Gina,
I’m so thankful you lived through that horrific accident.
God Bless you!
Christal
Thank you, Christal!
I didn’t write the comment very clearly but those were two separate incidents. Those two (and a couple other major crises) have changed the way I view each day. I gravitate toward uplifting blogs, such as this one, too. It’s nice to find people with a deep appreciation for family, God and time. 🙂
I love this post! That’s funny about Chuck Norris’ fear of public speaking. I was afraid of it, too. I hated my speech class in college. So, a couple years ago, I joined a Toastmaster’s group in my community. 🙂
I was also afraid of dogs, so I got one. (Now I have 3.)
Um, I really struggle with this, so thank you for your kind, encouraging words! I’ll be thoughtfully considering how to implement this in my life.
It’s my job…It’s not fulfilling and really hard, so I wake up dreading it every day. Maybe it’s time to look for a change? Or maybe it’s time to learn contentment in less-than-ideal circumstances? 🙂 Maybe both?
I thank God for you, Crystal! You impact my life greatly.
This was such an encouraging post! If you believe that God has called you to do something, it does not matter what other people think…..be a God pleaser, not a person pleaser!
Thinking about waking up for the “day” may be my mistake. I tend to wake up with an “ugh” attitude too often, when really I should start seeing each day as a day to tackle my fears, to face a new adventure, to jump outside my comfort zone. That sounds a lot more exciting than doing laundry. Thanks, Crystal!
Not to be the negative nally or whatever it was called but some of us are just eh more negative people doesn’t means we can’t enjoy life if nothing else it’s helped me in life through the roughest times because I’ve planned for the worst and when it happened I was braced and ready and it doesn’t mean I can’t accept the good.
I don’t know maybe it’s easier to wake up and great the day happily when you don’t have to go to a job to make money to pay the bills. I know on the weekends as long as my husband doesn’t let me sleep in too long (otherwise I get a headache and hard to be cheerful through a headache) that I wake up with lots of goals, ambitions and and generally cheerful and optimistic.
Anyways it is the weekend now and kiddos are all ready we made airplanes last weekend so now it’s time to take them for a flight.
Ending thought – Not everyone needs to be smiling and bubbly 24-7 that kind of would belittle what true life enjoyment is. It’d be like trying to eat chocolate every meal of every day…. after awhile it just wouldn’t be as good.
Have a great weekend folks and for those of us back to the grind Monday, have a super extra good weekend!
There are definitely some people who are wired to look at the glass half-empty, versus half-full. I’m much more of an optimist and I’m sure it drives the pessimists a little nuts sometimes. 😉
I’ve always worked — ever since I was 16 — sometimes many more hours than a traditional 8-5 job. So I can’t really speak to whether or not having a job or not makes a difference. I *do* know that I much prefer working from home and having my own business… except there are many days when it means working at times that most others who have an 8-5 job would be sleeping or just enjoying their evening or weekend off. 🙂
But I can say that finding *fulfilling* work is what makes the difference — whether you’re an optimist or a pessimist. There are hard and difficult parts about any job, but if you truly love what you do and find it energizes you, it makes all the difference in the world.
I love the books Quitter, 168 Hours, and The Other 8 Hours for helping people make the transition from a boring, 8-5 cubicle job that you loathe, to finding/creating a job that gives you passion, purpose, and excitement.
Exactly what I was thinking and love this reply
Another “super optimist” here who drives pessimists crazy. And they drive me crazy too!!
This is a great post with links to many new resources for me. Thanks.
Ditto! I’m thankful for the helpful link. I consider Crystal a trustworthy resource. 🙂
Right now, I am overwhelmed by ideas that God is putting in my head for projects. I have never written a book, but I have ideas for at least 4 books plus at least 1 ebook swirling around in my noggin. I am trying to spend the first part of this year getting back to regular blogging, and trying to figure out when exactly I am supposed to do all this writing…with 8 children still at home to homeschool!!
Definitely feeling some fear and trepidation right now.Not sure what His plan is, but I am willing to surrender and find out!!
Dawn, just wanted to say, you’re not alone, sister! I’ve taken to carrying notepad and pen with me everywhere I go because God seems to be downloading new ideas at record speed! One step at a time and you and I will both get there! 🙂 You can do it!
Thanks so much Jamie!! And you’re right…as soon as I posted, I remembered yet another idea I had from some time ago! Definitely getting a notebook and writing stuff down from now on. Press on!!
Thank you for this post, it was exactly what I needed to hear 🙂
Working in libraries is what makes me excited about my day. Working on my Master’s of Library Science with two young children makes me excited about my life. I absolutely love my job. I work with wonderful people every day-library patrons and co-workers bring joy, adventure, and satisfaction daily. My children have inspired me to challenge myself to be the very best “me” that I can be in my corner of the world. By going back to school, I’m showing my kids that it doesn’t matter what your age is-you should go for what you want in life. It’s too short and precious a gift to waste from the Lord. Glory to God in the highest!
“When was the last time you did something for the first time?”
Just this past week I created my first Powerpoint for our church’s Women’s Ministry group — when the leader asked me if I could do it (about an upcoming event, for her to present to the congregation), I said ‘sure’ and she asked if I could add music and I said ‘I sure will.’ And then she said she didn’t realize that I knew Powerpoint — and I said I didn’t but that I would figure it out — and I did. (smile) Go for it!
Love this!!! Thanks for sharing!!
I tried to get that book from the library and they didn’t have it. It sounds very encouraging.
You forgot an obvious one; make sure your toddler does not wake up at 5:15am, 15 min after you woke up to be productive. Make sure your other kids sleep through the night and that they wake up happy, not crabby and needy. I think those things always help me wake up looking forward to the day. 🙂
Great post, but had to jump in & say that the quote “When was the last time you did something for the first time?” is a popular Van Halen lyric from their album that came out almost a year ago. Hubby is a super fan so I couldn’t pass that up lol.
Whoops, sorry for the duplicate post! ^^^
I get excited when I see puzzle pieces in my life coming together to form part of the big picture that I’ve been working toward. And it’s really been helping me lately to notice the tiny little things and be thankful for them, and to tell the Lord how thankful I am. I’m new at blogging so I’m super excited when I see visitors and comments, etc. And much of my life has to do with mentoring people, and when I see one of them growing, I feel “on top of the world.” All the little things add up to an amazing day if I just take the time to notice them! 🙂
Thank you so much, that was really good and something I needed to read. Fear is hard for me right now. See I have a 23 year old son in Afghanistan right now and it’s so hard not to worry about him all day long and go on with my normal life.I feel like I’m was praying for him as my days move on…hope to apply some of what you said to my life right now.
I will pray for him!
Good post, but had to jump in & say the quote “When was the last time you did something for the first time?” is a popular Van Halen lyric from their last album that’s been out almost a year now. My hubby is a super fan so I couldn’t pass it up lol.
Thanks for letting us know where the quote came from. Jon’s picture didn’t have a credit line so I wasn’t sure where it originally came from, but I thought it was good!
I love the quote from Michael Hyatt. I would have to agree. When I learn a new skill, particularly one that daunts me, I get really excited about it! I’m working on something right now that is a little challenging for me, but I know that when it’s done I’l be so thrilled!
I love this whole post and Jon Acuff’s quote– so convicting– I had to think for a few minutes to remember the last time I did something for the first time! Life is too short not to be adventurous and excited about every new day God gives us! Time is a gift and I definitely don’t want to look back on my life regretting how much of it I’ve wasted!
Thanks for the encouragement!! You are an inspiration to me:) You have truly done all of these things and I strive to be this way:)
LOVE this post!! Thanks so much 🙂
Your words are always so encouraging. I can’t tell you how many times I have read your posts and it is exactly what I needed. You are such a blessing. Thank you for the time you take to post everything. God has used what He has taught you to help me out so much. God Bless!!!!
Your article is very timely, I am so out of my comfort zone going miles from my family to an upcoming event, by plane, then spending the entire weekend surrounded by people. I am excited about it, yet nervous.
Great post–thanks for the encouragement! It has really helped me by immediately thanking the Lord for His blessings–just waking up to another day. So what if I’ve really slept in & am behind in my day? Maybe the Lord is protecting me from an accident. By focusing on Him, I am able to be more excited about serving Him that day! 🙂
Thank you for the encouragement, Crystal. You are a big blessing to me. 🙂
Crystal, here’s to waking up EXCITED every day of your next 11,418 days!
I’ve found that if I go to bed excited about my scheduled tasks for the next day, I have no problem waking up excited and ready to go in the morning. Turn up some music, show some gratitude for getting another day to spend, and kick things into gear!