My Daily Goal: Live Consciously

Routine – a sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed program.

Routines are boring, yet effective tools to improve human life. Throughout my life, I’ve created and manipulated my own routines while being influenced by public figures ranging from elite professional athletes to CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. I’ve noticed large improvements in my lifestyle, but these routines feel too rigid and structured. Recently, I’ve chosen to take a step back and reassess my priorities. The crux of my question became - how can I live a healthy, happy lifestyle while allowing room for spontaneous decisions? Here are the key elements I’ve identified for my daily checklist:

• Breathing exercise

• 4-7-8 breathing

• Physical exercise

• At least 30 minutes (regardless of intensity)

• Switch between endurance (or aerobic), strength, balance, and flexibility

• Mental exercise

• Read news articles or book

• Practice a new skill

• Social exercise

• Meet someone new

• Catch up with an existing friend

• Make small talk with a stranger

• Conscious use of senses

• Be aware of your surroundings (notice small, intricate details)

• Reflect

• Keep a journal of previous experiences or feelings

• Explore

• The world is massive – explore and find something new!

• Seek to love rather than be loved

• Spread peace and kindness

• Be thankful

• This world was built through centuries of hard work, which continues to this very day. Express your appreciation for things we may take for granted, which was made possible by the work of others.

• Smile :)

If I’ve checked off all of these main points, then I feel accomplished at the end of my day. Don't underestimate the simplicity of this list. It's not an easy list to fulfill every day. In fact, I fail quite often. However, it's a handy tool to keep me in line with my ultimate goal of living a conscious life (that is, being present in the world around me) while improving my own and others’ well-being. I encourage everyone to create their own list and strive to meet their personal goals. Baby steps...