Life tends to be one big compromise.
Our daily lives are filled with jobs, tasks, and responsibilities that are not necessarily our cup of tea. We feel obligated to keep up with our personal status quo, and find ourselves lacking in time for true pleasure.
The optional activities that we absolutely love get crowded out by the items we see as priorities. Our passions and leisure activities go down the drain and before we know it, our life becomes a state of simply going through the everyday mundane motions.
It's impossible to live your best life when you miss out on the things you truly enjoy.
There is an easy way that you can regain control and paint a much different picture for the upcoming New Year.
The Non-Negotiables List
A non-negotiables list is a list of the most important things/items/activities that are necessary for you to feel your best. They are essential to your life and as the name suggests, are not up for negotiation.
This list is an incredible reference point for how you want to live and design your life. It serves as a reminder of what matters to you and where to focus your extra time and energy. Whenever you face a decision you can refer to this list and see how it will be affected. You'll make choices accordingly to ensure that your non-negotiables are not disrupted.
We all lead very different lives so the trick is to keep it simple and stay true to you. Some examples of non-negotiables from my personal list include: coffee dates, travel, weekly yoga, foodie dinners once a month, not checking email after 5 p.m., and taking Sundays off. Take into account that this list will change and evolve over time as you do.
How will this help 2016 be your best year yet?
Your non-negotiables list is a powerful tool that helps guide your life in the best direction possible in three ways:
1. Protects your core values
A non-negotiables list paints a clear picture of your values and truths. Consider this your master list of what you require to feel whole. It allows the space for your values to be nurtured and tended to on a regular basis while also filtering out any junk that tries to intercept.
2. Stimulates growth of health and happiness
When you are committed to getting enjoyment out of life, you naturally stimulate the expansion of health and happiness. The more you stick to your list, the more you welcome a positive state and reduce the negative clutter or stress that typically plagues your days.
3. Strengthens your ability to stay on your personal path
There are so many distractions and decisions that can sweep you off course. Sometimes these are unavoidable and you have to take the detour, but most often you have a choice. This list becomes your foundation and your roadmap on how to move forward and stay on track.
Tips for making the most out of your non-negotiables list
- Start with the top five things in your life that are non-negotiable and write them down.
- Your list does not have to be in any particular order.
- Choose items that bring out your best you -- think in terms of health, happiness, and overall wellbeing.
- Make a commitment to yourself and the people in your life that you will stay true to your non-negotiables list.
- Keep a copy in your workspace and at home -- somewhere where you can easily see it every day.
- Check in with your non-negotiables list every morning before you start your day.
- Update your list whenever your circumstances go through a significant change.
- Get your friends and family on board with their own list so that life can get better together!