Zest for life

What would you do with your time if you were told you have only ten years to live? And what if it were only three months? Silly questions? You are not into ‘if’s’? Well, reconsider please. It is vital that you do.

In one of the most sophisticated business courses in Great Britain these are questions asked of captains of industry in order to clarify what they really consider to be important in their lives. Are you doing what you’re meant to do with your life?

This refers to all of us. We often say that certain things matter to us, yet we become distracted and focus on other things. How often do people say they care so much for their families yet find themselves leaving home extra early and returning later each day. Psychological research shows that the further your daily life is lived from what you consider important, the more stress you will experience. And the opposite is also true. A meaningful life is a happier life.

So if you need a reminder of what gives you zest for life, start asking yourself awkward ‘if-questions’. If somebody threatened to kill you, unless you could give him three good reasons for allowing you to live, what would your three reasons be?

When you die, how do you wish to be remembered?

Adapted from an article by Dr Renate Volpe – UnitedSucces Associate in South Africa