Do Away With An Ordinary Life
Post written by Dayne. Follow him on Twitter.
20 Happy Comments
Be daring. Live an extraordinary life.
An extraordinary life can never created from a collection of ordinary days.
Or, to actually break it down a bit more, an extraordinary life can never be created if all you take are ordinary and mind-numbing actions or steps in life.
Many of us have a vision of what an extraordinary life would be – success, health, loving relationships, great adventure, making a difference in the world. Maybe all of these are part of your definition of an extraordinary life – I know they’re part of mine!
Just dreaming about an extraordinary life won’t get you there.
If only it were that easy.
The best place to star is by developing a vision of the life you want. The next step is forming a plan to realize this vision.
Here are some things to consider as you develop your vision and plan.
- Envision the life you want. Define the extraordinary life that you would live if you could. Don’t listen to those inner voices that whisper that you don’t deserve such a life, or that a track record of failure will get in your way. Just envision the life and then keep that vision in your mind.
- Create a personal roadmap. Spend some time creating a personal roadmap, or plan that leads to the life you want. Without a destination for your life and a map to help you get there, you’ll have very little control over where you end up. If your dream job requires additional education or training, then develop a plan for going to school. If you’d like to master a new skill, find how what’s involved. If you long for more love in your life, think about where you’re likely to meet the right person to love.
- Own your life. If your life isn’t going the way you want it to, you may be sabotaging yourself. Some of your habits and routines might be counter-productive. Take ownership of your life and recognize that you and you alone are responsible for changing it. If you’re at a loss about how to make changes to align your life with your vision and roadmap, look around for people that are doing what you want to be doing. Emulate them and learn from them. You may be able to avoid some false starts and dead ends by studying the experiences of others.
Once you have a vision of the extraordinary life that you want to live and have mapped out the road that might take you there, you can focus on your destination every day. With your vision firmly planted in your mind, there’s no reason to waste your days being bored or stuck in a rut. Ordinary days will become a thing of the past. Keeping your vision in mind will create a path to the extraordinary life of your dreams.
Here are 7 things to try out as you eliminate the ordinary days in your extraordinary life.
- Experience the real world. Shopping and electronics can be huge time wasters. Spend some time each day in the real world, away from stores, computers, television and cell phones. Take a walk and explore your neighborhood and local community or escape to the great outdoors and appreciate nature.
- Work on something that’s related to your vision. Each day, try to work on something that’s related to your vision for an extraordinary life. Have some personal projects in the works and focus on at least one of them each day. Don’t let procrastination stand in your way.
- Challenge your mind. The most successful people never stop learning. Even if you’ve finished you’re formal education, that doesn’t mean you should stop improving your mind. Seek out challenges for your mind every day. Read something difficult, research a subject you know nothing about, have a serious conversation with someone.
- Challenge your body. If you don’t already have a cardiovascular fitness plan, it’s never too late to get one started. Find some activities that will quicken your pulse and breathing rate for at least 30 minutes. Jogging, swimming and cycling are great for building endurance, as are gym machines like treadmills and exercycles. A challenging workout is a great way to take the ordinary out of the day.
- Seek out positive relationships. Destructive and one-sided relationships are a drain. Look for relationships with people who share your values and have a similar vision. Chances are slim that you’ll find someone with exactly the same vision, but if you have similar values it will be easier to build a nurturing relationship. Shared values and goals are a great basis for both love relationships and friendships.
- Spend time with someone you love. Connect with someone that you care about each day. Give them your complete attention, even if it’s just for a short conversation. Make eye contact, pay attention to what they have to say, show them that you care. These moments can make your day extraordinary.
- Be present in each moment. Open up your senses and your mind to the fact that this moment and this day are yours, and you have the power to make them extraordinary. Throughout the day, focus on what you’re doing, where you’re going, and the people you’re with. Don’t go through your day on auto-pilot. Look around at your home town and appreciate it each day with new eyes. If you can’t do that, then it’s time to think about moving. Don’t waste energy obsessing about the past or the future. Instead, put your energy into making the most of each minute of the present.
“This above all: to thine own self be true.”
These words were penned by Shakespeare hundreds of years ago, but they are just as authentic today. Being true to yourself means staying true to your values and vision and following your heart. It means you won’t settle for anything that will deter you from your pursuit of an extraordinary life.
Each day, be honest with yourself about what you want and whether your plan for the day will get you closer to your destination. If you have goals and dreams, being true to yourself means turning your back on ordinary days in pursuit of the extraordinary.
Be bold.
Dare.
Do away with ordinary, inject a little extraordinary in your life and watch it come alive with vibrant energy, sparks, and flowing happiness.
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What do YOU do in your life that makes life a bit extraordinary for you?
I want to hear your answers my fellow readers.
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Thank you so much! 
Posted on September 30, 2009
My mentor says: “It’s always hard… until it’s easy.” That is to say, all of that seems overwhelming at first, even though it’s all true, but the basic truth of it is, take one thing, one bite-sized piece – handle that, until it’s easy. Life is about flow and the flow only gets stronger, the river gets wider and pretty soon you’re a force that is not only changing, but a force OF change.
Hey there Eli and welcome to the blog! I loved what you just said in your comment. You are absolutely right about life being about flow (and momentum for that matter). Life is simply what we want it to be. Many think it has to be the way life IS. Big difference.
Thanks for the comment!
Dayne
Action.
That’s what makes all the planning happen and a lot of people fail to take action steps.
I have to be honest, I have my plan in order and I’m taking the steps to see it through, but negativity is always watching.
You should add to your post to be aware of the negative factors (from people) that can mentally slow you down.
It’s realistic to expect bad vibes, but you can’t let them steer you off your path. I experienced nasty comments today, and honestly, it got me down, but I have to keep remembering my goal.
We’re all just people
Pete | The Tango Notebook´s last blog ..Chuck Liddell’s Knock Out Tango Performance on Dancing With the Stars
Hey Pete, thanks for commenting. I agree with you on both points…action and facing the negativity from others. I think both are HUGE when turning our ordinary lives into something extraordinary. I appreciate you pointing both points out.
Thanks again and keep tangoing (is that a word?)
Cheers
Dayne
You just made it a word
Pete | The Tango Notebook´s last blog ..Chuck Liddell’s Knock Out Tango Performance on Dancing With the Stars
This post is great! It’s so important to live an extrordinary life — and that means different things for different people. Life’s too short to be boring and ordinary!
Positively Present´s last blog ..light up your life: 5 ways to make your path brighter
Hi Dayne. I enjoyed reading this post, especially the tips you gave on experiencing the real world, challenging your mind, and being present in each moment. By doing these things, I think it makes it a lot easier to go beyond the ordinary or average type of life. Thanks for this.
Tristan Lee´s last blog ..Success Story #3: Harland Sanders
One thing i need to do is experience more of the real world and get away from stores and whatnot. This post was amazing it reminded me that i need to spend more time with those who i love.
Josten´s last blog ..Are you thinking positive or negatively?
I agree with Tristan. I love just walking around the streets seeing people out doing there things. It breaks the numbness that can sometimes be brought about by spending most of your time working ans socializing online. Nice post. Keep them coming.
Gordie Rogers – Lifestyle Design 4U´s last blog ..Lifestyle Designers Should Set Financial Goals.
I thought this was a great post because we can so easily become complacent and just happy with the status quo. I think we do have to make certain that we have raised the bar on what we know we can achieve. We need to convince ourselves that we are entitled to an extraordinary life, but understand that it will not just fall into our lap. We are going to have to be committed to doing those things that will move us in the right direction. Like you said, we have to make those ordinary days a thing of the past and tap into those things that will trigger our passion and motivation. I think that is what I have noticed about people who are continually accomplishing things and moving in the direction they want to. They have figured out their personal perfect formula for success and the path to their extraordinary life. I thought your list had some very helpful pointers.
alternaview´s last blog ..Time for a new job…
Not only do you deserve to live an extraordinary life, but you are short changing the world when you choose not to. Each of us are responsible for the views and attitudes that we spread in this world, and if I were to make any change to this world, it would be to grant people the confidence to follow their own vision. This would create an infectious courage to raise in the spirit of mankind. Much of our perceived problems would be solved by this alone.
Justin- AlittleBetter.net´s last blog ..How to Choose and Attract Friends Wisely
Dani – You are right, being extraordinary does indeed mean different things to different people. We all have to find our own unique paths.
Tristan – Yes, experiencing the world around us and challenging our minds are key I think. When we do both, the world and our lives become a little less ordinary and routine for sure.
Josten – Thanks for commenting. Spending time with the one’s we love and seeing the world are both great things one can do. I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
Gordie – Yes, getting out and simply “people watching” can really break the monotony of being online. I, in fact, do the very same thing.
Alternaview – You are right, we have to not only raise the bar in our life but take action to become extraordinary. That type of life, like you said, will not just fall into our lap. Thank you for commenting!
Justin – Good point. When we become or lead an extraordinary life, we change the world around us at the same time. Like you said, if people would be more confident about it, there would be an increase in the spirit of mankind. I love that!
I think they key to an extraordinary life is balance. I was a decidely imbalanced person (read: workaholic) until about six weeks ago when I decided to make a change. Being able to value myself and my own time and to give myself permission to do it all — work, exercise, relax, etc. — without feeling guilty about what I wasn’t doing has been life-changing. Being in the moment and really enjoying what I’m doing instead of thinking about what I have to do next has been great. It’s been difficult for me, but I learn a little more day by day. Thank you for your blog. I really appreciate the inspiration to keep going down this new path.
Ninette´s last blog ..Day 41: Homework
Welcome Ninette and thank you for stopping by! I have to agree with you, balance is very very essential to living an extraordinary life for sure. Like you said though, focusing on the moment is key.
Thank you for commenting!
Cheers,
Dayne
Dude, I don’t mean to flatter you or anything: but this is TOTALLY a life changing post!
Nazim, all I can say is…THANK YOU for the nice comment. You just made my day and I’m glad this post had a positive impact on you and your life. That is the main goal of this blog.
Cheers to you and thanks again for commenting Nazim!
Thanks again,
Dayne
Hey Dayne—
Been looking for a post from someone on this for a long time. Not sure why I didn’t write it. GREAT JOB!
I try to sell this idea to everyone. If I am not living this life than what am I really doing.
Great post Dayne
Dave
LifeExcursion & The Minimalist Path
David Damron´s last blog ..How to Write Your First eBook
Great post – I like the way you incorporate practical ideas and also taking care of the body and mind. Great stuff
Jen
Jen´s last blog ..The ebb and flow of life
This is a great post. I always say to my friends “Ordinary lives are for ordinary people. Extraordinary lives are for extraordinary people. I was never meant to be ordinary”
Srinivas Rao´s last blog ..25 of the most useful Personal Development Clips on Youtube
Thanks for sharing. My friend and I were just talking about how we love to do different things together. It’s cool having someone who enjoys adventure.