If you were asked to live out a wonderful life with excellence, what is your reaction? Will you consider it easier said than done?
What does 'living out a wonderful life with excellence' actually mean? Your 'achievements'? In fact, the 'way of living' is more important a measurement of excellence than 'achievements', as the essence is living in a meaningful way without regret! Let's explore the four interactive key elements that can transform an ordinary life to excellence.
Identify our Values
We have to ask ourselves, "What is the most important thing in my life?" Your answer reflects your value system. There are many different kinds of responsibilities and obligations for us to take care of throughout lifetime. It is not uncommon for people to regret when they look back and recognise that what they have done are not what they aspired to. For example, people may pursue a career just for earning a living or other reasons. Yet, retirement times would be a golden opportunity for us to pursue and accomplish our goals that we have longed for. With personal goals, retirees will not be puzzled but satisfied about their lives.
Energise with Passion
'Passion' is not simply a feeling but also a sense of power. Positive feeling brings about energy, while negative feeling generates resistance. How can we ignite our passion? The key is to identify our values so as to fuel ourselves with spiritual power to pursue life goals.
Clear Objectives
With the setting of correct life values and ignition of passion at heart, we will naturally ask ourselves about the ways to set clear objectives and specific targets to achieve our life goals. Through logical deliberation, we can work out a plan. With such a plan in place, retirement lives will no longer be idle but prosperous!
Critical Actions
With the formulation of a clear and specific plan, implementation should follow. The most critical action to materialise our plan is to identify 'what to do' and 'how to do it'. With critical actions identified for execution, our lives will naturally be optimistic rather than pessimistic.
The psychology of retirees will determine not only their lives but also physical and psychological wellness during retirement. Negative mindset such as confusion, upset, idleness, and pessimism will deteriorate our physical and mental health. On the contrary, positive mindset such as satisfaction, prosperity, fulfilment, and optimism will give us strength to live happily and healthily. Riding on a good value base with clear objectives and a passionate heart, specific and critical actions will definitely bring us a wonderful life with excellence!
Dr Wong Chung-kwong, JP, Chairman of Honorary Advisory Board, Whole Person Development Institute