How Is This Going? 3 Ways To Lead A More Meaningful Life In The New Year
Posted: May 30th, 2012 | Author: Dan Wilt | Filed under: Brainwaves | Tags: 2012, employment, faith, family, fear, God, happiness, happy, harvard business review, job, joy, living, meaningful, movie, new year, New Year's Eve, new york times, oprah, Q | 6 Comments ».
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3 WAYS TO LEAD A MORE MEANINGFUL LIFE IN THE NEW YEAR
By Dan Wilt
Every year, as we enter a New Year, we have high hopes for living a more meaningful, purposeful life. Here are three ideas, that can be applied by anyone from any walk of life, that will help you move on your desire to lead a more meaningful life in the New Year.
1. Make Your Spiritual Growth A Priority.
It may be true that being “spiritual” is a big trend in our day. But not everyone takes the time or energy to cultivate their spiritual devotion to deepen it’s quality and strength in their lives. Spiritual growth is intentional – it doesn’t just happen to us.
Consider putting something systematic in place (ex. attending church 2-4 Sundays a month, starting each day with prayer) that will help you keep your spiritual life in a state of constant growth and maturity.
Take the time to set up a daily rhythm, such as a brief, 10 minute scripture reading habit before you turn on your iPhone or other digital device in the morning. You’ll be glad that you quieted your heart, turned your thoughts to prayer and reflection, and began your day with a quieted mind.
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2. Ask Your Family What They Need From You.
Tonight, at dinner time, ask your family what they need from you this year. While teens and children may struggle to answer this one, you may get some surprising answers. Your spouse, if you’re married, may see this as an opportunity to share something they feel has been missing from your part of the relationship.
Receive all input with grace, and as a clarifying gift. Then, without empty promises or overstatements, commit yourself to doing your very best to provide what has been asked of you. Your family is your highest priority; give them all you’ve got.
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3. Make A Daily Choice To Live Generously.
I’m amazed at the amount of daily opportunities to be generous with time, money, energy and care that present themselves. For you, committing to an organization early this year that will get you outside of yourself and giving to others may be just the trick. Or, maybe a little note you set on your breakfast table each morning that says “Live Generously” will get you going on on the right path.
Whether it’s supporting a child in poverty from the comfort of your home, listening intently to your spouse even if you’re tired, or throwing a party for all the mothers of young children in your neighborhood, find ways to put generosity into your daily life patterns.
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About The Author:
Dan Wilt is a writer and communicator based in Franklin, TN. His small business, Wild Pear Creative, is committed to serving organizations, colleges and individuals committed to creatively 1) spreading contagious encouragement and 2) aiding human flourishing in all matters of life.
Love these 3 steps and how you’ve made them so doable and accessible. I’ll let you know how it goes. That #2 is a good one.
This is a really great blog post! Thanks for the reminders to put our faith in action.
Thank you for this – it hit just where and when it was needed!
How is this going for you?
Dan, I find it imperative that I start my day with my daily bible reading plan (youversion) before i get on Facebook or any other social media. It is a great way to show where my priorities should be, God first, everything else second. Also, asking family members for input is scary! but this has helped me see what I can’t see in myself.
Thank you for sharing with us Dan.
Consistency is the main key when I do No. 1 part.
I’ve been doing a Q.T on a daily basis before I start my day,
It’s very difficult to keep it consistent, but I know for sure that it is one of the most important things for any one to do when they want to grow in spirit.