5 tips for living your best life

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You have no idea of the depth of your strength, and your ability to overcome the worst things life – and business, for that matter – can throw at you. In November 2010 I suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm (basically one of the two main arteries in my brain blew up).

I was a young marketing specialist with the whole world in front of me. I was content with my job, I was fit, healthy and full of life. Suffering a ruptured aneurysm took all of that away from me in the blink of an eye. How quickly life can turn. I lost the ability to speak, I couldn’t walk, I was eventually let go from my job, I struggled to pay my medical bills and mortgage and now I was unemployed.

My world was coming to an end and I buried myself deep into a dark place.

After months of seeing a psychiatrist and with the help and support of a close network of family and friends, I pulled myself out of the black hole. Having gone through such a traumatic ordeal and after finally realising that there is more to life than working to pay bills, I decided to take control of my life.

Since then I have:

  • Resigned from two different roles with nothing to go to, as I wasn’t satisfied in my role
  • I’ve started my own business (after leaving a full time role) and jumped into being a sole trader
  • I’ve hosted and presented to people, talking about good health overcoming my fear of public speaking
  • And am now happier than ever in my life that I have chosen.

So what does living your best life mean? To me it means living the life that YOU want, not the life that’s handed to you. I only do what I want to do, and am not dictated by the decisions of others. Yes I do work in a corporate environment, and like most of you have a boss to report to. But I chose the company I work for and the people surrounding me, as there are qualities that I would like to learn myself.

Here are 5 ways you can take control of your life to make it your best.

1. If you’re not happy with your job you have 2 options – Say something or leave

Perhaps you feel your boss takes all the credit for your work, or you aren’t challenged enough. Instead of waiting for a new opportunity to present itself, go and take the opportunity yourself. When you are open to life’s opportunities – they will present themselves. And when you are negative and pessimistic about the future – that will be the future you sow. But don’t make the decision around money. Money doesn’t make you happy.

2. Will anyone die if you call in sick?

If the answer is no, and you are genuinely sick – take the day off. There is NOTHING more important than your health. Having gone through a life threatening injury I can promise you that while I spent weeks in ICU, the thought of work never crossed my mind! Jobs will come and go. Once your health is lost, its gone forever or very hard to get back.

3. Do what you say you’re going to do, NOW

Were you thinking of trying to open a café? Or wanting to change professions? Do it now. What are the steps that you need to take to make that happen? Tomorrow is never promised. DO IT NOW!

4. Speak your mind

If something is on your mind, say it. Tell your boss you’re not happy, tell your husband you’d like him to cook dinner! Instead of wasting that energy thinking about how upset those things make you, say something about it. If you haven’t told or spoken to someone about what’s bothering you – assume they have no idea.

5. And finally – Don’t worry, be happy

Even I’m still working on this one! A positive outlook on life will almost always reap positive results. Always see the best in every situation (good or bad), instead of complaining – offer solutions and alternatives. Lift others up instead of bringing them down. You will feel better by being the beacon of light in your office.

This article was originally published on The Business Woman Media.