One of the main goals that I have for myself is to always live my life on purpose. Being aware of my own Expiry Date has given me what I call "the Power of Perspective". This week I want to share a very powerful tool that I use to help invoke this perspective. It's very powerful but very simple at the same time - my favorite kind of tool!

I've often written about something I call "the Once Trap". This is where we live in the future by saying, "I'll be ... (happy, successful, fulfilled, satisfied, etc) ONCE ... (such and such) happens." The problem with living in "the once trap" is that we are often unhappy with the present because we are so focused on our future. But what if that future never comes?

The antidote to "the once trap" is to examine yourself in the moment and evaluate your actions. Are they in line with your personal goals? Are they in line with your ethics? Do your actions reflect who you are? If not, perhaps you are convincing yourself that the ends (the once trap) justify the means (an unhappy present moment). The tool that I'm going to give you can help you overcome this by giving you the power of perspective.

Here it is:

Take a look at your daily actions and ask yourself one simple question: "WHY?"

Why am I doing this particular activity?

• Why am I getting up at this time?
• Why am I eating this for breakfast?
• Why am I reading the newspaper?
• Why am I going to work at this job?
• Why am I attending this meeting?
• Why am I on this committee?
• Why am I waiting in line?
• Why am I eating this for lunch?
• Why am I making this commute each day?
• Why am I living where I do?
• Why am I eating this for supper?
• Why am I watching this TV program?
• Why am I reading this book or magazine?

Often, the answer that instantly springs to mind is: "Because I must!" Let me challenge that - must you?

I'm not advocating that we all move to the beach and live off the land. Certainly we must earn money to provide for our loved ones and ourselves. I'm simply trying to ensure that you aren't living by default. I want you to live your live on purpose!

Next week I'll give you a companion tool that, when used in combination with the "why" question can yield incredible results!

ENJOY NOW!

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