10 Principles of life I’ve seen to be universally true and transformative that I am still learning how to do.

1. How you do anything is how you do everything?

It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we can compartmentalize our lives, that we can treat different areas with different levels of care and attention. But the truth is, how we approach any task is how we approach all tasks. Our attitude, our intensity, our focus - these things bleed into every aspect of our lives. We allow ourselves to give less than our best in certain areas, thinking that it doesn't matter as much. But the truth is, it all matters.

So if we're half-hearted in our work, or negligent in our relationships, that's going to show up in other areas as well. On the flip side, if we're diligent and committed in one area, that will carry over into others. The way we do anything is the way we do everything. It's important to remember that, because it means that we have the power to improve our lives simply by changing our approach.?

We can't just coast through life and hope for the best. We have to put in the effort if we want to see results. Fortunately, doing so is within our control. All it takes is a little bit of self-awareness and a lot of determination. And when we make that commitment, we open ourselves up to limitless possibilities.

It's all about taking responsibility for your actions and ensuring that your words and deeds are in alignment. When you live your life with integrity, you set the example for others to follow. You show them that it's possible to be kind and compassionate, even when things are tough. You demonstrate that it's possible to make a difference in the world, one small act at a time. And most importantly, you show them that it's possible to be happy and fulfilled, no matter what life throws your way. So remember, how you do anything is how you do everything. Set the example and change the world.

Here are 3 tips for bringing your best to everything you do:

1. Set the intention to do your best. Every task, no matter how small, is important. When you set the intention to do your best, you approach every task with care and attention.

2. Be present in the moment. It's easy to get lost in our thoughts and allow our mind to wander. But when we're present in the moment, we're more likely to be focused and attentive.

3. Make it a habit. The more we do something, the easier it becomes. So make it a habit to approach everything with diligence and commitment. Over time, it will become second nature.?

So ask yourself, "How am I doing?" and be honest with yourself. If you're not happy with the answer, it's time to make a change. Remember, how you do anything is how you do everything. Start living your life with integrity today!

2. Your consistent experience of life and relationships is a mirror of your inner world.

If you're not happy with what you're seeing in your life, it's time to take a look at your inner world. Your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs create a corresponding vibration that attracts people and situations into your life that match that frequency. In other words, what you see on the outside is simply a reflection of what is going on within you. If you are feeling angry or resentful, for example, you will tend to attract relationships and experiences that mirror those emotions back to you.?

The good news is that you always have the power to change your inner state, and when you do, your outer world will begin to change as well. So if you're ready for a different experience, start by changing your inner world. Create new thoughts, feel new emotions, and believe in new possibilities. It all starts with you. When you change, your world changes.

Below are 4 steps toward creating a more positive inner world:

1. Be more mindful of your thoughts. Pay attention to the kind of thoughts you're thinking most often. If they are negative, judgmental, or self-defeating, make a conscious effort to change them.?

2. Be more intentional about your emotions. Choose to feel good emotions more often, even if it feels artificial at first. The more you practice, the more natural it will become.?

3. Be more open to new possibilities. Allow yourself to believe that good things can happen to you. Visualize what you want, and take small steps toward making it a reality. ?

4. Choose kindness. Be kind to yourself and others, even when it's difficult. When you act from a place of kindness, it creates a ripple effect that can touch everything and everyone in your life.

Remember, your inner world creates your outer world. So if you want to change your life, start by changing your inner world.?

Viktor Frankl said, "Between stimulus and response there is space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom." That space is your opportunity to create a new inner state, and a new life experience. Choose wisely.

3. Always assume the best about people. They are doing the best they can.

We've all had those days where nothing seems to go right. Maybe we overslept, or maybe we just can't seem to get out of our own head. On days like these, it's easy to fall into the trap of assuming that everyone around us is out to get us. We might think that the cashier is judging us for having too many items in the express lane, or that our boss is angry with us for being a few minutes late to a meeting. However, it's important to remember that everyone is fighting their own battles. The cashier might be dealing with a difficult customer, and our boss might be under a lot of pressure to meet deadlines.

If we assume the best about people, we can give them the benefit of the doubt and avoid turning a small incident into a big drama. Besides, it's always more enjoyable to assume that people are good-hearted and well-intentioned. It's a lot more fun to walk around with a smile on your face than a scowl. So next time you're feeling down, try to remember that everyone is doing the best they can. Chances are, they're feeling just as stressed as you are.

Here are 3 ways you can learn to adopt this important principle and attitude into your daily experience.

1. Make a conscious effort to see the best in people.

When you find yourself making assumptions about someone, stop and ask yourself if there's another explanation for their behavior. It's easy to jump to conclusions, but giving people the benefit of the doubt can make a world of difference.

2. Practice empathy.

When you find yourself in a difficult situation, try to put yourself in the other person's shoes. How would you want to be treated in the same situation? Showing empathy will help you connect with others and see them as human beings, not just obstacles in your way.

3. Spread positivity.

It's easy to be caught up in our own problems, but when we focus on the positive, it's contagious. Season your interactions with others with positivity, and you may just find them doing the same for you.

When we assume the best about people, we give them the benefit of the doubt. We show them empathy and understanding, which can make their day a little brighter.?

And, who knows? Maybe our good attitude will rub off on them, and they'll have a better day too.

So next time you find yourself feeling frustrated with someone, take a step back and try to see things from their perspective. You might be surprised at how much better you feel.

4. Strive to learn one new thing everyday?

One of the best ways to keep your mind sharp and engaged is to strive to learn one new thing everyday. It doesn't have to be something big or complicated - even simple things like learning a new word or trying a new recipe can help keep your brain active and working at its best. Science continues to prove that the brain's plasticity - its ability to change and adapt - is greater than we ever thought possible. So whether you're looking to improve your memory, reduce your risk of developing dementia, or just keep your mind sharp as you age, making a commitment to learning something new every day can make a big difference.

Another benefit of learning new things is that it can help reduce stress and improve your mood. When you're feeling overwhelmed or down, taking some time to learn something new can help take your mind off of whatever is stressing you out and give you a sense of accomplishment. And, as an added bonus, teaching others what you've learned can also help them feel better and more connected to you.

Here are 3 tips that have helped me in my pursuit of learning new things regularly.

1. Make a list of things you want to learn. This can be anything from learning a new language to trying a new hobby. Having a list will help you stay focused and motivated to keep learning new things.

2. Set aside time each day to learn something new. Whether it's 10 minutes or 1 hour, making time each day to focus on learning will help make it a habit.

3. Share what you've learned with others. Not only will this help them learn something new, but it can also help you solidify your own knowledge and understanding.

What will you learn today?

5. Listen carefully and learn from generations older than you and younger than you.

When you're young, it's easy to feel like you have all the answers. But as you get older, you realize there's a lot to learn from those who have come before you. And, likewise, there's a lot that younger generations can teach us, too.

If we're open to listening and learning, we can glean valuable insights and wisdom from people of all ages. The biggest thing that stops growth and change, is when we think we already know everything. Defaulting to " things were better back in my day.." or "kids these days are so ____" is a sign that you may be stuck in your ways and not open to new perspectives.

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to listen carefully to those who are both older and younger than you. You may be surprised at what you learn.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

- Don't assume that you know everything. No matter how much life experience you have, there's always more to learn. Be humble and open-minded, and you'll be surprised at what you can learn from others.

- Listen with your heart as well as your ears. It's not just about hearing the words that are being said, but also about understanding the feelings and emotions behind them.

- Respect the different perspectives that people of different generations can offer. We all see the world through our own unique lens, and we can learn a lot from others who have different perspectives.

- Seek out opportunities to learn from those who are different from you. If you only surround yourself with people who are like you, you're not going to learn anything new. So take the time to reach out to someone who is different in age from you, and see what you can learn from them.

Keep learning, and never stop growing!

6. Practice being completely present in each moment

When we're caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's easy to get lost in our thoughts and miss what's happening right in front of us. Practicing mindfulness – or being completely present in each moment – can help us focus on what's important and appreciate the little things in life.

When we are not present ( consciously or unconsciously) we may be:

-Unhappy with what we are doing

-Thinking about the past or future

-Worrying about what others think of us

-Not fully engaged in conversations

-Missing out on opportunities

All of these things can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. However, when we are mindful, we are able to:

- Be in the moment

- Appreciate what we have

- Be more patient

- Communicate better

- Have better relationships

- Reduce stress and anxiety

So how can we be more mindful? Here are some tips:

1. Pay attention to your breath. Taking a few deep breaths can help you relax and focus on the present moment.

2. Be aware of your surroundings. Notice the sights, sounds, and smells around you.

3. Focus on your body. Feel your feet on the ground, your hands clasped, or your back against the chair.

4. Accept your thoughts and emotions without judgment.

Being present in the moment will not only benefit yourself but also those around you. So next time you find yourself caught up in your thoughts, take a step back and focus on the present. You may be surprised at how much more enjoyable life can be.

7. Trust yourself. Listen to your inner voice.

When it comes to making decisions in life, it's important to trust yourself. Listen to your inner voice and intuition, as they will often guide you in the right direction. Don't let others influence your decisions too much, as ultimately you are the one who has to live with the consequences.?

Not trusting yourself is a form of self-betrayal. You wouldn't betray a friend, so why would you do it to yourself? All healthy relationships are built on trust, including the relationship we all have with ourselves.?If you don't trust yourself, it's difficult to move forward in life and achieve your goals. You need to have faith in your abilities and trust that you can make the right decisions.

Have trouble trusting your own inner voice and making decisions? Here are few things to consider.

- First, get to know yourself better. Spend time alone and learn what makes you happy, what your values are, and what you're good at. The more you know about yourself, the easier it will be to trust your own decisions.

- Second, don't be afraid to make mistakes. We all make them, and it's how we learn and grow. If you're constantly second-guessing yourself, you'll never get anywhere.

- Finally, don't compare yourself to others. We all have our own unique journey to follow in life. Comparison is only going to breed insecurity and self-doubt. Trust that you are on the right path, even if it looks different from someone else's.

-Lastly,?if you are still having trouble trusting yourself, reach out to a therapist or counselor. They can help you work through any issues you may have and give you tools to build self-trust.

So, the next time you're faced with a decision, take a deep breath and trust yourself. You've got this!

8. Darkness and pain are not always your enemy

For most people, it is our natural tendency to run from feelings of darkness, pain, and suffering. We do everything we can to avoid them, and when we can't avoid them, we try to push through them as quickly as possible. But what if we stopped running from these feelings? What if we allowed ourselves to sit with the darkness and pain, to really feel it, and to understand it?

There is no denying that darkness and pain can be incredibly difficult to deal with. But it is important to remember that they are not always our enemy. Sometimes, darkness and pain can be our ally. They can help us to see the world in a new light, to feel things more deeply, and to appreciate the good moments all the more.

They can be new doorways of seeing the world and ourselves.

Some of the greatest stories, discoveries, and achievements in human history have come about because someone was willing to face the darkness and pain head-on. Here are a few:

In 1858, Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis discovered that washing hands with chlorine could drastically reduce the spread of disease in hospitals. But his discovery was met with skepticism and resistance from the medical community. Semmelweis was ridiculed, ostracized, and eventually fired from his job. But he continued to fight for his discovery, and today we know that he was right.

In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary became the first person to summit Mount Everest. But getting to the top was no easy feat. Hillary and his team faced freezing temperatures, dangerous conditions, and exhaustion. But they persevered, and today we see Mount Everest as a symbol of human achievement.

In 1964, Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. But before he became a civil rights icon, King was met with plenty of opposition. He was arrested, beaten, and threatened. But he continued to fight for what he believed in, and today we remember him as one of the most important figures in American history.

So next time you're feeling lost in the darkness, remember that it might just be leading you to something beautiful. Who knows what you might discover if you allow yourself to sit with the darkness and pain instead of running from it?

9. Embrace change

The power of embracing change should never be underestimated. Change can be difficult, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. When we embrace change, we open ourselves up to new possibilities. We become more flexible and adaptable, which can lead to greater success in many areas of our lives.

Why is change so hard for so many of us? One of the biggest reasons is that we tend to resist anything that feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar. Change can be scary, and it often requires us to step outside of our comfort zones. But if we want to grow and improve our lives, we need to be willing to embrace change.

Here are five benefits of embracing change:?

1. Change can help us grow and develop.

When we embrace change, we open ourselves up to new opportunities for growth. We learn new things and develop new skills. We become more flexible and adaptable, which can lead to greater success in many areas of our lives.

2. Change can lead to new and exciting experiences.

If we're open to change, we can have some amazing experiences. We'll try new things, meet new people, and see the world in new ways. We may even discover things about ourselves that we never knew before.

3. Change can help us overcome challenges.

Life is full of challenges, and change can help us overcome them. When we face a challenge, we have the opportunity to learn and grow. We can also develop new strengths and skills that can help us in other areas of our lives.

4. Change can bring about positive results.

When we make positive changes in our lives, we can achieve some amazing results. We may reach our goals, improve our relationships, and feel happier and healthier.

5. Change can be empowering.

When we embrace change, we take control of our lives. We decide what we want to do and where we want to go. We become the masters of our own destiny.

So don't be afraid to embrace change. It can be scary, but it's also exciting and empowering. Embrace change and see what amazing things can happen.

10. Be kind and forgive

Kindness and Forgiveness are two of the most important and powerful things in life. If we can be kind to others and ourselves, and learn to forgive, life will be much more peaceful and joyful.

It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of everyday life and forget about the importance of being kind and forgiving. We may get upset with our friends or family members, and hold onto that anger. Or, we may make a mistake and beat ourselves up over it instead of learning from it and moving on.

When we’re kind to others, we help make their day just a little bit brighter. We may not realize it, but even the smallest act of kindness can have a big impact on someone else’s life. And when we’re kind to ourselves, we give ourselves the compassion and understanding that we need to heal and grow.

Forgiveness is also essential for a happy and healthy life. When we forgive others, we let go of anger and resentment. This can be difficult, but it’s so important to do if we want to move on and be at peace. Forgiving ourselves is just as important. It allows us to let go of self-blame and negativity so that we can live with more peace and joy.

Here are some thoughts to help in the kindness and forgiveness department:

-Kindness:

try to do one kind act each day, no matter how small

smile at people you pass on the street

be patient with others, even when they’re having a bad day

offer words of encouragement to someone who looks like they need it

pay compliments to those around you

-Forgiveness:

think about what it would feel like to forgive the person who hurt you

imagine letting go of the anger and resentment you’re holding onto

practice forgiveness by saying out loud, “I forgive you”

write a letter to the person you need to forgive, even if you don’t send it

Both kindness and forgiveness are choices that we make. They’re not always easy, but they’re so worth it. When we choose to be kind and forgiving, we create a more peaceful and joyful world for ourselves and others.

If you're struggling to forgive someone, it's okay to ask for help. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist. They can offer support and guidance as you work through your feelings.

In summarizing these ten profound principles of life, it becomes clear that they are not just guidelines, but pathways to a more fulfilling existence. Each principle, be it embracing change, practicing mindfulness, or extending kindness and forgiveness, challenges us to look inward and cultivate a life that resonates with integrity and purpose. As we journey through these lessons, continuously learning and growing, we carve out a life that is not only rewarding for ourselves but also inspiring for those around us. Remember, the journey is ongoing, and each step, no matter how small, is a stride towards a richer, more meaningful life.