Last year, I embarked on a vacation to California during spring break with my best friend. This was not your typical “spring break trip” filled with beach parties and endless hours of drinking. However, we did experience some things I’ll never forget.
Anyone who has ever been anxiously awaiting a much needed vacation knows once you’re there, the days fly by. My friend and I certainly knew this, so we sat down to discuss all the things we wanted to accomplish in the short week. We made a “Cali Bucket List,” which was a list of goals including things we wanted to do, people we wanted to see, and places we wanted to go. We both purchased journals and decided we would take the time everyday to write about our experiences and good times so that we would remember everything. And lastly, we came to the conclusion that the weather was too perfect to take for granted, and that we wouldn’t waste a minute of daylight.
Long story short, it was the trip of a lifetime. We had accomplished everything we wanted to see and do, and much, much more. I returned to Chicago feeling empowered, clear-headed, and in control of my life. Then I realized…why do I not live every day similar to the way I just did on vacation? I learned some very important lessons that I believe are the reasons I felt the way I did on the trip, and knew if utilized correctly, would work just as well when I returned home. I now try to implement these actions here in my day-to-day life in order to be productive, positive, and grateful:
1. “Rise up and attack the day with enthusiasm!”
On vacation, we’re anxious to wake up and get the day started. But when we’re home, why do we wake up every morning immediately dreading our responsibilities and forget about all the great things the day could offer? Yeah, going to sit in a lecture at 8 a.m. doesn’t sound thrilling to me either, but how will we ever be productive in our day if we immediately wake up feeling unmotivated and negative? Wake up each morning and tell yourself you are ready to accomplish everything you need to do. Really, say it out loud, and feel truly excited about being productive. After all, attitude is everything (well, almost everything). You’ll be surprised by all you can accomplish with this positive mindset.
2. “Ask and you shall receive.”
Jean, a very wise and successful woman I met, told me the best advice she could give me. To achieve my goals and live the best life possible was something very simple, and actually something many do before or on a trip. Make a list in a journal or notebook of everything you want... Short-term, long-term, things that will make you happy… Physically writing your goals down allows you to be honest with yourself about what it is you truly want in life. Revisiting this list and reading it from time to time allows it to sit happily in your subconsciousness and makes it easier to dedicate yourself to accomplishing them one by one through your day-to-day actions.
3. What were you grateful for today?
Reflect, pray, meditate, read, write…. Anything you can do before bed to reflect on your actions and thoughts of the previous day allows you to consider what you should change for tomorrow. Saying to yourself, a friend, family member, or even writing down two to three things you are grateful for specific to that day will help relieve yourself from unnecessary stress and anxiety and focus on the positives of the day and your life! You to go to sleep feeling calm and reassured, which will also assist with tomorrow’s productivity!
