What is the best way to live?

Is there a single best way to live that works for everyone? Knowing what I know now—how unique every human being is—I would have to say no. People have different ways of finding meaning in their lives and decipher how best to live based on their individual experiences.

There are, however, some general guideposts which define the best-lived lives and lead to long-term fulfillment: heightened awareness about how you want to live your life, understanding that they are unique to one human being alone—you; working to change yourself and your circumstances rather than expecting others to change themselves or your life situations; not too concerned about justifying why you choose to live the way you do; and finally, understanding that what others choose to do with their lives is their business and not yours.

When you have an idea about how you want to live your life, you are constantly looking for opportunities to that will help you shape it the way you envision, rather than simply living it the way you are expected to or because you believe that ‘this is my lot’ and resign yourself to an unfulfilled existence.

You then work on changing yourself instead of complaining that ‘life is unfair’ or expecting others to change, knowing that the power to changing your circumstances lies in your hands. When life throws a curve ball, you learn to re-frame those moments and seek solutions rather than viewing them as insurmountable roadblocks that will ruin your entire life.

These traits help you focus on the business of living your life, which (as you will agree) is a full-time mission. It is the only one you have and you need to make it as successful as you can. Not ‘successful’ as defined by your material acquisitions alone but how rich and fulfilling the landscape of your life is beyond mere material.

This does not allow time to focus heavily on how others choose to judge you or vice versa. People will judge but you can choose to not react to them because you know that you are on the right path. No one else can choose for you. This focus makes you an empathetic listener when others turn to you for support. Instead of judging, you help them arrive at solutions.

The next time you wonder what makes for a life well-lived, choose to focus on yourself and take responsibility for your life.