11 Essential Steps on Living a Good Life

I already mentioned this from a past blog post, so to summarize, living a good life is dependent on what moral system you follow.

This is true because what one community considers virtuous may differ from what another community considers virtuous.

So for the sake of simplicity, the steps that I provided below are broad enough that it can be applied to any type of moral system you may follow.

How to Live a Good Life

Before we can identify our own values, we need to understand what values are in the first place.

Values, in this context, are simply principles and standards that you impose on yourself.

The simplest way to find out what your values are is to simply reflect on what matters most to you in life.

This can be something tangible like family and wealth or intangible things like honesty and integrity.

If you still have trouble finding out what your values are, then find a secluded place and think about what qualities you admire in others.

Easy right?

Now for the hard part...

Once your values are identified, you must... make decisions that are consistent with your identified values. (DUN DUN DUN)

But for real though, despite its simplicity, staying true to the principles and standard you impose on yourself is harder than you think.

This topic alone would take an entire blog post to explain thoroughly. (which I plan to make in the future)

So for the sake of time, let's move on to the other steps on living a good life.

Highlights:

• Values are principles and standards you impose on yourself
• Reflect on what matters most to you in life, whether tangible (family, wealth) or intangible (honesty, integrity)
• If struggling to identify values, think about the qualities you admire in others
• Once your values are identified, make sure all your decisions are consistent with them

Before we can define what success is to us, we must first set a clear goal. After all, how could we know if we're on the right track without knowing what we're aiming for?

If you're having trouble setting a goal, reflect on your passions. Goals don't always have to be grand; they can be as simple as something you desire to achieve.

Before we move on to the next step, just know that progress is not a linear path.

Highlights:

• Identify and express what you want to achieve
• Make a continuous and dedicated effort to achieve these goals
• Do not be deterred by setbacks

Change is a constant in life, an undeniable force that shapes our experiences and perspectives.

Since change is inevitable, it is much more advantageous to welcome it rather than resist it.

Even if the change brings you trouble, you must accept its existence, as doing so allows you to see the situation more objectively, making it easier to deal with.

If you still have trouble accepting change that gives you trouble, then a simple and effective remedy for this is to simply treat it as a challange or obstacle.

Challanges and obstacles typically have rewards at the end when beaten. Use this knowledge to motivate yourself.

Highlights:

• Change is inevitable
• Be willing to accept and adapt to new situations or difficulties that arise
• Accept change to have a more objective view of the situation
• See change as an opportunity for growth

Inactivity is possibly the worse sin a person can make; it traps you in a cycle of complacency, preventing progress and personal growth.

Do note that there is a difference between being idle and resting. The latter rejuvenates the mind and body, while the former deteriorates them.

Do not wait thinking good things will happen. Nothing will happen if you don't go put yourself out there.

Another things to note is that enjoying your time doing recreational activities is not considered nothing. These types of activites are considered resting.

Highlights:

• Inactivity prevents progress and personal growth
• Resting rejuvenates the mind and body, while idleness deteriorates them.
• Take action and put yourself out there; good things won't happen if you just wait.

I know people that believes that as long as they try their best to be good, then the "universe" will rewards them.

I want to say that this silly belief is bogus, but there is some truth in it.

Kind and generous people are likeable, which makes people want to help them. So in a way, yes, if you are good, the universe really will reward you.

But kindness and generosity can only take you so far. You need to be competent at what you do if you want to ensure sustained growth.

While being kind and generous can open doors and create opportunities, it's your skills, knowledge, and dedication that will ultimately drive your achievements and ensure long-term success.

Highlights:

• Being a kind person is not enough; you must also be competent
• Skills and knowledge are crucial for driving achievements and ensuring sustained success

Why try to overcome trauma?

Because that is the only real way to deal with trauma. Any other way is a form of avoidance of it.

Some may try to forget, ignore, or erase their trauma but that's not really how trauma works.

Think of trauma as mental scars. Yes they can heal, but they don't fade entirely, they stay with you till your life ends.

So because of its nature, you can never truly avoid nor forget trauma (it's part of you now). The only way to move forward is to overcome it to learn how to live with it.

With that being said, let's talk about how to overcome trauma

First thing to do to overcome trauma is acknowledge it. Acknowledge its existance the impact it has done on your life.

This acknowledgment can be difficult but is essential in starting the healing process.

The next thing you need is time. Time to process what has happened, how it made you feel, and what to do about it – everything.

During this process, find someone to talk to, find a hobby, anything (that is legal and safe) that keeps you from having a mental breakdown.

As a bonus, looking for new hobbies to do forces you to look outwardly, which may help you find a new appreciation in life.

Highlights:

• Overcoming trauma is the only real way to deal with it; avoiding it only prolongs its impact
• Trauma cannot be forgotten, ignored, or erased; it's like mental scars that stay with you for life
• Start by acknowledging the trauma's existence and its impact on your life
• Allow yourself time to process what happened, how it affected you, and how to cope with it

Developing good habits and routines are cheat codes to living a good life.

Once one is created, you don't have to exert as much willpower to do it because it is already part of your everyday life.

Cultivating good habits does not have to be complicated, it could be simple things like:

• Exercising regularly
• Journaling
• Reading books

No need for highlights for this one

Living your life for your passions is one of the most blissful things you can do on earth.

You would be incredibly fortunate if you could have a job that is also a passion of yours. Unfortunately, that is neither possible nor practical for most people.

But this does not mean you should forfeit your passion; instead, do the next best thing and turn it into a hobby.

This hobby can either generate you a side income or not; it does not matter.

Pursuing your passions is an important step in living a good life because it is one of the few things in life that provides real fulfillment.

"What if my passion cost money?" - You probably

If your passions cost money, then, well, it's unfortunate, but you'd have to acquire a job that pays well. It's a practical reality for many.

In the meantime, I suggest you pursue your other passions that are more affordable and within your current means.

Highlights:

• Pursuing your passions is one of the few things in life that provides real fulfillment
• Having a job that you are not passionate of is a practical reality of many
• Pursue passions that you can afford and within your current means

We are social creatures, we can't truly live our life for ourselves and be satisfied.

Go make time your with family, loved ones, and others who are important to you.

Just like any valuable investment, relationships thrive when given attention and care.

Likewise, be sure to take care of your friends, especially the closest ones.

Highlights:

• We are social creatures; we can not live for ourselves and be satisfied
• Make time with family, loveones, and friends
• True friendship these days are rare; cherish them

Helping others can be just as fulfilling as personal achievements if not more.

This is because, as mentioned before, Human's are social creatures, we can not live our life solely for ourselves and be satisfied.

Knowing that your actions have made a positive impact on another person can provide a profound sense of satisfaction and meaning.

One thing to keep in mind when helping others is that you are not responsible for their livelihood or mental health (unless they are your children), so don't be afraid to say "no."

Highlights:

• Helping others can be as rewarding as personal achievements
• Do not be afraid of saying "no" or refusing to help someone; you are not responsible for their livelihood

Anything that violates any of the steps above is, most often than not, a distraction. Simply ignore them.