Guidelines for a Successful Life

by Lauren Kennedy    http://www.InsitetoExcellence.com

Have you being searching for the truth, for meaning and for purpose.  Have you have read book after book, listened to audios, purchased programs, studied various concepts of spirituality, and read multiple interpretations  of the real Law of Attraction?

Have you found the answers that you have been seeking? Or are confusion, self doubt, resignation, or cynicism replacing your quest for meaning and purpose? Have you been unable to achieve the magnificent results that the  programs and experts promised, resulting in  increasing feelings of inadequacy and powerlessness? Or have you concluded that it is all a bunch of garbage and life is determined by accidental interaction of molecules. Or may be the experts have convinced you that you are one of those people are simply intellectually lazy, or possess the hopelessly negative mindset of the masses.

I began asking myself questions about the meaning of life when I was 12. I agonized over what my Purpose was, what it meant to be a spiritual person and live a spiritual life, what God’s will was for me.

I have at least five, six foot bookcases filled with books on spirituality, self growth, psychology, particle physics and astronomy.. And I have actually read them all. I have purchased programs, attended workshops, paid for college courses, interviews experts and questioned gurus. I have worked at a facility as a professional counselor , employing  the techniques and concepts of the day. I have created programs, facilitated group and individual sessions, using a combination of my professional knowledge and experience. I spent time at an ashram, attended retreats that applied Buddhist concepts and others that applied Hindu concepts. I am familiar with the Rumi, the Koran, the Kabala, the Dead Sea Scrolls and of course the Bible.

Now I am 54.. I don’t have all the answers, or even all the questions. But I have experienced much and gained some knowledge, crucial for living a meaningful life with integrity.
Guidelines for Life

No book or program can give me my answer. The most they can do is present ideas, give me an expanded perspective,  point me in a new direction or at times misdirect me. I must use only the information that resonates with my spirit, and apply it to my life

To guide my life in a positive direction and reach my potential, I must develop informed conclusions from the information that I receive. But more importantly, I must listen intently to my inner guidance, , decide which beliefs to discard and which to create, establish my principles, priorities and truths.

Crucially, I must turn knowledge into application. I must live according to my principles, priorities and truths in all areas of my life, continue to trust my inner knowing and have the courage of my convictions. But I must also remain  flexible and be willing to adjust my course, depending on the feedback from the Universe.

Wealth and power, in themselves do not provide happiness and satisfaction. However, they do buy enough distraction and moments of ego gratification to quiet the gnawing emptiness to an occasional vague dissatisfaction.

Sometimes I have to be okay with not knowing all the answers or exactly where life is leading me.  Even so, I must remain aware of new information, pay attention to the sign posts, and be aware of the inner nudging so I don’t miss my turn or my destination.

How I do something is more important than what I do. Gaining my objective by compromising my principles may be a win, but it is not success. It is my true intentions and choices reflect my integrity and spirituality. The outcome only affects how others will judge me.

The equation for creating a fulfilling life is: focusing on my passion, striving to reach my highest potential and putting other people’s well being ahead of my objectives,my agendas, my personal success, my judgments and my image.  Although, this is not always the equation for reaching the pinnacle of material power and success,  I do receive true fulfillment and personal freedom.  In addition,  living my passion may not always pay the bills. But I still get paid, and that is in a currency that lasts, and only increases in value.

You can not please society, your employer, your family, your friends, the critics in your head, your ego and your true authentic self. Choose One.

Following your heart does not lead to selfish or self centered behavior. But trying to avoid your fears, your insecurities, avoiding or repressing unpleasant feelings, keeping up an image, making ego gratification a priority, and trying to control outcomes and appearances will.  Instead focus on Being the person you truly want to become.

These guidelines may not always result in tremendous wealth, power and influence. However, if you apply them, you will gain a sense of empowerment, find fulfillment and meaning in your life, experience a sense of personal freedom and a connection to your inner spirit or essence. And those are the ingredients for happiness.

After all, happiness is really what we are all seeking in our own way.

Guidelines for application.

If you are not an avid reader, or if you are just tired of the search,  apply these guidelines and your life will improve.

1. Treat others the way you would want others to treat your family or yourself.

2. To Thine own Self be true. ( This means true to your authentic self, not your fears, image, or ego

3. And when applying the above, use the guideline below.

Grant me …

The serenity to accept the things I can not change, (you will bang your head against the wall less often)
The courage to change the things I can,  (you  will gain a sense of empowerment and accountability)
And the wisdom to know the difference. ( so you won’t get them ass backward like I did for many years.)

If you are interested in further guidance or support, call or email me for a free 30 minute consultation.

513-889-1870

excellence@cinci.rr.com