Photo by Alaskan Dude

I just finished listening to an audio program by Dr. John C. Maxwell, recognized leadership expert, where he gave 10 solid tips for traveling through life.

Since I've taken some notes, I'd like to share it with you here:

Traveling Through Life

Tip #1: Travel Light. – You can always tell the difference between an experienced traveler and a new one… by the size of their luggage. John mentioned that too many people travel through life with a lot of emotional baggage, which they've not yet learned to let go.

Traveling light is about finding your priorities… carrying only the essential stuff… Oh yes… and asking for forgiveness along the way.

Tip #2: Take someone with you – Life is about relationships. Isn't it awfully lonely to travel through life alone?

Maybe you've been hurt before, but that doesn't mean that you should close your heart. It only means that you know the characteristics you don't want in a partner/friend.

Let time heal your heart and then find someone to travel through life with.

Tip #3: Follow The Road Map – Have a game plan. If you do not know where you are going, then how can you hope to get there?

It is important to know where you are (A) by doing self-reflection everyday and where you want to go (B) by setting goals… but do not succumb to “destination disease”.  Life is not only about reaching B. Life HAPPENS between A and B! Enjoy the journey…

Tip #4: Take The High Road -“Those who are instruments of grace to others become recipients of grace to themselves”.

John talks about the necessity of having a life stance – your overall frame of reference – your attitude, assumptions and expectations of yourself, others around you and life.

Taking the high road means that you do not keep score. You learn to forgive others and do your best to help the people around you.

Tip #5: Stop And Ask For Directions -Most people are too stubborn or proud to do that. They would rather go around in circles than stop to ask someone for directions.

Remember that no matter the direction you are heading, it's very likely that someone else has already been there and done that. Be prepared to ask for advice… and shortcut your learning curve.

Tip #6: Make A U-Turn When Needed -“Life is the art of drawing without an eraser.” You can't turn back time when you have made a mistake… but you can change directions and make a U-turn before it's too late.

Sometimes, we may find ourselves headed into a dead end… the sooner we realize we have to make a change and do it, the more likely we will find ourselves back on a safe route.

Remember… not changing when you have to may lead to death!

Tip #7: Appreciate The Detours – Life is not a smooth one way street. Along the way, you will meet obstacles and challenges. Appreciate and learn to take the detours.

I love the way John reframed “Problems”. He said that problems are…

Predictors

Reminders

Opportunities

Blessings

Lessons

Everywhere

Messages

Solvable

Could you see how that can be really empowering?

Tip #8: Take Pictures – Create Memories.

Now this is an advice I need to take seriously… if not only for the fact that I seldom take pictures.

John suggests that you should….

Work like you don't need the money
Dance like no one is watching
Sing like no one is listening
Love like you've never been hurt
Live like it's heaven on earth

How beautiful is that?

Tip #9: Travel The Extra Mile – And then some…

Who knows what you would find in that extra mile? Another adventure… A beautiful sight… A lovely encounter… An enchanting lover…

Go the extra mile… it may be worth the whole journey.

Tip #10: Stop To Smell The Roses – Remember not to rush though life… Take some time out to appreciate its beauty… Enjoy the butterflies' dance… and last but not least, be grateful… for everyone and everything in your life.

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