Many of us grew up with a very strong work ethic and the high pressure circumstances we live in presently, contribute to this idea of always going at full pace, as if work is all there is to life. Although this driven attitude is admirable, and is commended, an exclusive focus on only work, may leave you as a dull or rather burnt-out person.

Just as important as it is to set goals and work hard, it is also crucial that we laugh and experience activities that provide us with enjoyment and energy. You have probably experienced going home after a long day at work, feeling tired and drained. And how a change of activity can fill up your energy reserves again, like when you play with your children, go for a game of squash, or read an intriguing novel. These activities bring balance into our lives. Unfortunately, most people are not so serious about making these activities a priority in their lives.

As with goals for success we need to set some goals for playing and having fun too. Therefore, as you pull out your calendar to set goals for your work also put some of the following events in your diary. Decide what you will do in each category to increase your level of fun and enjoyment.

1. Sport
Some people really enjoy their sport, whether they are taking part in formal competitions, participating informally in the park or just watching their favourite team play. For them sport can instantly lift their mood and change their state of mind. If you are one of them, what are you going to this year to make your particular sport a greater priority in your life?

2. Culture

Cultural activities also have the ability to lift your mood and change your emotional state. Some people will feel uplifted by going to a gig of their favourite Rock band, while others enjoy listening to a symphony orchestra or watching ballet. Others may prefer a poetry reading in front of a log fire or attending a stand-up comedy evening. Whatever your choice of cultural activity may be, they all have one thing in common, whether you are on stage or one of the audience, they can energise and uplift you.

They have a strong influence on our emotions and can provide us with a lot of enjoyment. Which cultural activities have this effect on you and when was the last time you’ve participated in any of these activities?

3. Hobbies
Other activities that have the power to re-energise you, is participating in hobbies. Something that you can immerse yourself in like an excellent novel. You may have experienced being very irritated about something, but the moment you pick that book up, you step into another world and when you step back to the real world again, the irritation has gone. Maybe that happens to you when you watch a good movie or cook a great meal or maybe you find enormous pleasure in being with animals or having a pet. What hobbies or activities give you pleasure and how are you going to make these a bigger part of your life this year?

4. Travel
Is life still an adventure to you? Did you dream about the places you would visit when you were young? Maybe these mystical places were just your grandmother’s back garden or maybe you dreamt of going to the Taj Mahal or Angkor Wat. Some people love to travel and explore different countries and cultures, while others prefer to stay in their hometown or their own country. Whatever your preference may be, do you still get excited by thinking or dreaming about these places? Are there still places you would love to visit or would love to return to? Where will you be going this year?

Focussing on these four areas of your life and setting goals for each one of them, not just for your work life, will increase the positive experience you get out of this year immensely. Do this and you will have an unforgettable year!

Author: Jaco Beukes – Personal Performance and Life Coach – LEAP in Life Coaching and Training
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A Little humor …

Life is not something that just “happens” to you randomly.  You have an active role to play and can choose anything you wish to experience. Most will say their life is neither good nor bad, but mediocre.

Why do so many of us settle for complacency and dullness?  Where is the excitement, joy and overwhelming feeling of passion?

You can tell the ones who live a truly joyful life because they stick out like a sore thumb – they are that rare. Everyone probably knows or has heard of someone like this.

They are the people who are always relaxed and hardly every stressed.  Nothing at all seems to faze them and they seem so easy going all the time.  Often they don’t take life too seriously and focus on having fun.

Those of us who are watching these people from the outside may label them as irresponsible, uncaring and childish.  Some would label them as being lucky to have found the true meaning of life.

To experience as much joy as possible into our life experiences. To understand the true nature of why we are here.  Because most would agree we are not here to live an OK life and then die.

We are here to have the best time ever. If we can all remember to practice feeling happy more often we’ll start to experience more happy things in our lives. We’ll feel more joyful and so the upwards spiral continues.

There are some who feel guilty they are having fun while others are suffering.  It helps no one – least of all those who are suffering if you prevent yourself from feeling joy. How it is helping them if you are miserable too?

Regardless of what is happening around you can become more and more joyful. And the more joyful you are, the more successfully you will live your life.

Because joy is the measuring factor of a successful life.  It really is.

Paula Owen has been passionate about personal growth for the last 5 years. Check out her latest website One Cup Coffee Makers which reviews and lists the latest One Cup Coffee Makers so you can decide which one cup coffee maker best suits your coffee needs.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/motivational-articles/is-your-life-manic-mediocre-or-joyful-1423964.html