Everywhere you turn someone is saying, “Live your dreams!” and “Live life to the fullest!” I am included in that number. I am always a supporter of living the dream, whatever that is. What does it mean though to live your dream or live life to the fullest? These are such big statements. The answer is as different as the person answering the question.
For me, living my dream and living life to the fullest includes being present for my family and opening myself up to new experiences and doing something with all of these ideas the take up residence inside my head. That’s what it looks like for me though.
This week, I heard something that kind of outlines what living life to the fullest looks like. I’m pretty sure I’m late on the podcast train but I’m here now. My most recent podcast loves are all the TED talks.I feel like I need to take notes as I listen. There really are such thoughtful, inspiring stories out there.
The last one I listened to had some really good things to chew on. The man speaking is Ricardo Semler. He’s the CEO of a corporation with some pretty radical ideas. You can listen to the talk in full HERE.
Here are some things that stood out for me:
If you have to give back, you’ve taken too much.
POW! Be giving all the time. He talked about how his finance guy told him that he could be 4x wealthier if he wouldn’t give so much. He prefers to constantly give to things he feels strongly about.
Live now.
He talked about how many people in his family had passed from skin cancer. He said he didn’t want to wait for a diagnosis to begin living. He talked about how people get a diagnosis like that and then proceed to do all the things they’d always wanted to do in life. He decided to take two days every week out of his work week and do things NOW. For him, this didn’t mean doing crazy extravagant things. It was more like, if you’ve always wanted to play piano, take those two days and play piano. While we can’t all do that, it is a nudge to find some time in our days to do something small that brings us joy.
Be radical.
As CEO, it may seem that it’s easy for him to set his life up so that he’s out for two days of every work week. Right? Well, he also gave this two days out option to his employees. He talked about how when we have the most money, we have the least amount of time. When we have time, we have less money and worse health. Finding time to do simple things that bring us joy while we can enjoy them only makes sense.
I think this is a pretty good recipe for a great life. What does “living life the to the fullest” mean to you?
55 Comments on Live life to the fullest like THIS
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I am kind of lame for the most part, but every now and then I try to step outside my comfort zone and do something crazy!
what a great post. For me it is spending time with my family and friends. I also like to try new things when the opportunity comes up.
I love that quote. Everyone should live by that motto. People always, always take more than they need.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle recently posted…Thinking Beyond Reality Television
We make sure to give properly, not only in money but also in goods. We’re trying to up our donations every year – so far, so good!
We try to give back as much as possible as well, whether it be donations, time, or goods. The world needs it!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle recently posted…Tropicana Farmstand Tropical Green Gives You 1 Serving of Fruit + 1 Serving of Veggies #Giveaway #FarmstandGreen
This is a great post! I’m also always saying to live life to the fullest. Its funny to actually stop and re-evaluate what that means from time to time! 🙂
This is such a great post! I especially love the idea that we should always be giving, not “giving back.”
Cassie recently posted…Favorite Blushes
What a great quote. I know people focus on the take take take more than they give. It needs to be the opposite.
This is great. It’s not about how much stuff we have or what we accumulate. It’s about how much love we have.
Dawn recently posted…Try Something New: Polka Dot Gold Glitter Eggs
I like taking a day or two a week and doing something that makes me feel fulfilled. Great advice!
Theresa recently posted…Quick Easter Party Planning With HoneyBaked Ham #HoneyBakedEaster
I love TED talks too. I always learn something new. I even listen to the ones about history and science sometimes!
Liz Mays recently posted…Great Shows on Netflix! #StreamTeam
A lovely post! I try to challenge myself to do new and out-of-the box things whenever I can. I feel like it keeps me young and connected to my kids!
Jennifer recently posted…Succeeding (and failing) to Thrive with lessons from Arianna Huffington
I think living to the fullest is the best way to live! For me, it’s enjoying every day and making the best of it, always.
Kecia recently posted…Our Culinary Experiences at Great Wolf Lodge, Concord, NC
Living life to the fullest means trying new things every chance you get. That includes new foods, new places, and new activities.
Gina recently posted…Easter Dinner Menu – 10 Weight Watchers Points Plus
This is a great recipe for a great life. I always live each day to the fullest.
I always enjoy listing to TED talks when I have the time, as I find them so inspiring! Living life to the fullest for me means always remembering to find a reason to be thankful each day and never letting an opportunity pass, since it may only come once.
Marcie W. recently posted…Professional Results With Persil ProClean + Giveaway #PersilProClean (4/7)
Living now and being present are key. It is so easy to zone out!
Felicia recently posted…Around These Parts: Busy, busy, go away… (#WW link up)
What a perfect quote. I feel so motivated after reading your post today.
I give my time more than money. I’d like to live life more!
Anne – Mommy Has to Work recently posted…Febreze to the Rescue #FebrezeCar (Giveaway)
I live today. Love he gives 2 days.
Debbie Denny recently posted…The Flintstones and WWE: Stone Age Smackdown! Plus Giveaway! #FlintstonesWWE
This was such a nice post to read. I really do my best to get out of my comfort zone I love trying new things and giving everything my all. Thank you for the post.
kristin recently posted…New Fresh Vegetable and Fruit Juices – Tropicana Farmstand Tropical Green
I am in the midst of making a few life changes and following my life’s dreams. It took me a little while to figure out what I really want but now that I know- I feel so much better.
Kori recently posted…4 Tips for Dealing with Stress
I love your encouraging words! I need to try more radical thins
Christie recently posted…Sandy Powell Interview | Cinderella Costume Design Story #CinderellaEvent
Two days would be a bit much for me to work with. I definitely believe in carving time for relaxation, fun, enjoyment, and helping others. I try to take at least 2 hours a day to visit with family or friends, read a book, and make the day meaningful. What a great reminder to live life to the fullest according to one’s own ambitions.
Ora Lee Gurr recently posted…Traveling Tuesdays – St Patrick’s Day Parades
I am not really sure what living life to the fullest means to me other than making the most out of each day I’m given. I love learning new things and I’m not intimidated by trying new things. I feel like I always need to learn something new to keep my brain from shrinking in old age :).
Terri Ramsey Beavers recently posted…Spring Fever = Air Detox
Never take each day for granted. I try to be the most positive throughout my busy daily schedule.
Great post and great quote! It’s so important to make the most of each day…and when we make mistakes, we need to accept them, learn from then, and move on!
lisa @bitesforbabies recently posted…Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies
Living life to the fullest to me means appreciating life, the family, friends and people you have in it. I’m going to become a new mom here shortly and it’s about the selfless thing I could do. It’s not just about me and my husband anymore, it’s about us as a family now.
Jenny recently posted…Remodeling the Master Bathroom – Finally Finished
Great post! I remember that quote from when I was a kid my idol, Nick Carter said “live life to the fullest for the future is scarce!” so I’ve always tried to do that and make the most out of each and every day. Nothing more you can do but enjoy
Great post! I love the idea of living life to the fullest. It takes so much intention!
Tiffany Cutcliff recently posted…How to: make kids rooms smell better
I am all for empowerment, but sometimes it’s hard to seize the day when you aren’t even living for yourself.
Echo recently posted…{Almost} Wordless Wednesday: An Irish Day
These sound like great ways to begin living life to the fullest. I love the idea of not waiting for some diagnosis to make things happen for yourself.
Liz Mays recently posted…Mardi Gras Universal Studios Orlando
Right now, living life to the fullest would probably involve spending a lot less time on tech. With a full-time computer-based job, a blog, and an online business, I think I have way too much screen time. I need more LIFE!!! 🙂
Appreciating what we have is living a full life! No regrets and just enjoy life!
It means to enjoy every part of life. Take the bad with the good and don’t take anything for granted.
christina aliperti recently posted…Monster High: Haunted Blu-Ray + DVD Giveaway
great post! i think everyone needs to read it, its an important message!
lauren recently posted…9 Living Creatures that you can Buy on Amazon (That arrive Alive at your door)
Living for the now has always been a struggle for me. I often think about the past and that fear keeps me from focusing on my future sometimes.
Roselynn recently posted…Finger Lickin Lacquer – Spring In Your Step
Living life to the fullest has meant a lot of things to me over the years. Right now it just means soaking up any and all time I can get with my kids (it gets harder when they’re grown and on their own). 🙂
Words to live by. Always important to live life to its fullest!
Beth recently posted…Edible Indy: Farm-to-Table at its Finest
These are very inspiring thoughts and he is right. Why wait to be diagnosed with something before you do the things that you want to do?
Chubskulit Rose recently posted…Ahoy Matey, Here Comes the Pirate
I really love this advice. I have recently been thining more anb more about living my life now. This already is the rest of my life. No reason to put off the things I’ve always wanted.
For me it’s about enjoying each day and celebrating life. I want to make memories with my family and spend quality time with my kids.
Shaney Vijendranath recently posted…5 Ways to Look Slimmer
I like and agree with the idea of not putting off the things you want to do in life until/if you get a wake up call about how short life is. I try to enjoy everyday I have, while taking steps towards my various dreams. 🙂
Felecia Efriann recently posted…Review // Organic Dandelion Root Tea
What a great post!!! I’m all about living in the moment and taking chances!!! Just wish my hubby was the same way hehe
I’m all about taking chances on some things. I’m outspoken, yet I’m so shy. So I’m working on ditching that last piece of me so that I can live fully. My husband not so much, but I’m working on him.
Val Pierre recently posted…PLAY LIKE HASBRO EVENT
We had a dear friend pass away last week. She was my age. I realized that I always say I will get around to doing things, but I need to focus more on the LIVE NOW. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.
Jessica (Savory Experiments) recently posted…Wednesday Roundup #67
Sounds like a great podcast and absolutely so true, I wish I could take 2 days out but then since I work 9-5 monday to friday one can claim I already have those 2 days out I just need to start using them wisely
I’m a dreamer, but also pretty rational if that can happen! For example, I wanted to stay home with the kids, so despite our budget, I made it happen (that was more prayer than dreams). At the same time, I will not step outside of my comfort zone and make any leaps. My husband, on the other hand, will jump at opportunity quickly.
Ashley recently posted…New MSC Seaside Cruise Ship Revealed
Now that the weather is getting better we will have more time outdoors and I can’t wait. My kids will love more quality time in the sunshine
For me, living life to the fullest means spending time with my family and being happy.
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen recently posted…Collapsible Silicone Lunchbox from Baby Lab
I agree that you just have to live in the moment no matter your financial situation. It would be nice if free time and money did go hand in hand during life on occasion though!
This was such a great read. I bookmarked it, I might need to be reminded of these things more often than not!
Jess recently posted…Listen To The Plant
Living life to the fullest, honestly means doing what you love and not letting the things in life bring you down and living everyday like it was your last and not worrying about the bad things.
Natalie recently posted…Throw a Fun SpongeBob Themed Birthday Party
Much needed post. I am all for living your dreams or basically loving the life you live. My next venture is all about giving!!
Bernetta recently posted…[Atlanta Giveaway] Win a Painting With A Twist Complimentary Session
Awesome tips! I try to live life to the fullest everyday, my husband and I moved down to Marco Island to live life on the water!
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