10 Unexpected Ways To Live An Extraordinary Life

1. Implement a “no excuses” policy

There are three kinds of people in this world: those who wish, those who whine and those who work. Extraordinary people are aware that there are plenty of excuses to keep them from doing the things they know they need to do in order to move to the next level, but they also know that the price they pay for the momentary relief of an excuse is a long-term win.

2. Identify what you really want and make it a priority

There’s no doubt that most of us would like to experience and enjoy a lot of things, but what is it that you really want? What is it that drives you to get up out of bed every morning and to work late into the night? Where does your mind constantly wander? What is it that you are constantly looking forward to having or aching that you don’t have? People who live extraordinary lives are people who have taken the time to really look within and then make choices as to where to place their focus and attention.

3. Be influenced by your goals more than your fears

We all know what it feels like to experience intense fear. For some, it’s a daily endeavor to overcome what has been deemed “anxiety” and for others, it comes by way of an out-of-the-blue trigger. There is no man or woman on this earth who doesn’t have to make the choice to face their fears or bow down, but extraordinary people know that the reward in greatness is only secured by those who are willing to take risks which is why they do whatever they can to plan ahead and charge forward.

4. Take each goal one step at a time

Multitasking is a great skill, but doing one thing spectacularly well every single day will get you closer to your goals than doing a decent job at everything. Extraordinary people are able to break down their dreams into daily goals and use the power of consistency to their ultimate advantage.

5. Expect life to be unfair and know that it doesn’t owe you anything

Here’s a fact all extraordinary people know: no one wants to work with an entitled whiner. When you walk through the world feeling as though you aren’t getting what you “deserve” or lamenting about how “unfair” things are, you distract yourself (and everyone else) from the opportunities that are around you. Great leaders know that the world is full of setbacks, challenges and a general lack of fairness. Instead of complaining about it, they take it in, understand it and find ways around it.

6. Edit your life as necessary

Just as you can’t keep every item you bring into your house and expect to have room to live comfortably, we can’t hold on to every friendship, relationship, thought or habit that finds its way into our lives. An extraordinary life is one that allows for you to live as your best self and it is absolutely vital that we edit our lives, even ruthlessly, throughout our lifetime.

7. Stop letting people treat you poorly and suck your energy

There are toxic people in this world, but also a lot of good people who allow these not-so-great partners, friends, colleagues, bosses and family members mistreat them while telling themselves that they are being “the better person” by doing so. That’s a lie extraordinary people stopped telling themselves a long time ago. They know that protecting themselves from those who sprinkle poison into their lives is essential when it comes to maintaining their health and happiness. They are not only unafraid to disengage, walk away and/or draw a verbal boundary, they welcome the power that comes with it.

8. Don’t be lazy

Whether it’s the way they welcome a new guest into their home or the extra mile they go to in a presentation, extraordinary pay attention to details and will always work to find out how to do something before leaving it for someone else to do. They take pride in the way they present themselves, treat those around them and the work they provide. For them, good enough is not great and sloppy is unacceptable.

9. Be there

Ask anyone who has come into contact with an extraordinary person and they will likely point out the way they made them feel. “They made me feel like I was the only person in the room” is often a statement made about these kinds of people. When you’re with someone, focus in on them, listen to them, connect with them and give them more than your attention, give them a piece of yourself.

10. Have your own back

We constantly hear that we have to learn to love ourselves, and we do, but we also have to be there for ourselves. We must stand up for ourselves, forgive ourselves, comfort ourselves and remind ourselves that, no matter what, we will be OK because we will always make sure of it.