Common sense tells us to dream for the future while living frugally in the present moment. Are we doing this?

I often get lost in my thoughts, somewhere between fantasy and reality. Common sense says I should utilize my time wisely, maybe organize things or make plans, but it seems I get stalled out in limbo, hoping, dreaming and wishing.

It’s truly frustrating to feel this way!

Even if I spent the majority of my time chasing after goals, and even if I search, educate and organize myself, I still feel obsessed – I am obsessed and afraid of changing into a better person, or just a different person. So, every morning, I make a new plan to start over and pursue my dreams. It should work, right?

Then anxiety strikes and I am lost. I am confused and have a hard time figuring out where to start. Does this happen to you? I wonder about being in the same place.

What have I done wrong? How does everyone else have it all together while I’m still floundering in the sea of my confusion? If they do have it all together, then what are they doing differently? I want these superpowers too!

Okay, first of all, relax. It’s not as hard as it seems, trust me.

Let me tell you a secret about successful people. The difference between those who are successful and those who just can’t seem to make it is common sense or the lack of.

Yes, successful people work hard and they spend hours of their time putting forth a great effort, but it takes more than this. Here are 6 rules that will help you make those changes in your life using the most basic common sense choices.

Actions produce results

Not all those daydreams are fantasies. You can be anything you want to be. If you want to travel, you can do that, and if you want to have a successful career, you can also achieve that goal. Whatever makes you happy is just within reach, if you try.

That’s right! You have to put forth an effort in order to attain your wildest dreams. You cannot achieve anything without working for it. Well, in some circumstances there are handouts, but we’re not focusing on that right now.

Basically, you will never see a change unless you strive for it and also accept any setbacks that might come your way. If you want to find new work, then you must start searching, filling out applications and attending interviews. If you want to fall in love, then you must get out and meet new people. These things will not just land in your lap.

Focus on the 80/20 Rule

Time goes by so fast, and you need to spend each moment wisely. Some people spend 80% of their day working, while some spend that 80% doing things they enjoy.

Here’s the cincher. If you find you’re not getting anywhere in life and most of your time is spent at play, that’s your problem, right there. Your success depends on what portion of your day is spent in what activity.

The Pareto Principle or the 80/20 rule states this:
  • If 80% of your income is spent on 20% of expenses, then you must concentrate on lowering something within that 20% bracket.
  • You should also associate more with 20% of your friends because this smaller percentage usually includes what are considered “true friends”. Let’s say, you give them 80% in this case, that would make sense.

All you have is 24 hours a day. If you make the most of this time, utilizing the 80/20 rule, you will begin to see common sense at work.



If you can’t change it, then learn to accept it

Sometimes, when I am really overwhelmed, I start to wish for things that are impossible. Often, I think about mistakes that I have made and loved ones that are gone, and I catch myself wishing my life was different.

I reminisce about my childhood home, wishing my parents were alive. I spend way too much time lamenting their deaths. Of course, I know it sounds morbid, but the thought of having one more chance to get my life together in the company of loved ones is a wonderful dream. But I cannot change what I have lost. Some things I can never get back. So, what can I do to think in a healthier manner?

This is where common sense comes in.

Things are different now, and there’s only one way to travel and that’s forward. Although my mother, my father, and even my aunt are not here to comfort me and wish me well on my endeavors, I know they lived a full life. It’s time for me to strive for my own goals, raise my children in the right way and pursue happiness. I cannot change what’s done, but I can choose for my future.

Reap the benefits of equal treatment

Respect is not something that has to be earned. Respect is given, regardless of age. I know we’ve all been told to respect our elders at some point, but the real point is, we should give this same quality treatment to every human being.

And why? We are in this thing together. We all have pains, happiness, and sorrow, and so we deserve the common courtesies that anyone else would receive. There are no tests to pass, no hurdles to jump over either, it’s just plain love and care that will teach us the common sense of equal treatment.

Remember, age is only a number. Our appearance is only a shell for our human souls, or at least that’s how I see it. We must work together for the good of all, and this will keep us striving in the right direction.

Look for rewards that outweigh the risks

Changes will always pose risks of some sort. This is why you weigh your options in this area. To make it simple, if the rewards are more than the risks, then take the leap. Nothing will change if you just sit and wish for it because change comes with work, motivation, and perseverance.

Now, fear is real, and it was designed to let us know when we should stay and fight or if we should run for cover. When you reach a place of change, you have two options: You take one road or the other, or one will be decided for you.

You can walk both paths for a while, but sooner or later, the roads will split too far to take both. This is when you absolutely must approach the risk that you’ve been afraid to take. Either road may prove treacherous, but one will fulfill. You must decide what’s best for you, utilizing your common sense.

Do what makes you happy, life is short

How did you feel when you woke up this morning? Did you leap out of bed with a smile on your face, or did you drag yourself from your covers and grudgingly get dressed for work? These actions have a lot to do with how happy you are in your life.

The happier you are, the easier it will be to get out of bed. I’ve been through many changes in my life and going through a few at the moment. I realized that it’s not just important for your children to be happy, or for friends to find contentment, but it’s also important to find happiness for yourself as well.

Life is too short to be living someone else’s dream. You have to decide to live how you want, and maybe common sense can help you be a success.

Be honest with yourself. Is this the life you want?

Although there may be days of daydreaming and procrastination, not all hope is lost. Use these tips along with common sense to get back into the swing of things. No matter what’s going on around you, keep your focus, and you will see a great change in your future.

H/T: http://www.pickthebrain.com/

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