I’ve been around the block a few times when it comes to personal development. You name it, I’ve read it, tried it, and probably even taught a workshop on it. But after decades of devouring every self-help book under the sun, I’ve discovered that the true secrets to a better life aren’t always found in the pages of a bestseller. They’re found in the timeless truths that stand the test of time – the ones that make you nod your head in recognition and think, “Yup, that makes solid sense.”This list does not begin to include everything that has saved my sanity, boosted my productivity, and helped me find joy in the chaos of everyday life. Yet, each one is powerful when practiced. Start with ONE new behavior and when it becomes second nature, revisit the list.
1. Everything Counts: The Timeless Truth of Choice
Every choice we make, no matter how small, is a step forward or backward on the path of life. From the moment you decide to hit snooze to the choice between speaking up or staying silent in a meeting, every decision counts. The words you choose in a conversation with a colleague, the decision to invest in continuous learning, or the choice to take the high road in a challenging situation – they all matter. It’s too easy to believe we’re getting away with something, like avoiding a hard truth or postponing a crucial decision, but the truth is, we’re only cheating ourselves. Every choice is an opportunity to move closer to the life you want, one small step at a time. So, whether you’re choosing to floss your teeth, prioritize your mental health by setting boundaries, or opting to have a difficult but necessary conversation with a friend, remember that every decision counts. Choose wisely, my friends – and don’t forget to extend grace to yourself along the way!
2. Pay Now or Pay Later: The Timeless Truth of Consequences
In life, everybody pays – it’s just a matter of when. The longer we postpone taking action and making the changes we must make, the higher the price becomes. This holds true whether we’re talking about our finances, our health, our careers, or our relationships. Take parenting, for example. If we choose to skip the hard conversations and avoid setting boundaries with our children when they’re young, we’ll pay the price later when they struggle with discipline and respect as adults. It’s like a cosmic credit card – we can either pay the bill now, or we can let it accumulate interest until it becomes an overwhelming debt. The choice is ours, but one thing is certain: the bill always comes due. So, why not pay the bill upfront and save ourselves the heartache? Invest in your well-being, your growth, and your relationships today, and you’ll reap the rewards tomorrow. Remember, the price of procrastination is always higher than the cost of taking action. Pay now, or pay later – the choice is yours.
3. Need vs. Want: The Timeless Truth of Intentional Consumption
In a society that constantly bombards us with advertisements and social media influencers telling us what we “need,” it’s easy to fall into the trap of overconsumption. I’ll admit it: In the past, even though I live within my means, I’ve returned home from a speaking engagement to an awaiting Amazon box and couldn’t recall what I ordered.” But now, before making any purchase, I ask myself, “If no one ever saw this item but me, would I still buy it?” This simple question has saved me from countless impulse buys or becoming a label slut and helped me focus on what truly matters. Less is often more. It’s not about depriving ourselves of the things we love, but rather about being intentional with our choices. Recently, this question stopped me from splurging on a trendy handbag – but I did invest in a high-quality pillow for my home, knowing it would improve my sleep and overall well-being. By distinguishing between our true needs and fleeting wants, we can cultivate a sense of contentment and gratitude for what we already have. So, before you click “add to cart,” take a moment to reflect: is this a need or a want, and would you still buy it if no one else ever saw it? Your wallet (and your cluttered closet) will thank you.
4. Prep, Uniform, and Place: The Timeless Truth of Streamlined Living
In a world filled with endless choices and constant distractions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and scattered. That’s why I’ve learned to embrace the power of preparation, signature style, and designated spaces to streamline my life and free up mental energy for what truly matters.
Growing up with a working mother, nightly prep was a non-negotiable rule in our household. Dishes were done, coffee was made, lunches were packed, backpacks were lined up by the door and clothes were laid out. Little did I know this simple habit would become a lifelong practice that has transformed the way I approach each day. By following similar rules and creating my to-do list before bed, I set myself up for a seamless morning and a productive day ahead. When I wake up ready to seize the day, I feel unstoppable. It’s amazing how a few minutes of preparation the night before, a habit instilled in me by my mother, can dramatically improve the entire trajectory of your day.
Over the years, I’ve also learned the power of a signature style. Long before Steve Jobs made the all-black look iconic, I was rocking it myself. Although I have an entire wardrobe that allows me to speak on stage, attend weddings, and cocktail with the gals, my go-to uniform consists of an upscale black stretchy sweatsuit with a black long or short sleeve tee depending on time of year. I have multiple identical “uniforms” hanging in my closet, with the newer ones reserved for traveling to speaking engagements. Makes 3-hour layovers, bathroom trips and running to a gate much easier. When I’m home, makes spontaneous yoga stretches happen, and I’m always ready for the gym. It might sound boring, but having a go-to uniform eliminates decision fatigue and frees up mental space for what matters most. Sidebar: I also have “multiples” that never leave my suitcase given my frequent travel: Complete set of makeup, hairbrush, etc. which allows for fast packing and less to remember.
Finally, I grew up in a house where everything had a designated spot, and this simple habit has saved me countless hours and headaches over the years. When you know where things belong AND you put them away immediately, you eliminate the mental clutter that comes with constantly searching for misplaced items. By creating order in your space, you create order in your mind.
By embracing the power of preparation, signature style, and designated spaces, you can streamline your life and focus on what truly matters. Imagine waking up each morning with a clear plan, a go-to outfit, and a tidy space. How much more mental energy would you have for your passions, your relationships, and your goals?
But remember, personal growth isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. It’s about showing up, day after day, and doing the best you can with what you have. It’s about embracing the journey, learning from the detours, and never losing sight of what truly matters.
So here’s to a life well-lived – one tiny tweak at a time. Cheers to the timeless truths that make it all worthwhile.
