"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness." -Declaration of Independence
It is the most American of attitudes to pursue your own happiness, provided that it does not remove another persons freedoms, and it is that tradition which drove me to start a full functioning MedSpa in Mansfield (the Skandii MedSpa) and to leave my former place of employment to re-open my solo surgical practice (Anna M. Toker, MD, PA). The timing of COVID shut downs to my new venture was devastating, but the desire to achieve my life and liberty out weighed the comfort of financial security while under tyrannical employment bondage.
Things worth having are things worth working for! If you are longing for your best life and do not know where to start.....let me share these 6 steps to Independence!
Step 1.
Be true to yourself. You can’t live your best life if you’re pretending to be someone or something that you’re not. The first step in living your best life is to admit to yourself who you really are. Be honest about your likes, dislikes, and dreams.
● Maybe you would like to live in a cabin in the woods and grow all of your food.
● Would you like to travel the world like a nomad without a home base?
● Does the idea of having children horrify you? Or would you like to try for 13 kids?
Choose what appeals to you. Any admiration or scorn you receive from others won’t last long enough for your cup of coffee to get cold.
Step 2.
Make a plan. Relying on chance or luck is a losing game in the long run. If you want a specific life, it’s important to choose it and then make a plan to get there. Make a long-term plan that begins with something you can do today.
Step 3.
Execute your plan. Many people love to dream and plan. That’s the easy and fun part. Unfortunately, few people ever take the first step in their plan. They never get started.
● Take some sort of action each day outlined by your plan. You don’t have to do an amazing amount of work each day to make significant progress over time. A little each day eventually grows into substantial results.
The hardest part is getting started, so ensure that you get started as soon as possible. There will never be a perfect time to begin. Begin now and make the best of it. Everything changes once you actually begin.
Step 4.
Learn from your mistakes. Neither you nor your plan is flawless. You will make mistakes and try things that don’t work. That should be expected. Decide that you’re going to learn from your mistakes, adjust your approach, and try again.
Step 5.
Focus. Keep your attention on those things that are relevant regarding your plans. Reject nearly everything else.
● Why are you gossiping about your coworkers or neighbors?
● Still upset about how your ex cheated on you 13 years ago?
● Annoyed by the price of gasoline?
What do any of these sorts of things have to do with achieving your goals and attaining your dream life? (Nothing.)
Step 6.
Finish. You can’t live your best life if you give up on your quest to attain it. Keep going until you’ve arrived where you want to be.
Your best life is out there ready for you to claim it! Be completely honest with yourself, make a plan, and stick with it until you’ve arrived. The life you desire is attainable and within your reach. Do you have the courage to make it happen?
Take a chance on feeling happy and fulfilled. Chase after your dream life!
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