The stress of the pandemic caused many of us to rethink our future. Over the past three years we have vowed to spend more time with friends and family, to travel more and to attend more social events.

We now realise that life is truly shorter than we think. As such, learning to live life to the fullest and to make more of life with experiences rather than things is an important step in making the most of every day.

Here are a few ways you can try:

Figure out the important things first

How do you really want to spend your time? Whether it’s taking care of your family, striving towards a new or current career, writing a daily mantra or cooking up your favourite meals, it is up to you to choose how you spend your time each day. Your family and friends may have their opinions. However, at the end of the day, you’re the only person who will be around for all the moments of your life.

Choose what makes you happy, and do it

This may mean that you may not find your ideal job if location, education or job openings are limiting factors. However, start doing what you love by dialling into your hobbies – maybe you are artistic or desire to mentor or volunteer.

Take a risk

All rewards come with a risk. Risk-taking can be frightening. However, if you never take a risk, how will you get anywhere in life?

Staying in your comfort zone is the fastest way to become dissatisfied with life. If you don’t step outside of what makes you comfortable you will stop learning and stagnate your progress in your personal and professional life.

Sometimes a risk can be as little as saying yes to the next invitation instead of staying at home. It can feel uncomfortable just thinking of getting dressed up if you aren’t feeling like yourself but do it – get up and go! Put on anything. If you don’t think you look as perfect as you’d like, so what! You will forget about it once you are out with those that care about you.

When people reflect back on their lives, they regret the chances they didn’t take. So find something new to try today, set goals that you don’t think were possible, and go for them.

Love your chosen family

Don’t forget to show your family and friends that you appreciate them. They will always appreciate hearing from you and that you love them. Also remember that a random compliment brightens anyone’s day – if you like someone’s dress, tell them. If you notice that someone is doing an amazing job, let them know. When others receive your kindness, they are likely to return your kindness to those around them as well.

Put the past behind you

The past is just that – the past. It is important to learn from, but leave it there and concentrate on your future instead. Each day, practise thankfulness by writing down a few things that you are thankful for. Also try living in the moment: pay attention to how you are feeling and why you might be feeling that way. Focus on what is in front of you instead of what has happened in the past. You’ll be amazed how fast this helps to assist you in living your life to the fullest.

Ignore the negativity

No matter how positive you decide to be with your life, there will always be those that wish to point out how they think you will fail, or what you are doing wrong in their opinion. Those that have found success didn’t start out that way. What made them successful is that they didn’t quit. Even through failure they kept pushing.

Next time you get fed negativity, stop and realise that it’s all a part of the process and to keep striving for your goals!

Be true to yourself

Never compromise on your personal code of ethics. If something feels off, don’t do it. Life unfortunately does not operate like a Hallmark movie. It is constantly filled with shades of grey. Trust yourself and do whatever you feel is right, as long as you can look yourself in the mirror with confidence and love.

Remember

Sometimes learning to embrace life and live it to the fullest can be challenging. However, choosing a path that will guide you to happiness and feelings of accomplishment is the goal. We all need to take time to bask in the moment, but staying in one place too long will leave you feeling lacklustre. Find out what makes your life feel the most meaningful and make it happen!

• Betty Doyling is a certified fitness trainer and figure competitor with more than a decade of experience. Look for B. ActiveForLife on Facebook