By Brandon Matthews
Steve Jobs once said in what is now one of the most famous quotes, “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” As we begin this brand-new year, I can’t think but ask the question “How crazy are you?”
What in your world would you like to see change? What are you tempted to bring into this New Year that needs to be left behind? Steve Jobs also said, “I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” And whenever the answer has been “No” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.”
It is said that one out of every three people don’t feel that they are living to their fullest potential and are held back by their past. Maybe you feel as if you are going in circles, going in reverse, or going nowhere at all. I say if you feel the need for change, be crazy enough to take the steps. Here are three ways to help you live an unordinary life in 2024:
- Unordinary Goals
What do you value the most in life? Does the order of your life reflect your values? The order of your life communicates the priority of your life. What you do first impacts the rest. Set some unordinary goals for yourself this year. - Unordinary Habits
Habits will help you achieve your goals. You may simply need to reprogram your habits. Habits are formed by a cycle of decision, action, and reward. You’ll find yourself in three stages while forming unordinary habits. The honeymoon phase says, “I want to do this.” The fight-through phase says, “I don’t want to but I will.” And the second nature phase says, “It’s just what I do.” Take it one day at a time. You can do it. - Unordinary Commitment
Steve Jobs was diagnosed with cancer in 2003. It progressed as they labored away at creating the iPhone, a device that would change the world. He knew he was in a race against time to finish it. Even through pain, his commitment never changed. It was unordinary. Don’t let your commitment follow your feelings, lead your feelings with unordinary commitment.
This new year will certainly have moments of both trial and triumph, but through it all you can have an unordinary life. Go live it on purpose.
Brandon Matthews is the For Tomorrow Program Director