"You may delay, but time will not." - Benjamin Franklin.
Life starts now, not tomorrow. We are often deluded into thinking there is always time to do this or that. Often, that may not be the case. You see, time is one of the most precious resources and must never be misused. It is fleeting. Lost time is almost never recovered, you can only manage the time left.
The best time of your life is now. Use it well. Do not tarry or idle it away on phones, internet and media. Dream, yes! You have the great mind to build wonderful dreams and turn it into reality. Nothing can stop you. Only you can limit YOU. Put your dream-thoughts on paper, it becomes valid and a vision. Start with the result in your mind and work your way back through the required little stages of its achievement make a mission statement and steps of its achievement.
Always have something to look forward to or chase after. It keeps you alive, energetic and hopeful. It gives you a sense of accomplishment when you achieve a set task, and a huge feeling of exhilaration when you dreams start taking shape.
"It's worth making time to find the things that really stir your soul. That's what makes you really feel alive. You have to say 'no' to other things you're used to, and do it with all your heart."- Roy T. Bennett
Dream but also be in the present. "Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin," said Mother Theresa. Do not be in the future that you forget to live and enjoy the present. The present is what we have now, tomorrow is not promised but only hoped for. Bask and treasure each day while living in hope for the next.
"I believe that through knowledge and discipline financial peace is possible for all of us" –Dave Ramsey.
It is never too early to understand the workings of money management and investments. Knowledge is power. Learn about money, savings and investments. Know your current financial situation and work your way from there. Be mindful of living within your budget and tuck away a little for tomorrow. Be aware of wasteful acquisition of material stuff; fetching water with a basket never helps.
"The longer I go on, the more I am aware of the power of finance"- Justin Welby
Good relationships are central to good health and life. Give time to foster, nurture and build good relationships. The best dependable relationships in life start from college. Many studies have been given to what really makes a good and happy life, having good relationships with people (family, friends, and community) makes life worth living. Sharing the joys and woes of life with loved ones often cheers the heart which is the center of our being. The sheer fact of being part of a community, of a family, of a relationship; a love full and giving heals us far more than anything we can ever imagine. Nothing cures or dispels illness like a merry heart.
"One day you will realize that material things mean nothing. All that matters is the well-being of the people you love in your life."- Leon Brown
Develop your value system and construct your life principles. Take care and formulate your values and moralities. It is a life-saving remedy to you in all circumstances.
"A highly developed values system is like a compass. It serves as a guide to point you in the right direction when you are lost." - Idowu Koyenikan
Another useful quote: "Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, and your values become your destiny." -Gandhi
Forgive yourself but get back on track. Making mistakes is part of being an adult, and those become the library of lessons you learn from and also teach others not to take such roads.
"You may have lost your way temporarily, but do not lose sight of what matters most on your journey back to happiness." -Leon Brown
Hint: Read Stephen Covey's book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" to get more insights on how to make the most of today. My favorite quote from Covey is "Begin with the end in mind."
