The following excerpt from Your Exceptional Life shows us that we all have the power to set an example, positive or not. What example are you setting? PSK members can receive the ebook and audiobook for free here.
Regardless of your stage of life, parent, grandparent or not, you have the power to set the culture, values and tone of the family and future generations.
There is no better time to check in and ask yourself Eight Exceptional Questions:
1. Am I spending my daytime hours doing things that inspire me or will I regret not doing what I love?
2. Am I moving my body in a way that generates vitality or am I risking cognitive decline and the chronic diseases that come from a sedentary lifestyle?
3. Am I socially connected to a peer group I love or am I in a disempowering peer group? Or am I at risk of social isolation and depression?
4. Does the food I eat provide me with energy or is my diet creating disease?
5. Am I a source of love and unity within the family dynamic or am I living with bitterness?
6. Am I enthusiastic, learning more about what I love, or am I bored?
7. Am I financially independent, spending less than I earn and investing the difference, or am I broke?
8. Am I fulfilled, living with faith in a higher purpose of some kind? Or am I spiritually broken?
You can take the full Exceptional Life quiz here.
I ask you this because children notice everything. ‘Monkey-see monkey-do’ does not only apply to manners at the dining table. Your beliefs, spending habits, body language, communication style and all elements of your exceptional life are not just observed by children, but in many cases mimicked and unconsciously accepted as the way to live.
If you spend your days watching TV, then it’s likely your children will say: “My parents / grandparents sit at home all day watching TV.” What does that do for their view of getting older?
It can generate into a global belief that ‘older people sit at home watching TV all day’. And when they grow up, what do these children often believe they’ll be doing when they are older? “Oh, probably sitting in a home just watching TV all day.”
Simply put, if you wouldn’t want your children, grandchildren or future grandchildren to be seeing any areas of your life or behaviour, start changing them immediately. Not moving? Start moving now. You will inspire those around you.
Are you resistant to forgiveness? Start forgiving now; those around you will notice a lighter, happier you. Often, you are not only changing for you, but you are also changing the legacy that you will leave behind. And in many ways, that is more powerful than the impact your decisions have on you alone.
Marcus Pearce is a longevity and life design strategist and the author of Your Exceptional Life. You can take his free Exceptional Life Quiz here. He also hosts the podcast 100 Not Out: Mastering The Art of Ageing Well, and each year takes small groups to the European Blue Zones of Ikaria and Sardinia.
As for all things relating to your health speak with your GP or a relevant medical professional. For all your financial health contact PSK on (02) 8365 8300 or visit psk.com.au
General Advice Warning - Any advice included in this article has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on the advice, you should consider whether it's appropriate to you, in light of your objectives, financial situation or needs.
