Welcome to part three of our "50 Golden Rules for Life" series! If you’re just joining us, consider looking at The Foundation of Success – 10 Rules to Live and Work By and Building Trust and Integrity – 10 More Rules for Life and Business, where we set the foundation with some core life principles for personal and professional success. Each article in this series is crafted to help ambitious, growth-focused readers like you gain practical, timeless wisdom.
This instalment focuses on building a purposeful life. It explores ten rules that infuse daily life with fulfilment and intentionality. Purpose isn’t necessarily grand or transformational; often, it’s found in small, thoughtful actions that bring meaning and balance. These rules aim to enrich your personal journey and professional life.
After this article, you’ll still have two more in the series to look forward to, with each instalment expanding on actionable insights for building a successful, purposeful life. Let's dive in!
21. Sing in the shower
Life’s stresses build up like clouds on the horizon, threatening to burst at any moment. Singing in the shower is a simple, joyful act that reminds us to revel in the small pleasures. When we let ourselves relax, even for a minute, our stress reduces, creativity blossoms, and we connect with our true selves.
- Real-Life Application: Professionals know the weight of responsibility, deadlines, and expectations. But taking a moment each morning to hum a tune or sing a favourite song is like pressing the reset button. Imagine starting your day with an upbeat song—notice how your mood lifts, your shoulders relax, and you're better equipped to tackle the day. Sometimes, fulfilment is as close as your morning shower.
22. Care for a plant or garden
Nurturing something outside of yourself is a grounding experience. When you plant a seed or water a flower, you’re participating in a process of growth, patience, and long-term care. Much like caring for a business or a career, caring for a plant requires dedication and consistent effort.
- Real-Life Application: Think of your plant as a project or a goal. It won’t grow overnight, but you’ll see progress with daily attention. Watching something flourish under your care reinforces the patience required for career growth. For entrepreneurs and professionals, this rule highlights that long-term growth often depends on daily, intentional effort.
23. Look up at the sky whenever you can
We tend to focus intently on what’s in front of us—emails, phone screens, meeting agendas. But there’s value in looking up. The vastness of the sky reminds us that our challenges are just small pieces of a giant puzzle. Perspective is everything; it helps us let go of the minutiae that often drag us down.
- Real-Life Application: Are you stuck on a frustrating project or overwhelmed by deadlines? Step outside, look up at the sky and take a breath. This small act can shift your perspective and recalibrate your approach to problems. The sky can remind you that life has rhythms and flows, challenges pass, and clarity often comes from moments of stillness.
24. Discover your skills and use them
Every one of us has unique strengths and talents. Identifying these and putting them to use is vital. Recognising what you excel at and then integrating those strengths into your work brings a sense of accomplishment and authenticity. Working in alignment with your skills is a pathway to fulfilment.
- Real-Life Application: Are you a strategic thinker, an empathetic leader, or a creative problem-solver? Seek projects that allow you to apply these skills. Ask colleagues or friends for feedback if you’re unsure where your strengths lie. Professionals who align their work with their core skills find more profound satisfaction and, often, more success.
25. Find meaning or growth in your job; if that’s not possible, consider other paths over time
Work is a substantial part of our lives, so finding meaning in what we do is essential. If your current role doesn’t offer that, seek growth, learn new skills, or expand your responsibilities. Over time, if it becomes clear that your current path doesn’t align with your values, it may be time to explore other options. Your fulfilment is worth the journey.
- Real-Life Application: Job dissatisfaction is common but doesn’t always require an immediate exit. Perhaps you can shift your role, collaborate on new projects, or take on leadership opportunities. Give yourself time to seek growth within before deciding to leave. If, even if you eventually find another path is best, make that choice with clarity.
26. Learn to recognise when you need help and seek it without hesitation
Asking for help can feel uncomfortable, especially for ambitious professionals who are used to figuring things out independently. However, recognising when you need support and seeking it shows strength, not weakness. Whether it’s personal advice, mentorship, or professional assistance, asking for help can make a difference.
- Real-Life Application: If you’re overwhelmed, consider delegating or discussing priorities with a manager. Facing a business challenge? Seek advice from mentors or peers. A willingness to ask for help prevents burnout and leads to growth. Successful professionals embrace this skill rather than shy away from it.
27. Teach someone a valuable lesson, even if it’s small
Passing on knowledge is powerful. When you teach others, you reinforce your understanding and contribute to their growth. It might be as simple as guiding a junior colleague or sharing insights at a meeting. Teaching connects us, enhances our expertise, and strengthens our professional community.
- Real-Life Application: Imagine a colleague struggling with a task you’ve mastered. Spend a few minutes guiding them. Not only do you empower them, but you also reinforce your role as a resource. In business, where collaboration is critical, such small acts of mentorship can elevate team morale and build a culture of support.
28. Express gratitude to those who offer support and kindness
Gratitude strengthens relationships, improves mood, and fosters positivity. Recognising and appreciating those who assist or encourage you creates a cycle of goodwill. A simple ‘thank you’ can strengthen bonds and improve team dynamics in professional environments.
- Real-Life Application: Acknowledge a colleague’s help on a project, thank a mentor for their guidance, or send a quick email of appreciation to someone who went out of their way. People are more likely to remember and respect professionals who express genuine gratitude.
29. Be kind to your neighbours
Kindness extends beyond the neighbour next door. It’s about being considerate to those in your immediate environment, whether in the workplace, a co-working space, or even your broader professional network. Kindness builds trust and creates a supportive community.
- Real-Life Application: Practise kindness with your ‘work neighbours’—offer a compliment, listen attentively in meetings, or provide encouragement during tough times. This small but impactful habit creates an environment where everyone feels valued, often leading to stronger connections and collaboration.
30. Make someone’s day happier; it will make you happier too
Kindness is contagious. By making a small effort to brighten someone’s day, you elevate their mood and your own. Simple gestures—an encouraging word, sharing a coffee, or giving a compliment—can have ripple effects of positivity.
- Real-Life Application: In your next meeting, take a moment to acknowledge a colleague’s contribution or offer a few words of encouragement to someone who’s had a tough day. Not only will you lift their spirits, but you’ll also feel a sense of fulfilment. Professionals who practise kindness often enjoy better work environments and stronger professional relationships.
Conclusion
Creating a life of purpose is about embracing small, consistent actions that bring balance and meaning to your journey. These golden rules serve as gentle reminders of what truly matters in our pursuit of fulfilment. By applying them daily, you’ll discover that purpose isn’t an end goal but a process—one that’s as unique as each individual’s journey.
If you’re following along, this series has two more articles. Each will offer more golden rules, adding depth and insight to our foundation for a successful, meaningful life. Reflect on these principles, integrate them into your day-to-day life, and see how they transform your experiences at work and beyond. Stay tuned!
