5 Steps to Live Your Best Life

Best-selling author, speaker, and business owner Laura Gassner-Otting is living her best life.  But it wasn’t always that way. In fact, her path to where she is now reads like a romantic comedy: she followed a boy to a small-town campaign office that led her to working in the White House.

But as exciting as that sounds, there were plenty of twists and turns with lessons along the way, before and after the White House. In the process, Laura discovered 5 tips to help you find your purpose.

If you’re ready to live your best life, here’s how to get started:

1. Lean into your interests

Maybe you know exactly where you’re headed. But if you’re like most of us, it may not be as clear. That’s okay! Start by exploring your interests. If an industry or idea intrigues you and if you find people in that space who you’re drawn to, you may be on the right path. Don’t rule out trying a new a hobby or a volunteer opportunity as well. Regardless, lean into your interests and see where they take you.

2. Be a part of the solution

A key part of discovering where you’re meant to be is to explore a problem you want to solve. This may be a good or service you can provide or a social justice issue you feel passionate about. Once you find it, think about how you can be part of the solution. Lastly, what is the medium in which you can solve it? Maybe it’s a part-time volunteer commitment or a complete career change. When you become a part of the solution, you’ll be living your best life.

3. Find inspiration

This is a simple step: if it inspires you, pay attention. Fame and fortune aren’t often the goal for those who find their true purpose. Instead, it’s their story – a promise to a loved one, a life-changing diagnosis, a closed door leading to new opportunity. Life’s pivotal moments can bring inspiration, and in turn show you the right path forward.

4. Show up

If you’ve never run a mile before, you don’t just walk out the door and run a marathon. You have to work at it, one step at a time. Adopt the same philosophy when moving towards your best life. Whether it’s a business idea or a new hobby, show up, then do it again the next day. If you wait until you’re not nervous or busy or worried, you’ll never do it. And remember, competence leads to confidence. Keep showing up and you’ll grow sure of your future.

5. Make room

Allowing space for two key things can mean the difference between an unrealized dream and your best life. First, make room for setbacks. There is adventure in every yes, but there is also the risk of failure. However, failure isn’t a finale. In fact, your failure may leave space for someone else’s success. This is the second place to make room for. When one succeeds, we all succeed.

Get ready to find and live your best life. It’s ready and waiting!