Rohit Patnaik's Key Ideas from Ikigai
by Héctor García

"Walk slowly and you can go far"

Life seems rushed, the tasks, to do lists, overwhelming syllabus in college, so many important things to do.

But sit back for a while. Relax. This is your life. Go slow. Make gradual progress. Its okay. Life is not meant to be rushed. Consistency is the key.

Do not fill up your tummy. Eat until you are 80% full. That's enough.

Eat variety of natural fruits and vegetables. Avoid junk food. Doing these simple things is enough to have a fit body.

Surround yourself with good friends and family. People who are positive and cheerful. Those who will motivate you and provide you with constructive criticism when necessary.

It is very important to be around such good people and try to avoid people who will try to demotivate you without any valid rationale behind it.

Exercise and stay in shape. You don't need to hit the gym necessarily. Try doing simple exercises like jogging, stretching, pushups, cycling, basically anything that makes you feel happy and energetic.

Stay cheerful. There are many problems and difficulties in life. But it never as bad as you think it is. Take a breath of fresh air, look out of the window, look at the birds, notice the sounds.

I know it sounds cliché and fake, but life isn't that bad. Look at the bright side.

Be attentive of the things that can go bad and plan accordingly. But dont give in to pessimism. You can plan for bad things that might happen while still being optimistic and cheerful.

Be thankful for what you have. It is very easy, very very easy to take many things for granted in our life. Just for a moment imagine the life of a person who lost his leg in an accident. He cant play football, or run in the grass, or just walk like you do. Still there is hope. It can just be you next time. One common road accident and its done.

Be thankful for what you have.

And at last. Enjoy your life. After all the years have passed, after you have become old, if you look back at your life what do you want to see?

The memories you made with your friends, your family, the life you have lived. That is all that matters in the end.

Smile and enjoy your life.