5 Sentences That Will Transform Your Life
Let’s face it. Life gets busy and we inevitably get pulled in many directions. The problem is we often stay busy doing things that keep us from meaningful experiences. For most of us that’s creating relationships and using our gifts to help others.
Here’s a simple way to ensure you don’t forget the important stuff—whatever that is for you. Read on to learn how to stay focused on the big picture and prioritize your week.
The Big 5
Gay Hendricks and Robin Sharma, both highly successful coaches, introduced the concept of the Big 5 to me. These are the 5 biggest lifetime achievements you want to accomplish. In other words, the things that are worthy of your devotion.
Most people haven’t really given this much thought. I promise if you write these 5 sentences down it will guide your decisions and help you stay focused on what matters.
Write Your List
Imagine that you’re on your deathbed reflecting on your life. You’re at peace with the entire adventure because you gave it your best. You have a big smile on your face.
What did you do that brought you the greatest joy and satisfaction?
Can you sum it up into 5 things?
If you need some help, you may want to start with this exercise of defining your core values.
Staying on Target
Writing your Big 5 and reading it regularly before you plan your week puts life in perspective. You’re reminded of what’s important so you can say no to what’s not.
I’ve been guilty of making a to-do list bigger than my energy can handle. Then I feel behind for not fixing or finishing everything (moms I feel you).
“Essentialism is not about how to get more things done; it’s about how to get the right things done. It doesn’t mean just doing less for the sake of less either. It is about making the wisest possible investment of your time and energy in order to operate at our highest point of contribution by doing only what is essential.”
― Greg Mckeown, Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
The Big 5 reminds me that my to-do list is often loaded with non-essentials. While there’s daily tasks that have to be done (feeding hungry kids), the Big 5 reminds me to devote a little time each day towards my lifetime achievements.
According to Atomic Habits by James Clear, the art of showing up for just two minutes everyday for the things that matter is enough to build momentum towards our dreams. The Big 5 is like programming the correct flight path. We’ll need dedication to get back on it when we go off course, but we’re on the right trajectory.
Small habits over time stack up to enormous results. That means it’s worthwhile to think about what values/achievements you want to build on. Without the Big 5, you could end up somewhere completely different just by doing the wrong things every day. The point is once we know our desired destination, all we have to do is show up consistently.
Putting It Into Practice
List your top 5 desired lifetime achievements and place this somewhere you can easily read it, like in the kitchen, bathroom or in your journal if you write regularly. These are your non-negotiables.
When life gets crazy, use this list as a reminder of what’s really important and say no to the rest without guilt or fear of missing out. Let it renew your commitment to your heart and your mission.
Try reading it once a week at least. I created a habit of reading it on Sunday when I plan my week. It’s a perfect time to review my week, see what worked and what didn’t, and appreciate myself for showing up. It’s also a great time to be honest about where I can step up more.
My Big 5
This is what devotion looks like to me:
I helped burnt-out parents reconnect to themselves so they can live a satisfying and spacious life.
I loved my kids unconditionally and guided them to follow their dreams.
I thrived in a loving, life-long partnership with my best friend.
I lived with an open heart and experienced the enchantment of the universe.
I mastered how to heal the body and empowered everyone I met.
Can you feel my passion too? Every time I read it I get fired up. If you’ve nailed down your core values it should stir some feelings.
Breaking the Big 5 Into Small Actionable Steps
Back to my list, here’s some examples of tiny consistent actions I can take to honour my Big 5. These are the actual tasks I create space for during my week. I usually pick up to 3 to focus on.
Write my blog, do healing sessions, be there for a friend, donate to charities that support family healing.
Read my kids’ human design, exercise so I can give from a full cup, plan a fun outing.
Plan a monthly date, make time to connect in the evenings, do something nice for them.
Nature walks, practice heart-based breathing while I’m walking or working, journal everyday.
Read every night, learn something everyday, practice stretching my intuition.
Now it’s your turn to look at your Big 5 and write down small steps you can take towards your mission.
It’s the Attitude over the Destination
I talked about destinations but as you can see from my Big 5, there are no finish lines to each of my achievements. They’re really the flight path. The actions are what propels me in the right direction.
Devoting yourself to your Big 5 has another benefit. It’s about the type of person you’re becoming each day. The type of person who doesn’t care what other people are doing because you know what’s important to you. The person who’s inspired, committed, courageous and full of heart. Maybe a creative rebel too.
Summary
There you have it. 5 sentences that will transform your life. Write them out, read them regularly as you plan your week and break them down into small action steps. Then it’s about consistently showing up and keeping that momentum going.
The Big 5 is really about continuous refinement and growth. It develops qualities like perseverance and resolve because we show up consistently even when motivation goes away.
When we succeed, we touch everyone around us too. I've watched my husband land his dream job just by staying true to my own path. Your Big 5 is a gift not only to yourself but to your community.
P.S. I’d love to hear what yours are. And it’s okay if they change and evolve as you do.
