Living Consciously: 10 Things I Have Learned About Myself
Photo by Ben McLeod.
Anyone who read my article 50 Tips From My Year of Change will realize that 2007 was a big year for me. When I think about it, all those “tips” really point to one thing: I have become increasingly conscious as to how I am living my life.
“Living consciously” is a term that is used freely these days across the Internet, but what does it really mean? To me, living consciously is about existing in a state of mindful awareness. It is about analyzing and evaluating my choices, behaviors, and habits so that I understand why I am steering my life in the direction it is heading. This is in stark contrast to being on autopilot, a state I was in for a number of years (see 5 Signs You Are On Autopilot).
So what have I learned? The following are 10 insights I have had into my own life that I would like to share. They include insights into how I spend my time, what I eat and drink, and what goes on in my head:
1. Sleep
As I wrote about in How I Won the Battle of the Bed, I was once the stereotypical person who continually hits the snooze button, only to get up at the last possible moment. One of my major realizations in regards to sleep is that I do not need 8+ hours sleep each night. Now I realize some people do need this amount of sleep, but this is exactly what living consciously is about. You should be aware of how much sleep you need. I get by fine on between 6.5 to 7 hours and the extra time I now have in the morning gives me time to work on myself mentally, physically, and spiritually. By the same token, though, anything less then 6.5 hours turns me into a zombie the next day.
2. Sugar
Perhaps the most important factor that has helped me reduce my sleep and still be able to wake up at 5am refreshed and ready to go (well…. most of the time) is to understand how sugar affects my body. If I eat anything with sugar after 5pm my sleep is ruined and I wake up feeling like a zombie. I know this is not the case for everyone - Kathryn doesn’t seem to have this problem at all - but for me eliminating all sugar in the evening has been life changing.
3. Alcohol
I enjoy drinking alcohol. An occasional glass of red with dinner or a nice cold beer on a sunny day are two of my simple pleasures in life. However, one of my major realizations in the past year is that I don’t enjoy it as much as society seems to tell me I should (or perhaps that was just Australian society? 
). These days I am fully aware that just one drink can make me tired and less alert, so I know if anything needs getting done I should steer clear of alcohol. For more on this see my personal experiment, A Weekend Without Alcohol.
4. Television
Since moving from Australia to Canada in mid-2007 I have gone from having 5 television stations I can watch (we didn’t have cable) to having over 100. But guess what? I watch far less television now. Basically this change has stemmed from my realization that there are far better ways to spend my time. Also, I find that “relaxing” in front of the television is not so relaxing after all. I feel much more refreshed after spending time with my family, hitting the gym or simply going for a walk.
5. Caffeine
Once upon a time I never gave a second thought to consuming caffeine. However, after reading articles such as Steve Pavlina’s How to Give Up Coffee I started to become more aware of the role caffeine, and in particular coffee, played in my life. After much experimentation, I have found that a cup of coffee is a great way to kickstart my day, but after that it is best for me to stick to caffeine-free herbal teas.
6. Uncertainty
I was once a chronic worrier (see What I Would Tell My 15 Year Old Self). It always bothered me that I was unsure of my path in life, especially when it seemed other people were so sure of what it is they wanted to do. Anyway, I have learned that it is ok to be uncertain. In fact, I would even go so far as to say that uncertainty is the spice of life. I believe that when we give up the need to know, life becomes vibrant and, yes, even a little risky.
7. Every Day Happiness
One of my major “ah-hah” moments was when it dawned on me that my life really is just a series of days. Since this realization I have become determined to enjoy each and every day I experience on this planet. Yes, even in my 
boring job (see Feel the Pain, Then Make the Change) I find ways to enjoy myself. For example, each day I make an effort to connect with other people, laugh, celebrate my successes (even if it is just a mental pat on the back!), and learn something new. And when I am not at work, there is nothing I enjoy more than chasing my son around the house. I have learned that in many cases, these simple pleasures can be the difference between happiness and unhappiness.
8. The Truth
This past year I have come to see just how easy it is to lie to ourselves. As I wrote about in two of my popular articles - If You Want to Change, Tell the Truth and Feel the Pain, Then Make the Change - being truthful with ourselves about our weaknesses and our pain can open the door to a beautiful new life. Can I handle the truth? Well… it can certainly hurt, but it is better than going through life numb or in denial.
9. Down Periods
Despite my “new life” of happiness and meaning, I still go through periods where I get a bit down. I have learned that these are just a part of a natural cycle, and if I ride it out for a day or two my mood and level of motivation will soon return to normal.
10. Nature
I have always loved the outdoors, but it is only in the past year or so that I have come to fully appreciate the benefits of regularly connecting with nature. When I am outdoors in nature my mind feels at peace and my soul feels alive. Even on a typical working day, when I am in an office for most of the day, I will do my best to get outside. This may involve running in the morning before work, taking my lunch to the park or simply admiring the trees I pass during the walk to and from the office.
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40 Comments
January 28th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Interesting article. Lots of good tips here, will have to try the no sugar in evening. I often wake up feeling a bit like a zombie…
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January 28th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Great stuff Peter!
Todd
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January 28th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
I’ve quit drinking (not supposed to mix it with some medicine I take) and I’m so very surprised at how little I miss it. It disrupts your sleep, makes you fat and instead of buying wine, I now buy myself flowers.
Wish I could give up sugar! Oh, how I have a sweet tooth.
Thanks for sharing what you’ve learned. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll back off the sugar.
Perhaps I’ll give it up for Lent. And then keep going….
So hard to even think about!
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January 28th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Good summary. I notice the link to Timothy Ferriss’ The 4-Hour Workweek in the sidebar. Have you read it? If so, did you find anything there that you’re using?
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January 28th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
I liked your point about the “down periods” being a part of the natural cycle. Because if we don’t accept them as such we might feel like we’ve sliped back into our old mode of unhappiness for good and decide that the change isn’t working for us and even that it isn’t worth it the effort. It is like when you’re on a diet - if you slip back for a day just grab yourself together and go on with your plan the other day, don’t assume you’ve ruined it all and get back to your old habbits. And then - in the long term - that day or two of gorging or feeling down wouldn’t mean a thing, compared to the general life of happiness and purpose
So, friends - take the blue days just as a way to be able to better appreciate the sunny days, enjoy them if you can, if not - just accept them and move on!
Good luck,
Sev
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January 28th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Great ideas Peter. I never knew you before a few months ago, but can tell by your articles that you have really grown leap and bounds over the past year. I really love your insights and look forward to reading your articles as often as possible. Keep up the great work!
http://www.JuiceofChampions.com
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January 28th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
[…] 10 Ways I Have Learned About Myself - Well, not ME, but blogger Peter on I Will Change Your Life.com has learned about HIMself. Truth be told, those 10 things are just the sort we should all be more aware of. Peter’s idea of ‘Living Consciously’ involves everything from sleep to happiness. Be sure to check it out and see how consciously you are living your life. […]
January 28th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
I think im going to have to try giving up sugar after 5pm like yourself, normally after 5 is when I have alot of tea with 2 sugars in each cup,
no wonder I feel like a zombie in the mornings, lol
My missus always blamed the crack cocaine and she nearly got me to quit. Thanks for this article, Im going to have to show her this. ty ty
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January 28th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Thanks for this piece, very helpful.
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January 29th, 2008 at 2:31 am
I ’stumbled upon’ this page Peter, and was glad I did. You have a beautiful picture.
I was a little reticent about the title of your blog - I will change your life. (But I read on anyway.) Surely we can only change ourselves? If we are changed by the influence of others it is only because we gave them permission to do so. I think, after reading this post, that a more accurate title of the blog would be ‘I will change my life’.
I’m so glad you have come such a long way this last year. I came to a lot of the same conclusions you have over the years.
I do not own a TV, and no longer consume caffeine or alcohol because I do not like the effect it has on my well being. I also try to steer clear of sugar and refined carbs all day. I really notice a difference in the morning when I consume those things the day before. I also notice that I am nicer to the kids at school when my body is in balance.
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January 29th, 2008 at 2:41 am
Very good points. I too had a very eventful 2007 and have also started conscious living. I am not as far along as you, however, but I know I will be in my own time.
Very good article!
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January 29th, 2008 at 6:03 am
You know Peter, one cup of caffeine a day is quite the accomplishment. I say this because many, many years ago I worked at a Starbucks and therein I developed my addiction for coffee!
One cup a day doesn’t quite cut it for me. I’ve tried, but the ah so sweet aroma of the coffee beans keeps pullin’ me in
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January 29th, 2008 at 7:01 am
I like nine++ hours of sleep or more! Definitely need to cut back on my sugar and caffeine though…
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January 29th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Yes, uncertainty really rocks sometimes.
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January 29th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Living Consciously: 10 Things I Have Learned About Myself | Dating Advice and Tips…
thechangeblog.com
From autopilot to conscious living - here are 10 wonderful insights into…
January 29th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Peter,
I watched an interview of Timothy Ferriss once because a friend recommended it. I was turned off by the self-aggrandizement, but I decided to look at the book anyway to see what the fuss was about. I’m already at the stage where I have the money and time to do what I love, but I think he has a good point–the world is changing fast so have the sense to make some of those changes work for you. I’m curious about how people integrate his ideas into their own lives. That’s me, curious and open to life.
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January 29th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
A nice one…I’m a regular visitor to this site!
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January 30th, 2008 at 1:19 am
this is one of the best posts i have come across… the truth in the statements is enlightening!
sugar in the evening making you a zombie in interesting… how did you discover that one, or is it a common theory out there that indicates its results on some people?
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January 30th, 2008 at 2:34 am
Hi! I love your blog! I just wrote about it in my blog.
Please visit sometime. Love, a new fan. 
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January 30th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
Thank you for posting this article. I also try hard to live consciously as much as humanly possible and this article helps tremendously. My appreciation to you is in the highest sense.
To show you my gratitude I would like to share with you a post I found that also helps with conscious living: http://consciousflex.blogspot......el-of.html
Thank you indeed, please keep up the incredible work in helping others living consciously!
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January 31st, 2008 at 8:44 pm
[…] Living Consciously 10 Things I have learnt about my life by Peter at I Will Change your Life […]
February 1st, 2008 at 1:21 pm
[…] Living Consciously - Peter at the TheChangeBlog blog, writes about some of the changes he has made. I always enjoy reading about the self-improvement efforts of others because it gives me new ideas for my own growth. […]
February 2nd, 2008 at 3:18 pm
[…] Living Consciously: 10 Things I Have Learned About Myself | I Will Change Your Life Peter over at the I Will Change Your Life blog shares some interesting reflections on how his life operates. A useful exercise for all of us. […]
February 3rd, 2008 at 2:19 pm
[…] S C presents Living Consciously: 10 Things I Have Learned About Myself posted at I will change your life . com. Anyone who read my article 50 Tips From My Year of Change […]
February 4th, 2008 at 8:03 am
Thanks for your ideas. We have made a few changes since a very stressful (and stupid!!!)2007. Me and my husband now walk for 45mins to an hour every night. We have discovered numerous bush walks within 5 mins of our house (after 10 years of living here, we’ve only just found them). Not only are we fitter, but it gives us a peaceful chance to chat, share our day with each other and gets us away from work and home/family responsibilities for that time. It’s fantastic!! Now we’re debating how we can keep this up in the winter when it will be too dark to do the walks in the evening or before work.
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February 4th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
[…] S C presents Living Consciously: 10 Things I Have Learned About Myself posted at I will change your life . […]
February 5th, 2008 at 3:55 am
[…] S C presents Living Consciously: 10 Things I Have Learned About Myself posted at I will change your life . […]
February 6th, 2008 at 3:42 am
Thanks for the tip on less sugar before bed! I haven’t even heard of that. Really great insight, keep doing what you do!
- jennie
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February 17th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Hi man,
I don’t go in for articles like this usually, but I think you have a rare insight. It’s not about the individual things you mention, although they are good examples - it is that you are aware of yourself.
A few years ago, I had quit University and gone to live with my parents, because I was very depressed. A friend of mine gave me this book, The Art of Happiness. It’s a Buddhist book, containing transcriptions of the author’s conversations over several years, with the Dalai Lama of Tibet. Although I am not a Buddhist, it taught me to be self-aware. It said that everyone suffers and that you should aim to remove suffering and unhappiness from your life.
It turns out that having awareness about yourself and others, with regard to depression or whatever, has many applications in less abstract areas of your life. If you really pay attention to the way in which you talk to your boss and your colleagues, you can make ground in your job, without working longer hours or physically doing more work - everything is just smoothed along.
So you just have to be aware that some things work better for you than others and do things that way. Traits which you might consider a weakness now can be turned into an advantage. Less sugar - better sleep - more punctual - more reliable - more people trust you.
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April 10th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
It was really interesting to read this. I’ve discovered many of those things myself recently. I feel ya, man
The thing about sleep - I discovered that the biggest factor in my waking up is motivation. If I have to go to school, I won’t be ready to wake up even at 8 o’clock. But if I have something exciting waiting, like a half-formed idea for a blog post waiting to be written down, then I sometimes jump out of bed at 5:30 feeling fresh and ready. I wish I could wake up like that on most days.
Right now I’m working on the truth thing. And I’ll definitely give a shot to the “sugar-free evenings” - I never even thought of that.
Thanks for a great blog post.
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May 5th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
I think these things are important for everyone who thinks seriously about living a good life - less alcohol and sugar, good sleep, a conscious decision to be happy and worry free - these are all things I have come to in my own journey, too.
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May 20th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
[…] Living Consciously: 10 Things I Have Learned About Myself […]
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