Let’s say for a second you want not only to be art but that you want life to be a work of art. And by work of art I mean, something that transcends the humdrum, something that removes you from the box of toys our child-creators put us in at night when they sleep. Something that allows us to reach out and touch the ocean inside of us and hopefully bring others to sail with us.

1 – You have to want it.

Which means you have to want to improve in every way you can. Not improve your ability to do math. But IMPROVE. Many people want to complain. They don’t want to improve. Complaining is the opposite of improving. Can you take a ONE DAY diet from complaining. I was going to say “ten days” but that’s a trap because nobody can do ten days. If you complain at all during your diet you have to start from scratch. If you can do this for one day then it probably means you want it.

2 – Your core principles. 

The only way I’ve ever been able to improve is to take a step back from all my stresses and worries (which are always just tinkertoy buildings created by the wooden widgets of my thoughts) and do what I call The Daily Practice: today and today only (there is no other day) focus on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. If you think you are stressed out of your mind. If you are crying when nobody is looking. If you wish that the world around you is one you never would’ve have chosen, then you need to take that step back and return to core principles. For me, it’s only worked, only only only, when I’ve done this. Here’s the summary of my core principles.  What are your core principles?

3 – Be honest. 

Not with others. Not in a “I did this” confession sort of way. Outward honesty is the river that flows from inward honesty. Honesty is: Was I really physically healthy today? Did I really not judge people needlessly today? (Try this: everytime you even think a judgement put a question mark at the end of it). Did I really engage only with people I love today? Did I really not waste time complaining about things I can’t control today? Did I really exercise my idea muscle today? Did I really take the time to breathe today and to breathe deeply before I was interrupted by the anxieties and pressures that bullshit that try to overcome me every day? Did I make sure I ACTED instead of just sat around scared? Can I really be honest and answer those questions? Can I really surrender? Did I sincerely follow my core principles? Answer “yes” to all of the above and then go to the next step.

4 – Persistence.

Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow will never exist. It’s just “right now”. Persistence is making sure that “right now” you aren’t taking a break from the three steps above.