Tips for an extraordinary daily life What is an extraordinary life?

There are various views about what it means to live “An Extraordinary Life” and therefore it is important to explain what “An Extraordinary Life” means in the context of this Website.

The word “extraordinary” is generally defined as “very unusual or remarkable”. It could also be described as exceptional or amazing. Considering the purpose and content of this Website, “An Extraordinary Life” could include a wide variety of examples.

At the one end of the spectrum, it could mean the achievement of a truly tough goal that is unique, widely publicized and life changing for the person(s) involved such as the Springboks winning the Rugby World Cup in 2019, or the achievements of people such as Cristiano Ronaldo (soccer), Gary Player (golf), Serena Williams (tennis), Nelson Mandela (politics), The Beatles (music), Michelangelo (Art) and world renowned business icons such as Warren Buffett and Bill Gates.

On the other end of the spectrum, it could mean individuals who are relatively unknown, who live an extraordinary life in a completely different way. One example could be people who unselfishly give of themselves in terms of time, effort, expertise, wisdom, caring, fundraising for communities in need and using their own money for the benefit of others, way beyond the call of duty. These people actively sacrifice and contribute to a cause that is beyond and much bigger than themselves, without expecting recognition or anything else in return.

We have provided two examples of extraordinary lives at opposite sides of the spectrum. There are of course many examples of extraordinary lives in between these two extremes. This Website will use examples across the spectrum, but will tend to concentrate on those aspects of living an extraordinary life that are attainable by ordinary people who are not, and do not necessarily want to be, in the limelight and be regarded as winners who beat their opponents. When we do highlight an example of high profile extraordinary achievement, we will endeavour to not only focus on the actual achievement, but also give equal importance to the person’s general lifestyle, values, principles and character.

There appears to be an inordinate obsession with celebrity and fame, regardless of the morality of the person who is being “worshipped”. There also seems to be a widespread, unhealthy desire for hedonism, i.e. the pursuit of pleasure and sensual self-indulgence without any consideration of the morality of it.

Most famous people are role models in one form or another without always realising it. We will try to illustrate that it is possible and necessary for people who are famous as well as “ordinary” people, to live a life that is characterised by high standards of moralilty and character (which is the product of the types of values and moral principles of an individual). In fact, our ideal is to celebrate the lives of people in terms of their values, principles and character and being actively involved in meaningful endeavours of significance that are beyond and bigger than themselves.

We will also encourage, recognise and applaud the concept of excellence for its own sake, i.e. doing everything as well as you can, but not necessarily being the best at what you do (compared to others), without expecting anything in return. This means that everything is done to the best of one’s ability, because it is the right thing to do, i.e. doing one’s very best is part of one’s value system and is regarded as a virtue.

You are invited to journey with me on “A Path Less Travelled” by visiting our Website every week when we will be dealing with various topics.

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