It's a sad fact, but most people simply do not live life to the fullest
The pressures of day-to-day living or surviving means that most of us "Don't see the wood for the trees". We're so busy getting on with the realities of living that we don't stop to analyze the kind of life we actually live.
Sometimes it requires a really traumatic event to cause us to pause, stand back, and view ourselves from a different perspective.
Maybe your health declines or you lose someone you love. Perhaps a tragedy rocks your world. You suddenly realize that all life comes to an end one day, and it's only then that you begin to examine the quality of your own life.
A recent survey into how to live life to the fullest revealed that actual life experiences and a loving family make us happier than material possessions like a big house or a flash car
Researchers surveyed 2,000 adults aged 18 to 65 to try to learn what were the essentials for a fulfilled life. The top answer was that we needed to stop worrying about getting more money. It seems the old adage that money can't buy you happiness really is true!
Other responses ranged from finding true love to losing weight. Of course, some are a bit more achievable than others.
A spokesman for the survey company said: "The research is really interesting because much of the list focuses on experiences and achievements rather than having more material possessions … That's exactly what the term living life to the fullest means."
Our Life Daily team conducted its own research, and we selected the following 30 steps that we thought could set you on the path towards a happier and more fulfilled life.
Check out the 30 steps to a happier life:
1. Stop worrying about money
2. Stop worrying about what other people think
3. Experience different cultures
4. Work to live rather than live to work
5. Concentrate on what you have instead of what you don't have
6. Use money on experiences rather than saving for a rainy day
7. Try all types of food
8. Find true love
9. Travel to at least 25 different foreign countries
10. Learn a new language
11. Help a member of your family out when they really need it
12. Lose a stone in weight
13. Treat each day like it's your last
14. Book an impulsive last minute holiday
15. Volunteer for a good cause
16. Go on safari
17. Blow a load of money in one shopping trip, just because you can
18. Start a family
19. Have a pet
20. Drive a really fast car
21. Travel alone
22. Meet strangers
23. Move away from home to an unfamiliar place
24. Have a one night stand
25. Pass your driving test
26. Get a degree
27. Date someone exciting but completely wrong for you
28. Have an all-night drinking session
29. Embark on adrenaline packed activities such as sky diving or bungee jumping
30. Spend time with children even if they aren't yours
Do you think that you will now be able to live life to the fullest after reading our list?Would you like to suggest any additions, based on your life experience? You can share your ideas by using the comments feed below.