How to Live Life to the Fullest: 50 Powerful Shifts That Actually Work

Jon Miksis Jon Miksis clock Updated August 6, 2025 tourism Community-Based Travel
by Jon Miksis
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Life’s too short to live halfway. That’s something I come back to often…on mountaintops, in retreat circles, and even in the quiet in-between moments. Over the years, travel has been my greatest teacher. It’s pushed me out of comfort zones, cracked me open in the best ways, and reminded me, again and again, how alive I want to feel. Some of my greatest personal transformations came at retreats in the jungle, breathwork sessions that cracked me open, and quiet moments in places no guidebook ever mentioned. The more I veered off the beaten path, the more alive I felt.

Living life to the fullest isn’t just a nice idea. It’s something I strive to practice – with curiosity, courage, and a deep hunger to experience it all. As a travel blogger for over 8 years, these 50 ways reflect that journey. Some are big and bold. Others are beautifully simple. But they’ve all helped me live with more intention, more joy, and more fire in my soul.

Living life to its fullest is my motto
Living life to its fullest is my motto

What does it mean to live life to the fullest?

To me, living life to the fullest means showing up fully…not half-asleep, not waiting for “someday,” but actually being in your life. It’s chasing what lights you up, letting go of what dims you, and choosing experiences over excuses. It’s dancing barefoot in the rain, saying yes to the scary-but-right things, and feeling deeply…whether that’s joy, heartbreak, awe, or all three in the same week.

It’s not about having it all. It’s about feeling alive in it all. Now, without further ado, here’s how to live life to the fullest.

Recent group trip with The Nomad Escape
Recent group trip with The Nomad Escape

1. Carpe Diem

Seize the day! Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity, create it. Take chances and make the most out of every moment, because you never know when it’ll be your last.

2. Find your passion and pursue it relentlessly

Whether it’s painting, writing, or rock climbing, find something that makes your heart sing and chase after it with all your might.

Hiking through Redwood National Park in California
Hiking through Redwood National Park in California

3. Travel and explore

I’m a travel blogger, so I may have a little bit of bias here. But there’s nothing quite like seeing new places and experiencing different cultures. In addition, I highly recommend going on retreats – which integrates the outer world and inner world of exploration. They will broaden your perspective and give you a new appreciation for the world.

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Exploring the Blue City of Chefchaouen, Morocco
Exploring the Blue City of Chefchaouen, Morocco

4. Find your tribe

Surround yourself with people who lift you up, inspire you, and make you a better person. Life is too short to be around negative energy.

Meeting new faces in cool places
Meeting new faces in cool places

5. Live in the present

Stop dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Be present in the moment and savor it.

Archery is something that reminds me to live life to the fullest
Archery is an activity that grounds you in the present moment

6. Be kind and make a difference

Helping others is one of the most rewarding things you can do. It’ll bring joy to you and to those you’ve helped.

7. Go on a solo trip

There’s a certain kind of clarity that only comes from being completely alone in a new place. No distractions. Just you, your intuition, and the world.

8. Step out of your comfort zone

Sometimes, the best things in life happen when you take a leap of faith. Try new things and push yourself to grow.

Making the leap of faith into Iceland's coldest lake during the winter
Making the leap of faith into Iceland’s coldest lake during the winter

9. Laugh often and be silly

Life is too short to be serious all the time. Laughing is good for the soul, and being silly is good for the spirit.

10. Be grateful

Take the time to appreciate all the good things in your life. Gratitude is the key to a happy heart.

Live life to the fullest by expressing gratitude
Live life to the fullest by expressing gratitude

11. Take care of yourself

Your body is your temple, so treat it right. Eat well, exercise, and get enough rest. Oh, and jump into ice cold rivers like Wim Hof…do that too!

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Cold immersion is the ultimate form of self care
Cold immersion is the ultimate form of self care

12. Live life to the fullest by staying curious

Never stop learning and exploring. The world is a big and fascinating place, and there’s always something new to discover. Be curious about other people as well, even if they may not seem interesting at the surface. This is one of my biggest takeaways after attending retreats over the past year.

13. Set goals and crush them

Set your sights high and go after them with all you’ve got. The feeling of accomplishment is second to none.

14. Unplug and reconnect

Put down the phone, log off social media, and spend some quality time with yourself and the people you love.

Discovering the Albanian Alps in Theth National Park
Discovering the Albanian Alps in Theth National Park

15. Find your balance

Work hard, play hard. Make sure you have a healthy balance of both.

16. Be true to yourself

Don’t change who you are to fit in. Embrace your unique qualities and be true to yourself.

17. Take a chance on love

Whether it’s a romantic relationship or a strong friendship, love is what makes life worth living.

Enjoyed the Icelandic countryside with my wife Marie
Enjoyed the Icelandic countryside with my wife Marie

18. Embrace change

Change can be scary, but it’s also necessary for growth. Be open to new possibilities and see where they take you.

19. Keep learning

Learn a new skill, read a new book, or take a class. The more you know, the more you grow.

Learning and growing at Body Camp Mallorca
Learning and growing at Body Camp Mallorca

20. Be a part of something bigger

In spite of the dopamine hits you get from Netflix and social media, we are not meant to be solitary creatures. Whether it’s volunteering at a local charity, joining a community group, or participating in a movement, being a part of something bigger than yourself is fulfilling.

21. Sing like no one’s listening

Whether you’re in the shower or on stage, let your voice be heard and sing your heart out. It’s a great stress reliever and will bring joy to your life.

Singing on an open-air bus in Madeira
Singing on an open-air bus in Madeira

22. Dance like no one’s watching

Let loose and find your rhythm. Dancing is a great way to express yourself and have fun. If you haven’t done ecstatic dancing before, I highly recommend it!

23. Write your story

Whether it’s a journal, a novel, or a blog, write down your thoughts and experiences. It’s a great way to reflect and remember the journey. You are the creator of your own life – remember that!

24. Be adventurous

Try new activities and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s skydiving, bungee jumping, or hiking, adventure will bring you to the edge and make you feel alive.

Adventure awaits you in Zion National Park
Adventure awaits you in Zion National Park

25. Live life to the fullest by being mindful

Practice mindfulness and meditation. It will help you focus on the present and be more aware of your thoughts and emotions. You don’t have to sit cross-legged in a yogi position to do this either. Even the simple act of running or taking a cold shower can ground you and help you become more mindful.

26. Take risks

Whether it’s taking a new job, starting a business, or traveling alone, take risks and see where it leads you. You’ll never know what you’re capable of until you try.

27. Be creative

Whether it’s painting, drawing, or making a craft, let your creativity flow and make something beautiful. For some people, this could be easier said than done. I recommend going on a hike in nature to get the creative juices flowing!

28. Say yes more

Saying yes to new experiences and opportunities will open up doors you never thought possible.

29. Celebrate the small wins

Acknowledge and celebrate the little things in life. It will help you appreciate the journey and not just the destination.

Photo of Joshua and I with the Edge Tub
Assisting my friend Joshua, the CEO of Edge Theory Labs, in selling cold tubs.

30. Dream big

Never stop dreaming, no matter how impossible it may seem. With hard work and determination, anything is possible.

31. Live with purpose

Take the time to think about your goals and what you want to achieve in life. Having a sense of purpose will give you direction and drive.

Soaking in the rainforest during a mindset retreat in Costa Rica
Soaking in the rainforest during a mindset retreat in Costa Rica

32. Say sorry when needed

Holding on to grudges and not apologizing when necessary will only hold you back from living life to the fullest. Practice forgiveness and apologize when needed. This will allow you to create more space for living to the fullest.

33. Stop comparing yourself to others

We all have our own unique journey and comparing yourself to others will only lead to dissatisfaction. Embrace your own path and progress.

34. Take time to reflect

Reflect on your life, your actions, and your thoughts. It’s important to take time to understand yourself and your place in the world.

35. Be open-minded

Be open to new ideas, perspectives, and ways of living. Being open-minded will make you more adaptable and help you grow.

36. Be spontaneous

Sometimes, the best experiences come from spontaneous decisions. Don’t overthink, just go with the flow.

Nothing quite like a spontaneous hike in the Pacific Northwest
Nothing quite like a spontaneous hike in the Pacific Northwest

37. Be true to your word

Honesty and integrity are essential for building trust and strong relationships. Stand by your word and be true to yourself.

38. Find your inner child

Take time to play, have fun, and let your inner child shine. Life is too short to be serious all the time.

Living life to the fullest while dining in the dark
Living life to the fullest while dining in the dark

39. Give back to the community

Giving back to your community is one of the most rewarding things you can do. It will make a difference in the lives of others and bring fulfillment to yours.

40. Create a bucket list

Make a list of things you want to do before you die, and start ticking them off one by one. It will give you something to work towards and make your life more exciting. Don’t have a bucket list already? Here’s a free template you can use: 500 unique bucket list ideas in 2025.

Visiting the Egyptian Pyramids was a bucket list experience for me
Visiting the Egyptian Pyramids was a bucket list experience for me

41. Be a lifelong learner

Learning is a continuous process. Take up a new hobby, learn a new language, or take a class. Doing so will help you grow as a person and make you more adaptable.

42. Embrace seasonal living

Honor nature’s rhythms…slow down in winter, bloom in spring, savor summer, reflect in fall. Life feels more aligned when you’re tuned into the seasons. I always teach this at this retreat I help facilitate in Iceland.

43. Find a hobby you are passionate about

Having a hobby that you are passionate about will give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment. For example, I’m passionate about cold plunges, not only for the health benefits but for the way it makes me feel alive. Though cold immersion isn’t for everyone, it lights me up. Find yours!

44. Find the beauty in the small things

It’s easy to get caught up in the big things in life, but often, it’s the small things that make life worth living. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty in the small things.

Always living my best life by chasing waterfalls
Always living my best life by chasing waterfalls

45. Do what you love, love what you do

Want to get in on a little secret to living your life to the fullest? Find ways to do what you love and love what you do. In other words, find passion and purpose in everything that you do.

46. Create a personal ritual

Start your mornings with intention. Light a candle. Journal. Move your body. A daily ritual can anchor your purpose and set the tone for a more meaningful day…and in turn, a more meaningful life.

47. Make time for loved ones

Connecting with family and friends is essential for living life to the fullest. Schedule regular meetups, phone calls, or even virtual hangouts with loved ones.

Living the life in Switzerland
Living the life in Switzerland

48. Get lost on purpose

Ditch the map, turn off GPS, and wander. Whether you’re in a city or a forest, getting lost can lead to the best kind of found. One of my fondest memories was getting lost during my study abroad semester in Barcelona…I purposefully left my phone in my room, so I could rely on myself and others instead. Life changing!

49. Reconnect with awe

Watch a sunrise. Stargaze in silence. Stand beneath a waterfall. Awe reminds you that you’re part of something bigger…and that’s where the magic lives.

50. Create memories

Life is a journey, and it’s important to make it a memorable one. Do things that you’ll one day look back on and smile.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about living life to the fullest

Here are some common questions and answers about living life full.

What does it mean to live life to the fullest?

“Living life to the fullest” is like a fancy way of saying “having the time of your life.” It means making the most of every single moment, whether that’s by dancing like no one’s watching, exploring new places, or indulging in your favorite ice cream flavor. It’s about doing what you love and loving what you do, and not being afraid to take risks and make mistakes. It’s also about embracing the ups and downs, because let’s be real, life is a rollercoaster ride and it’s meant to be enjoyed.

Fall foliage in New England makes me feel fully alive
Fall foliage in New England makes me feel fully alive

Who said live your life to the fullest?

The phrase “live your life to the fullest” is a common idiomatic expression and it’s not attributed to a specific person. It’s a common phrase used to encourage people to make the most of their time and to not waste opportunities that come their way. The phrase is often used as a reminder to enjoy life to the fullest and to make the most of the time we have on earth.

Though many influential figures throughout history have used this phrase in their quotes, one of the most famous is by Maya Angelou, which reads: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

What do you call a person who enjoys life?

A person who enjoys life can be called many things, but one clever way to put it is: “A person who savors life with gusto, a bon vivant, a connoisseur of the joys of living, a person who embraces the art of living.” Depending on who you talk to, you can also call these people life enthusiasts, happiness ninjas, or fun-fetti throwers. The choice is yours!

Jumping into an ice cold lake in Grand Teton National Park
Jumping into an ice cold lake in Grand Teton National Park

What is the best quote about life?

It’s difficult to choose just one quote as the “best” quote about life as it varies from person to person. However, one of my favorites is the following: “The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.” – Oprah Winfrey

My final thoughts on living your life to the fullest in 2025

Living fully isn’t about doing it all…it’s about doing what matters. It’s choosing presence over autopilot, passion over fear, and action over hesitation. It’s taking care of your mind and body, nurturing real connections, and staying open to new experiences that stretch you.

You don’t need to wait for the perfect moment. This is the moment. So take the leap, trust your gut, and live like your time here actually matters…because it does!

For more stories and travel transformations, check out my Instagram page – where I share stories often!

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Jon Miksis

About Jon Miksis

Award-winning Travel Writer • Founder of Global Viewpoint • 70+ countries visited • 10 Million+ readers

Since 2017, I’ve traveled 3–6 months a year, sharing detailed guides that have helped over 10 million readers travel smarter, deeper, and better. My work blends firsthand experiences — from U.S. road trips and cold-plunge cabins to Michelin-starred dining and business-class flights — with honest, independent reviews.

I’ve been hired by leading tourism boards in 7 countries across Europe, North America, and South America, as well as international travel brands. My travel tips and insights have been featured in Forbes, HuffPost, Yahoo Travel, and The Boston Globe. I’ve personally reviewed 500+ hotels, retreats, and flight experiences — and I never recommend a place I wouldn’t return to myself.

I also save $5–10K per year on airfare using flight tools and 10+ travel credit cards, and I’ve invested over $100K into personal development through transformational retreats and coaching since 2021.

When I’m not road-tripping across the Northeast or writing guides for Global Viewpoint, you’ll find me cold plunging in local lakes, sipping espresso in quiet cafes in Vienna, or chasing fall foliage across New England. I split my time between exploring the world and soaking up life in Boston, my lifelong home base. Some of my favorite places I keep going back to? Switzerland, Spain, Iceland, Italy, Greece, the Faroe Islands, Guatemala, California, Montana, Vermont, and coastal Maine in autumn.

See my latest adventures on Instagram and TikTok.

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