Living by the teachings of the Dalai Lama is no small feat. As the Dalai Lama himself once said, “In order to carry a positive action, we must develop a positive vision.”

As Jeanette Brown, the creator of Reset Your Life Compass and a Life Transition Coach, I’ve found that integrating his wisdom into my daily life has been transformative.

In this journey, there are seven key lessons from the Dalai Lama that I’ve tried to live by. These lessons have shaped my perspectives and actions in ways that are profound and deeply enriching.

Through this article, I’ll share these nuggets of wisdom with you.  Who knows? You might find a lesson or two that resonates with your own life journey.

1) Embrace change as a path towards enrichment

Change is inevitable in life. The Dalai Lama beautifully encapsulates this by saying, “I believe each human has the potential to change, to transform one’s attitude, no matter how diificult the situation.”

Often, our instinctive reaction to change is resistance. We cling to comfort, familiarity, and stability. But in doing so, we limit our growth and potential.

The Dalai Lama’s teachings have guided me to understand that embracing change is not about surrendering to uncertainty but about navigating our way towards a more fulfilling life.

Change challenges us, pushes us out of our comfort zones, and invites us to adapt and grow. It’s through dealing with change that we gather invaluable life experiences and learn more about ourselves.

In my journey as a Life Transition Coach, I’ve seen how embracing change can lead to powerful transformations. It can guide us towards new paths and perspectives that we never would have discovered otherwise.

This lesson has taught me that change isn’t something to fear but something to welcome with open arms. After all, it’s the only constant in this ever-evolving journey of life.

2) Understand yourself and your core values

As Oscar Wilde beautifully put it, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” It’s a simple quote, but it carries a powerful lesson: Understanding who you are and what you stand for is the key to living a life aligned with your true self.

Understanding oneself is not just about knowing your likes and dislikes, but digging deeper to understand your core values. These are the fundamental beliefs that guide our decisions, actions, and overall way of life.

It’s through understanding our values that we can lead more fulfilling lives, as they provide us with a framework for making decisions that align with our true selves.

To get you started on this journey of self-discovery, I’ve created an exercise called “Defining Your Values Exercise“. This process has helped me and many of my clients in identifying their core values and integrating them into their everyday lives.

By understanding yourself and your core values, you’re not just living. You’re living authentically. And according to the Dalai Lama’s teachings, that’s where true happiness lies.

3) Set meaningful goals for your life

The Dalai Lama teaches us that, “The purpose of our lives is to be happy.” However, happiness isn’t a destination; it’s a journey, and setting meaningful goals is an essential part of this journey.

We often set goals based on external benchmarks – societal expectations, peer pressure, or materialistic desires. But the Dalai Lama’s teachings have shown me that truly meaningful goals come from within.

Setting meaningful goals isn’t about attaining an object or reaching a specific milestone. It’s about striving towards personal growth, authenticity, and fulfillment.

It’s about setting goals that align with your values and aspirations. Goals that challenge you, inspire you, and ultimately lead you towards a happier and more fulfilled life.

This lesson has been a game-changer for me. It has shifted my focus from chasing after externally defined success to pursuing what truly matters to me.

Setting meaningful goals is not easy. It requires introspection, honesty, and courage. But according to the Dalai Lama’s teachings, it’s a journey worth embarking on. After all, what could be more rewarding than living a life true to yourself?

4) Steer your life in the direction you desire

The Dalai Lama has often emphasized the importance of taking responsibility for our lives. One of his quotes that greatly resonates with me is, “Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.”

Life is unpredictable, and things don’t always go as planned. But the Dalai Lama’s teachings have shown me that we have the power to steer our lives in the direction we desire.

It’s not about controlling every aspect of our lives, but about making conscious decisions and taking active steps towards our goals. It’s about recognizing that we are not mere spectators in our lives but the main actors.

This lesson has taught me that no matter what life throws at us, we have the ability to navigate through it. Yes, there will be roadblocks and detours, but with determination and resilience, we can steer our lives towards the path we desire.

It’s a raw and honest truth – life won’t always hand us what we want. But armed with the wisdom of the Dalai Lama, we can learn to take control, adjust our sails, and continue our journey towards our desired destination.

5) Change your habits to live a better life

The Dalai Lama teaches us that, “Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.” This wisdom has greatly influenced how I view and approach my habits.

Our habits shape our lives. They determine our daily routines, influence our decisions, and ultimately steer the direction of our lives.

Changing our habits isn’t easy. It requires commitment, consistency, and patience. But the Dalai Lama’s teachings remind us that it’s not only possible but also vital for living a better life.

Whether it’s cultivating healthier eating habits, dedicating time for self-care, or simply waking up earlier, changing our habits can lead to significant improvements in our quality of life.

This lesson has been instrumental in my journey towards self-improvement. It has taught me that I have the power to change my habits and, by extension, change my life.

The road towards habit change can be challenging. But as the Dalai Lama teaches us, it’s a journey worth embarking on for a happier and more fulfilling life.

6) Find meaning and purpose in life

One of my favorite quotes from the Dalai Lama is, “Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” This wisdom has been a guiding principle in my pursuit of a meaningful and purposeful life.

As the famous psychologist Carl Jung once said, “The least of things with a meaning is worth more in life than the greatest of things without it.” I couldn’t agree more.

Finding meaning and purpose in life isn’t about chasing after success or accumulating wealth. It’s about making a positive impact, no matter how small it may seem. It’s about living a life that aligns with your values and contributes to the well-being of others.

This lesson has not only enriched my life but also given it a sense of direction and fulfillment. It has reminded me that in the grand scheme of things, it’s not about what we have, but what we give.

To help you on your journey towards finding your purpose, I’ve created a video titled “Tips for finding your purpose in life“. In it, I share some practical tips and strategies that have helped me and many others find their purpose and lead a more fulfilling life.

Finding meaning and purpose in life can be a challenging journey. But as the Dalai Lama teaches us, it’s a journey worth embarking on for a richer and more fulfilling life.

7) Dare to live authentically

The Dalai Lama once said, “To be aware of a single shortcoming in oneself is more useful than to be aware of a thousand in someone else.” This wisdom has profoundly impacted my understanding of authenticity.

Living authentically might seem counterintuitive in a world that often encourages us to conform to societal expectations. But the Dalai Lama’s teachings have shown me that authenticity isn’t about fitting in; it’s about standing out.

It’s about embracing our individuality, acknowledging our shortcomings, and celebrating our strengths. It’s about living a life that reflects who we truly are, rather than who others expect us to be.

This lesson has been a game-changer for me. It has taught me that authenticity isn’t a weakness but a strength. It’s not about being perfect but about being real.

Living authentically is not always easy. It requires courage, honesty, and self-acceptance. But as the Dalai Lama teaches us, it’s the key to living a fulfilling and meaningful life. After all, there’s no greater freedom than being true to oneself.

As we navigate through the journey of life, the teachings of the Dalai Lama can serve as a guiding light. They remind us to embrace change, understand ourselves, set meaningful goals, steer our lives in our desired direction, journal our thoughts, change our habits, find purpose, and live authentically.

While it may seem daunting to integrate all these lessons into our lives, remember that it’s not about perfection but progression. Each step we take towards these principles brings us closer to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

If you need assistance or guidance on this journey, my course “Reset Your Life Compass” can be a valuable resource. It’s designed to help you navigate through life’s transitions and steer you towards a path that aligns with your true self.

As the Dalai Lama teaches us, the key to happiness lies within us. It’s about making conscious choices that align with our values and contribute to the well-being of others. So let’s embark on this journey together and strive to live by these invaluable lessons.