Whether you're on the path to bettering yourself, or are looking for a way to improve your quality of life, any one of these 10 tips will help you do just that.
1. Replace your impatience with gratitude
Even though you might think that it's rational to get mad at someone for showing up late, it's not productive. The most beneficial thing that you can do is to empathize and replace your impatience with gratitude. Consider why they might be running late. Thank them for coming, even though work ran late, they've been feeling sick, or there was traffic. Not only will you learn how to be more level-headed, but the other person will more than likely appreciate your patience and consideration.
2. Take the high road
It's far too easy to be mean and bitter, especially when we feel like other people deserve it. But just because you think someone deserves the same treatment that they give to other people doesn't mean that it's your job to serve it to them. Leave that to karma. Instead, focus on living your best life. The best form of revenge is happiness and success.
3. Let people in your life know how much you appreciate them
Send a lengthy text that tells them how much they mean to you. Give them a random call or leave a voicemail, letting them know that you were thinking about them and that you miss them. Maybe even set up a scheduled FaceTime so that you can catch up every week and maintain that relationship.
4. Create healthy habits
Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Aim to go to bed early, so that you're better rested for tomorrow. Snack on an apple instead of cookies. Try to go for a run in the morning if you have time. Work on being better to your body. Your overall state of well-being will increase.
5. Be nicer to yourself
Chances are, you wouldn't say half of the things you say to yourself, to other people. Why do we give our friends and family a million chances, yet get so disappointed in ourselves when we make a mistake? Make an effort to be easier on yourself. Set realistic goals for what you can accomplish. Give yourself more leeway. Make self-care a priority and don't forget to "treat yourself" every once in a while.
6. Rekindle your passions
While you're in high school and college, people encourage you to pursue your passions through extracurriculars, while you also aim to get good grades in your classes. But once you finish your schooling, no one ever recommends that you pick up a side hobby. When there's only so much time in the day, people usually choose to focus on work and relationships/friendships. But if you really miss something enough (like baking or painting or improv), you'll find time for it.
7. Maintain a positive attitude
If you're someone that struggles with mental illness, this can be difficult to do. But there are steps that you can take to inch closer towards your goal of being more positive. You can meditate every day, to reflect on your feelings and learn how to better manage all of your thoughts. You can practice mindfulness and try to be more in the moment, so that your mind is preoccupied, and you don't have the chance to have bad thoughts.
8. Step away from your unhealthy habits
I know that's easier said than done. But if you've been meaning to stop eating cookies every night or to use your phone less or to stop drunk texting your ex or to get to bed earlier, then what's stopping you? If you've acknowledged what you want to change, the only next logical step is to change it. Stop complaining and start doing. Stop getting advice from people or ranting about things over and over again, only to make the same poor decisions. Take control of your life.
9. Give everything your full effort
Sometimes it can be easy to forget how lucky we are to have things, whether that be a college education, a full-time job, or meaningful relationships. If you have the privilege of working a job, why half-ass it? Why party all the time at school when you have every opportunity to do well, get a degree, and make yourself proud? The fact of the matter is that you're very fortunate to be where you are now. Show yourself that you deserve everything that you have and that you're grateful for the opportunities that have come your way.
10. Be more selfless
I think that if everyone could be a little less selfish and a little more selfless, the world would be a better place. Too often, we put our own feelings before others. We act in ways that prioritize our own health and standings. And while that's great for self-preservation, you shouldn't be willing to burn bridges or hurt other people to further yourself. It's important to remember where you came from and hold your values near and dear to your heart.
