There are little changes that can go a long way in making our days better, or at least worth getting out of bed for. Happiness is a virtue that is hard to ignore, and the efforts you make to generate positivity can spread this virtue onto those around you. With that being said, I bring you 10 strategies to change your ways that can influence a better life for yourself and everyone you come across.
1. Eliminate toxic people.
You hear it, you read it, but you're probably not doing anything about it. Toxic people permeate their negativity as best they can, and it can make you feel as though you're one in the same. But what classifies a toxic person? Anyone who doesn't contribute to your success or happiness. If you have to convince yourself that a person belongs in your life, they probably don't.
2. Say yes.
Relinquish the temptation to turn down opportunities and experiences that are outside of your comfort zone. Do things you have never done before because you never know where you can find inspiration or a new passion. Whether it be to travel to uncharted waters (or nightclubs, whatever works) or to ride on public transportation (or a roller coaster), just try it.
3. Make your next move your best move.
If you're going to do something, do it right, and do it because you want to not because you have to. This choice can be relevant in business or personal matters, and the result in each will positively benefit the other even if that's not one's intention.
4. Eat.
Eat everything, but not all at once of course. You should try new food and indulge when you can. I have seen my friends attempt to eat strictly vegan or vegetarian, but that's a challenge we're not all able to defeat. So maybe do the opposite, eat a ramen burger (instead of bread, ramen noodle patties take the place as a bun) or 12 and if anyone tries to stop you: eat them, too.
5. Take lots of pictures.
You should ensure that you remember the sparkle in the eyes of those around you when you're embarking on these new adventures. You should look at the picture of that ramen burger we talked about and wish you had another one. You should look at the best times when you're at your worst and remember that it gets better.
6. Put your phone away.
I will preach this until my iPhone 6S Plus LifeSaver3000 runs out of battery. Our phones should be used for communication especially when you need to hear the voice of that one person who could be an ocean away. But when you're with people, enjoy their company, or at least try to. There is a time and place for everything and your FaceTime does not belong at the dinner table.
7. Save, spend, then save a little more.
Money makes the world go round, aside from the sun and all that, of course. But, when you die, you can't take it with you. So maybe don't wait for the boots to go on sale, just go for it. But make sure for every pair of "boots" you buy, you put the same amount of money aside for travel or emergency.
8. Let those you love know how much you love them.
The worst feeling in the world is regret, knowing that you didn't do enough. We hear it all the time, especially in the wake of a loss, "you never know when the last time you talk to someone is going to be," but the equivocation of being at peace knowing that someone knows you love them can spare one a lifetime of regret.
9. Express gratitude.
A simple "thank you," can go a long way. Appreciating the efforts others make especially for our benefit makes it all the more worth it. Recognizing those who are not always seen can bring light to any cloudy day. Gratitude is the attitude!
10. Forgive but don't forget.
Forgive yourself when you make a mistake but don't forget so that you don't do it again. The same goes for your interactions with others; if someone does you wrong but apologizes for it, you should accept the apology but not eliminate the thought of them possibly doing it again.
Can't hurt to try, right?
