"Make the most of yourself....for that is all there is of you." Ralph Waldo Emerson
We've all made mistakes throughout our lives that haven't exactly put ourselves in the best light--like bullying someone in school or telling what seemed like a little white lie. Chances are, however, that you probably had a little bit of guilt and learned how to grow from that situation.
I'm an average guy that's trying to become better in both my work and my home life. I'll never be perfect but it doesn't mean I won't try.
If you're looking to continue to grow as a person, then here are 15 ways that can use to make the most of yourself.
1. Compliment Yourself
Every morning before you go on with your daily routine, take a couple of minutes to give yourself a compliment. Whether it's complimenting your outfit, haircut or how you recently completed a task using your unique skill sets , giving yourself a little emotional boost will make you happy. And, when you're happy with yourself, thatemotion can be contagious to those around you. Inspirational speaker, Tony Robbins, has a mantra that he says aloud to himself most days to put himself in to a peak performance state.
2. Don't Make Excuses
Blaming your spouse, boss, or clients is fruitless and won't get you very far. Instead of pointing fingers and making excuses on why you aren't happy or successful in your personal or professional life, own up to your mistakes and learn from them. When you do this, you will grow as better person. When I personally started living up to my mistakes and downfalls is when my life turned itself around. I was happier, healthier and my relationship with my wife improved. We are now happier than ever.
3. Let Go of Anger
Letting go of anger is easier said than done. While anger is a perfectly normal emotion, you can't let it fester. When this happens you may make unwise decisions, and more importantly, this may be affecting your health. There has been researchthat suggests keeping anger pent up can cause digestive problems, difficulty sleeping and even heart disease.
To help you let go of anger Roya R. Rad, MA, PsyD suggests you write your feelings down, pray/meditate or begin to manage your thoughts.
4. Practice Forgiveness
As Joyce Marter LCPC suggests that you also forgive and let go of resentment. She notes, "If for no other reason than for yourself, forgive to untether yourself from the negative experiences of the past. Take time to meditate, and give thanks for the wisdom and knowledge gained from your suffering. Practice the mantra, "I forgive you and I release you."
5. Be Honest and Direct
How would you feel if a loved one or business partner lied to you? Chances are that you see that as a violation of your trust. If you want to be a better person in either your personal or professional life, you should always tell the truth and state as clearly as possible what you are trying to convey. Learn to articulate your thoughts, feelings, and ideas in an open and honest manner.
6. Be Helpful
Whether it's giving up your seat to an elderly person on the subway, assisting a co-worker on a project or carrying in the groceries when your spouse comes back from the store, being helpful is one of the easiest and most effective ways to practice becoming a better person. I find that the more I help others, the better I feel about myself and everyone around me.
7. Listen to Others
As Jeet Banerjee notes on LifeHack, "listening to people and giving everyone a voice is one of the greatest things you can do." He adds that he "got to meet some of the most amazing people, close some of the biggest deals, and develop connections that will last me a lifetime all because I took time to listen to people. Being a good listener can change your life in a positive manner."
8. Act Locally
It may not seem like a big deal, supporting a local cause, donating clothes or buying from local farm markets or businesses, but these are simple ways that you can help your specific region. You may not be able to save the world, but you very well could make a difference in your neck of the woods. Get to know and care about your local people.
9. Always Be Polite
How much effort does it take to say, "Thank you," or hold the elevator door open for someone? Not much at all. However, these acts of kindness can make someone's day even if it doesn't take much for you to do this on your end. I decided a few years ago that it doesn't matter if someone is ultra rude, condescending, or worse. The way someone else behaves is not going to determine my behavior.
10. Be Yourself
Tiffany Mason has five excellent reasons on why you should be yourself on, 'LifeHack.' These reasons include being able to align yourself with your own values/beliefs, etc. and establish your own identity, build courage, establish boundaries and find focus and direction.
11. Be Open to Change
Whether it's trying out a new restaurant, traveling to an unknown part of the world, or doing something that has always scared you, you should always be open to change. This allows you to grow as a person because you'll be experiencing something new. It helps you to be high functioning and self-confident if you are not wary of change.
12. Be Respectful
How would you feel if you just cleaned your home and someone comes in and tracks mud everywhere? You'd probably be a little ticked that they hadn't taken off their shoes. Take this mentality and apply it to everyday life. For example, don't toss your trash or cigarette butt onto the floor of public restroom or sidewalk just because someone else will clean it up. Be respectful of others time, thoughts, ideas, lifestyle, feelings, work, and everything else. You don't have to agree with any of it, but people have a right to their opinions and yours is not necessarily correct.
13. Don't Show Up Empty-handed
Going to a party this weekend at your friend apartment? Make sure that you don't arrive empty handed. Even if you've been assured that there will be plenty of food and drinks, bringing along a little something shows that you're appreciative for the invite.
14. Educate Yourself
If you don't understand why one country is invading another, take the time to educate yourself on the current event. Ask a person intimately connected with the event for their thoughts. Remember, we're all interconnected and being aware of different cultures, different people, and what their lives are like, can make you a more well-rounded individual. This will also help you to understand different point of views that differ from your own.
15. Surprise People
How good does it feel to make someone smile? It feels pretty good, right? Surprise your loved ones or co-workers now and then, with a gift, night out on the town, or offering to help them when you know that they could use it.
Becoming a better person doesn't happen overnight but it is possible. Believe in yourself and know that it is possible!
What other tips have you found useful at becoming a better person?
