How to Be a Better Person
Life is full of challenges, and each of us is faced with many of them as we go along. Yet when we are able to face challenges with calmness and composure, we can respond as our best selves. Indeed, every challenge – whether big or small – represents an opportunity to better ourselves. Here are a few words of wisdom on how to better oneself through conscious intention, ease and grace. Surround Yourself with Positivity There’s an old saying that goes “Whether you’re an optimist or a pessimist, you’re right.” Like many old adages, there’s a grain of truth therein. Our thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes shape reality. So when you believe in the worst-case scenario, when you see the glass half-empty rather than half-full, when you think that all is lost and there is no hope – you’re right. If, however, you make a solid commitment to being positive, focusing your thoughts and beliefs on the advantages, and concentrating on being grateful for all that you have, then you may be surprised at how quickly your reality reflects these positive thoughts. Surround yourself not just in your own positivity, but that of others too: minimize the time you spend around negative or draining people. They only serve to bring you down. Instead, seek out uplifting people and be one yourself.
Be Open to Change
If there is one thing in life that is certain, it’s that everything is certain to change. Whether the changes come in personal, professional, financial or other areas, work on accepting the fact that all changes are an opportunity to grow. Change represents an opening for re-evaluation and rediscovery of yourself, your goals, and your path in life. Often, it’s not until something changes that we can see how little it served us previously – so embrace the new, even one tiny step at a time.
Do What’s Right for Yourself and Others – Be a Mensch
There’s a great word that has been borrowed into American English by way of the Yiddish language: a mensch. The world originally came from the German word der Mensch, meaning a person or human being – yet it is often used to mean much more: a person having admirable characteristics, such as fortitude and firmness of purpose; a decent, upright, mature, and responsible person. You’ll sometimes hear people say “Come on – be a mensch and give me a hand!” or “So-and-so is such a great boss – what a mensch!”. If you are seeking to improve your life and yourself, being a mensch is the way to start. What does this mean? For starters, be true to yourself. Listen to the voice in your heart, not the voices of others. Set goals that you truly want to accomplish and do what it takes to reach them. Do what you say you will. Be someone who can be depended on, no matter how small the issue. Always lend a helping hand to those in need. In other words, be a mensch – it will get you far in this life to be a person others respect and trust.
Read, Speak, and Listen with Attention
Rather than spending time watching the same old TV shows and reading the same old Facebook updates your friends post, pick up a book about something you know nearly nothing about. Take the time to read about what’s happening in the world around you and abroad. Check out subjects that are new to you – cultivating awareness and knowledge in many different fields will make you an interesting person to be around.Speak to others with sincere curiosity. Ask questions and listen to their answers. Often, when you open your ears you will learn much more than when you open your mouth. And on that subject, think before you speak. Good listeners gain people’s trust and appreciation – and when you have the honor of someone’s trust, do not take it for granted.
Respect Others by Practicing Acceptance
No two people are the same – nor should they be. Each individual has his or her own path in this world. Accept that we cannot truly know what is happening to that person and identify with the challenges he or she is coping with in life. Whether it is in matters of political beliefs, religious affiliation, ways of working, cultural aspects, or even the most mundane things such as what people choose to eat or how they dress, judging others will get you nowhere. In fact, creating judgments about others or trying to change people will usually only cause you distress. Respect others by accepting who they are, regardless of how different they may be from you.Challenge Yourself in a Variety of Ways Life is to be lived – and danced, and cooked, and flown, and sung. If there is something you’ve been wanting to do, go for it. If you are feeling a bit empty and need to have a sense of doing something that matters, start mentoring a young child in difficulty or volunteering for a cause you care about. If you long to change things up by traveling to a new place, trying a new hobby, or changing careers, do it. Fill your life to the brim with rewarding activities and enjoy the blessings that come of them.
Respect Yourself and Your Health
Stay active mentally, physically, and spiritually. No matter how busy you are, you can vastly improve the quality and length of your life by being healthy. Body and mind are intrinsically connected – so get enough sleep, eat quality foods, take a walk, practice a sport, begin a meditation class. Living a healthy and balanced life will pay off in both the short term and the long run. Continue Your Education, Both Formally and Informally If you haven’t yet finished your college education, make a plan to do so. It will enrich your skill set and open up numerous opportunities that would not be available to you otherwise. In addition, even as you advance in your formal education and your career, make it a priority to find new passions and interests. Whether it is volunteering for a cause you care about, learning a new language, or picking up a new sport, having passion about learning new things will make you a more attractive and interesting being, and you’ll find satisfaction in progressing with your activities. In short, be true to yourself and live a life that is authentically you! If higher education is something you’ve been wanting to pursue for a long time, then seize the day and contact an admissions counselor at Florida National University. We are here to help you reach your goals!
