“New year, new me.” Wanting to create a better version of yourself is one thing, but doing it is another. It may not be that easy, but you can always try to be a better person— not just for your loved ones but for yourself. So, what are some ways to be a better person? Here’s a helpful list for you:
1. Learn from your experiences in 2020 and move forward.
You might think 2020 was not your year, but you actually deserve a pat on the back for making it this far. You were awesome. Thank 2020 for all the memories and the experiences—good or bad. Take all the lessons with you and keep moving forward. Be grateful to the people who stayed and even the ones who caused you pain because they just made you stronger. Now that 2021 is here, you have another year to show how awesome and strong you are.
ALSO READ: 8 Tips to Let Go of the Past and Move Forward to a Better Life
2. Focus on your goals.
Don’t make other people’s success a reason to consider yourself a failure. You are doing great. You just have to be more patient. Focus on your goals. Remember your short- and long-term goals. Create your own action plan. What strategies worked well last year and what didn’t?Take note of them and don’t lose sight of your goals. You will achieve them at the right time.
3. Try not to compare yourself with other people.
Others might say “Don’t try; just do it.” However, if you’re too used to comparing yourself to other people, you can’t just stop doing it in an instant. Don’t worry. You can get rid of that habit one step at a time. Once you start asking why other people seem way out of your league, try to look at the positive side of things. Remind yourself of your own accomplishments, small or big. Remember that you have no one to beat but yourself.
4. Embrace new challenges.
You will never know what you’re capable of if you won’t try new things, so don’t be afraid to take risks. Quit your job if you already have enough resources to do so. If you got an opportunity to study abroad, embrace a new life away from home. Learn a new language. Gain a new skill. Get out of your comfort zone because only then will you grow.
5. Make it a habit to say “Thank you” or “Sorry.”
If you’re not the type of person who says “Thank you” or “Sorry” when you have to, maybe it’s now the time to be more appreciative and expressive. Thank the people who always make time for you. Thank your parents for showing you what unconditional love is. If you’ve done them wrong, be mature enough to apologize. Never let pride ruin what you have with the most important people in your life.
6. Be considerate to others.
Keep in mind that everyone has his or her own struggles in life. Your friend might be having some quarter-life crisis right now. Your teacher might be having some problems at home. The cashier in the store near your neighborhood might look distracted because he/she has some family issues. You never know what burden everyone is carrying, so at least try to be more considerate. Put yourself in other’s shoe before making a judgment or getting mad at someone.
7. Lend a helping hand.
You need not be as rich as the Kardashians to be able to help other people. Just do it in your own little ways. Be there when your friend needs someone to talk to. Offer your neighbor a ride. Help your sibling solve his or her Math problem. Help an old person cross the street. Don’t hesitate to offer help because someone might just need it.
ALSO READ: How to be Kind and Warm to Others
8. Smile more often.
Can a simple smile help make you a better person? Of course, yes. Your smile can cheer up a friend who just had a bad day. Your smile can let people realize that no matter how hard things can get, they shouldn’t lose hope. Your smile can make people feel loved. Your smile can be contagious, and your smile can absolutely make a difference.
9. Be grateful.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting more because who would love to settle for something less? However, this doesn’t mean that you will stop being grateful. Remember that you have so much to be grateful for— your job, your family and friends, and your life. Be grateful because you are blessed.
10. Travel.
You might wonder why this is on the list, but traveling can mean everything. If you travel to new places, you get to see the world from a different perspective. You can discover new things, learn other people’s culture, appreciate the beauty of nature, appreciate what you have, and discover something new about yourself. So, start saving now to turn your travel goals into reality.
11. Spend more time with your loved ones.
It may be easier to communicate with your loved ones nowadays because of the presence of different social networks. However, it’s still important to spend some quality time with your family. Never miss your family dinner. Put down your phone and talk. No matter how busy you are, always find time for the precious people in your life.
ALSO READ: 9 Reasons Why Family is the Best Thing in Your Life
12. Stay honest.
You owe it to yourself and to everyone, so be honest with your words. Be honest with your feelings. Make honesty one of your core values because it’s the right thing to do. White lies may be necessary every once in a while, but know that you are helping yourself and everyone by just being honest.
13. Be a role model.
You need not be perfect to become a good role model for your family, friends, and colleagues. You just have to constantly seek self-improvement. Respect the people around you. Try not to be late at work. Have the integrity to do the right thing even when no one’s watching. Don’t wait for other people to point out what you did wrong before owning up to it. Be more responsible. Others might just take you as their inspiration to become better.
Becoming a better person doesn’t happen overnight. Rather, it’s a lifelong process. However, it’s always good to have that willingness and courage to become better every day, and I know you can do it. So, here’s to a better you this 2021!
ALSO READ: 10 Smart Ways to Make Better Decisions in Life
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