Our culture is so achievement-focused that we don’t even feel successful unless we’re constantly pushing ourselves to accomplish something. With all of the #goals we have planned, we hardly have time to get a full night’s sleep, much less reflect on ways to develop and mature.
We often assume that it would require a month-long hiatus in a remote location to accomplish, when really all it takes is a new perspective.
Here are 3 simple ways to create positive change and growth that leads to a better you!
1. Zoom in on the positive
We live in such a “Go-Getter” culture that we have a tendency to zero in on what we don’t have and all of the things we have left to do before we’re fully satisfied with ourselves and our lives. It’s necessary to make a regular habit of slowing down long enough to appreciate ourselves and how far we’ve come.
How would you feel if you were in a relationship with someone and they never did anything to show you that you were appreciated? Would you call that a good relationship? How long would you stay in a relationship like that? Hopefully not long.
Well we all have a relationship with ourselves and it’s not very healthy to constantly overlook our own accomplishments, efforts, and even good qualities. Take about 5-10 minutes at the end of everyday to really think of everything good you did that day and to reflect on how far you’ve come in your journey.
2. Zoom out on the negative
Just as we overlook the positives, we also have a tendency to magnify the negatives. Do you ever find yourself playing Battle of the Bad with your friends? You know, when you all take turns saying something that’s going wrong in your life, trying to one-up each other and win the “Who Has It Worst” award??
It’s become a morbid way of “catching up.” Most of us don’t even realize we’re doing it- it’s a normal part of everyday conversations. But it’s so damaging to the perspective we have for ourselves and our lives. If we would take the magnifying glass off of our problems and shortcomings more often, then we would realize that those things usually aren’t as big of a deal as we think they are.
Don’t be so hard on yourself. Even the “most successful” person still struggles with something. We’re all just learning and growing. Practice patience with yourself.
3. Celebrate yourself!
We have a bad “I’ll be happy when…” habit. I’ll be happy when it’s Friday…. When my vacation gets here…. When my money hits my account…. When I meet my future husband or wife. For a society so dependent on instant gratification, we sure don’t mind putting off our happiness!
We do SO MUCH from day-to-day that our well-being often depends on taking note of these things at the end of the day and simply saying, “Good job, Me!” Everyday should be a celebration because it’s never promised! If we continue to stake our happiness on future events, then we will never get to experience it!
Celebrate small wins every day, even if it’s just as simple as 5 extra minutes in a hot shower, 20 minutes of relaxing music and meditation, or treating yourself to a piece of chocolate. Make a list of small treats you would enjoy to have handy when it’s time to show yourself some love!
Here’s the bottom line: A better you rests in your ability to have a better perspective of yourself and your accomplishments. When we put so much pressure on ourselves, it affects our ability to perform well. Put these simple steps into practice and marvel at the better you that springs forth because of it!
