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"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 us in the best light--like bullying someone in
school or telling what seemed like a little white lie. Chances
are, however, you probably felt a little guilt and grew
because of the situation.
I'm an average guy trying to become better in both my work
and home life. I'll never be perfect, but it doesn't mean I
won't try.
If you want to continue to grow as a person, here are 15
ways 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 you compliment 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, that emotion can be
contagious to those around you. Inspirational speaker Tony
Robbins has a mantra he says aloud to himself most days to
put him in 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 about why you aren't happy or successful in your
personal or professional life, own your mistakes and learn
from them. When you do this, you will become a better
person. When I personally started living up to my mistakes
and downfalls, my life turned itself around. I became
happier and healthier, and my relationship with my wife
improved. We are 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
important, it may affect your health. Research suggests pent
up anger 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 or meditate, or begin to
manage your thoughts.
4. Practice Forgiveness
Joyce Marter, LCPC, suggests you 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 you would 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 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, but supporting a local cause,
donating clothes, or buying from local farmers' markets or
businesses are simple ways 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 community.
9. Always Be Polite
How much effort does it take to say, "Thank you," or to hold
the elevator door open for someone? Not much at all.
However, these acts of kindness can make someone's day. 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 Lifehack why
you should be yourself. These include being able to align
yourself with your values and beliefs, establish your identity,
build courage, create boundaries, and find focus and
direction.
11. Be Open to Change
Whether trying 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 because you experience something new. It helps
you be high functioning and self-confident if you are not
wary of change.
12. Be Respectful
How would you feel if you had just cleaned your home and
someone came in and tracked 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 butts on the floor
of public restrooms or sidewalks just because someone else
will clean it up. Be respectful of others' time, thoughts,
ideas, lifestyles, 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's apartment?
Make sure you don't arrive empty-handed. Even if you've
been assured that there will be plenty of food and drink,
bring along a little something to show you appreciate being
invited.
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
his or her 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 understand points of
view different 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, a night out on the town, or by
offering help when you know 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!

Olawale David Oyinlade (Blogger, Advocate, Young Positive Change Maker, Passionate
about Transparency & peace building in Africa, Writer, Founder of Change & Resolute All Youths CRAY)

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