When I think back to how my life was 5 years ago, I am surprised and proud that I have been able to come as far as I have. Most of us think we know everything when we are younger, but with age and experience, we realize how much we don’t know. If you stop to think about it, you probably couldn’t imagine a decade ago that you’d have the attitudes and beliefs you have today. Maybe you are an entirely different person today. Our personal development generally extends as far as our life experiences and willingness to be self-aware can take us. Life can force us to grow, but we also have to be willing to learn the lessons we encounter along the way. I have found that personal development is such an important and valuable endeavor, so I try to work on it just a bit more each day. The truth is, you will never stop evolving as a person.
1. Do something every day to get out of your comfort zone.
— This may be going up to a stranger in the grocery store and giving them a compliment or reaching out to someone who has your dream job and asks them how they got there. Anything that breaks you out of your shell just a little bit will help you grow, especially if you do it every day.
2. Try new foods.
— Are you stuck in a culinary rut? Try foods from cuisines that you never normally consider and develop a more sophisticated palate. Experiment with some new foods and you will probably be surprised at some of the things you never thought you would like.
3. Read a book you wouldn’t normally pick up.
Maybe you only like to read mysteries or romance novels because they transport you and don’t tax your brain too much. But part of evolving is remaining a lifelong learner. Rather than just choosing books that entertain you, try to find a book that informs, enlightens, or educates you.
4. Try a new hobby.
— Picking up a new hobby is not only fun and fulfilling, but you may meet some like-minded people while you are doing it.
5. Smile even if you don’t want to.
— Smiling can trick your brain into thinking you are happy, even if you are not in the best of moods. What’s more, if you smile while looking in the mirror and see yourself looking happy, it will help you to start feeling happy.
6. Be kind to everyone you encounter.
— This may involve simply holding a door open for someone or picking up something that another person dropped.
7. Remember that it’s never too late to do anything.
— Maybe you have been thinking about going back to school but you feel like you are too old. Or maybe something has been weighing on your conscious for ten years, and you owe someone an apology. It is never too late to do these things.
8. Go on a money diet.
— ake a month to only spend the money on what you absolutely need. This means no impulse buys, no dinners out, no shopping for clothes. Just buy the food and gas you need along with your normal bills.
9. At least write 2 pages every day about your day/Experience.
/strong> — Write in your gratitude journal every day, either at the beginning of the end of the day. Come up with at least five things that you are grateful for no matter how small they may seem. You can think about the things you have, the interactions with other people you have made recently, or some new things that you have learned or experienced.
10. Drink your coffee outside in the morning.
— Observe everything around you and appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Try to be in the present moment and aware of the peace of drinking your morning coffee.
11. Keep in mind that nothing is permanent.
— If something is bad, it will pass. If something is good, it will also pass. Don’t get too wrapped up in your current situation, no matter what it is. It will change eventually.
12. If you are unhappy with your job, do something about it.
— You can’t spend eight hours a day of being miserable. While it may seem easier to stay complacent in the job that you have, it is not worth it if you dread waking up each day.
13. Listen to other people.
— You may be quick to blow off other people’s opinions, especially if they are different from yours. But remember, whatever they are saying probably has a reason behind it, and you may be able to learn something.
14. Stop taking yourself so seriously.
— Loosen up. Laugh. It is important to let yourself go a bit. One way you can do this is to not dwell on negative things. Always look for the positive in things.
15. Learn how to say “no.”
— “No” is a full sentence. Once you learn how to say no to other people, you will be able to free up some of your time and energy for yourself. If someone asks you for a favor, and you do not have the time to do it, you have every right to say no.
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