Every single day we have the ability to make our lives better. I know it doesn’t seem that simple when we are in the midst of a tough day, but it is the truth. We have this amazing ability to look past the easy changes we can make for ourselves in light of the big changes we think we need to make. Nothing worth doing is done in huge, bounding leaps. They require baby steps. Here are 3 of those baby steps that can make your life better for yourself and the people around you.
Ditch the Telescope, Focus on the Mirror
It is so easy to fall in the trappings of worrying so much about what other people are doing, and not look at yourself and the things you are doing. People are constantly comparing themselves to others. We constantly look at other people simply to point out their faults. Instead of looking out at everyone else, look inside yourself for the changes that you can make to be better. Quit comparing yourself to others to make yourself feel better, and instead, focus on yourself and what makes you happy. I promise you that the more you like what you see in the mirror, the happier you will be in the end.
Quit Telling People What You Think They Want to Hear
One of the biggest failures we commit to each other is telling people what we think they want to hear, instead of what they need to hear. We do it because we are afraid of how people will react to the truth. You are not responsible for how someone reacts to the truth. You are, however, responsible for telling people the truth when they need to hear it the most. You can still be supportive, kind, and compassionate while being brutally honest.
Read: Emotional Balance: Why it is So Important in Our Lives
Under-Promise, Over-Deliver
This is something that I struggle with every single day. It’s not that I just placate people by saying I can get something done, I genuinely want to do everything for everyone. But at the end of the day, there is only so much I can do. By setting realistic expectations, you not only make people happier in the end by doing what you say you will, but you avoid disappointing people when you take on more than you can handle. Quite simply: don’t be afraid to set realistic expectations.
