I can recall when I was studying for my under –graduate degree some years back, I didn’t like reading or anything that has to do with education. I find it hard coping with my assignments and other school stuffs
Now when I look back to my days in the university and who I am now, it reaffirmed to me that anyone out there can really make a different if he/she chooses to.
I remember one of my lecturers then, an associate professor called me to his office, we were together for over 1 hour discussing about my academic performance and attitude in class and the effect it will have on me if I choose not to change.
When I got back to my room that same evening, something came into my mind, and that is Don't get discouraged; it is often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock.
Immediately, I decided to work on becoming a better person. I didn’t like who I was becoming and I wanted to change that. After all, it’s quite miserable and frustrating graduating from university with a pass.
Days after, the word of the professor keep coming to my mind and that is ‘if I choose to change” then that means, I can be a better person but the option is mind to decide on. I started buying motivation books; spend more time on reading and doing my assignments, attending my lectures regularly.
Today, it a different story, I make it a point of duty to at least read something new on each day, I am a regular writer, I lectures and also trains the trainers. You too can be better than this, but the question is “Are you ready for a change” Now is the time.
“Freedom is the will to be responsible to ourselves” Friedrich Nietzsche
Below are some steps to becoming a better person.
Learn to take responsibility
Before anything else, you should realize that the one who is responsible for your life is you. Don’t blame other people or external condition for how you live your life. No matter how bad the situation might be, it’s you who decide how to respond to it. No matter what happens to you, it’s you who decide how it affects you.
“A sign of wisdom and maturity is when you come to terms with the realization that your decisions cause your rewards and consequences. You are responsible for your life, and your ultimate success depends on the choices you make.” Denis Waitley
Seek growth. Spend some of your time, resources, and talents to create systemic change that benefits all. Choose the issues that most concern and compel you, get involved, and relish the joy that such generosity brings to yourself and others, if I can make my career then you can.
Work on your negative traits. Are there any traits you dislike about yourself? Some traits which I didn’t like about myself in the past include being lazy, not willing to learn, playful etc. Identify them, and then work on them one at a time. It can be challenging to try to overhaul your character at one go. On the other hand, if you work on addressing one negative trait at a time, it’s a lot more manageable and achievable
Have a mentor. Having a mentor is a positive start for a change, it gives us a concrete image of who we want to become. I see mentor like a small god in one’s life. People like warren Buffett (for his zeal and passion to create and manage wealth. Jean Piaget's (work had a profound influence on psychology). William James. (Psychologist and philosopher is often referred to as the father of American psychology).Who is/are your role model(s), and what do you like about them?
Be a mentor yourself. The best way to be a better person is to be a mentor to others. How can you be an inspirational guide to others? Live by example. In being a mentor, remember it’s not about making yourself into someone you’re not It’s about living true to your ideal self
“Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody expects of you. Never excuse yourself.” Henry Ward Beecher
Appreciates what you do. Do what you love- If we can finally admit that we are in need of something to fill the void in our life that eats at us every moment. Do not think that loving a partner; even a distant friend will make you become suddenly happy. Satisfaction is only obtained through the knowledge of realization that only a true passion that will return to you its rewards, and then will satisfy your void and human thirst for fulfillment. Love something, that will give back and that you will not have expectations for! Be in control.
“Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.” Epictetus
Willingness to learn. Ask your friends and colleagues about what they are involved in that they may never have told you about before. If an issue sparks your interest, join them in their efforts.
Step out of your comfort zone. Are you sticking to the same routines and hiding behind a safety net? Step out and do something you’ve never done before. It’ll broaden your mind and make you a better person, take a new challenge in life. For life is full of change.
Be Yourself. Be bold in whatever you have decided to do. Life is an adventure, don’t live in fear. With boldness you can achieve your dreams. Be bold will position you to the life you ever wanted for yourself
“Disciplining yourself to do what you know is right and important, although difficult, is the high road to pride, self-esteem and personal satisfaction.” Brian Tracy
Having a committed sprit. To your goals and dreams. If you’ve set a goal, go all out and achieve it. If you’ve laid down a plan, stick to it all through the way. Don’t waver, for that’s not in you to do so.
“Happiness is being the creator of your experience, choosing to take pleasure in what you have, right now, regardless of the circumstances, while being the best you that you can be.” Alex Shalman
Be Compassionate & Kind. Always look out for opportunities where you can help others. Don’t get caught up in your own space – instead, look outwards and see if there’s anything you can do for others. Even the simplest things, like helping someone carry his/her belongings, is very much appreciated by others.
Spend time with your love ones and family. It is truly a learning experience to all of us. Spending quality time away from the T.V. can help you delve into the minds and hearts of your loved ones, allowing you to help them with any problems they may be experiencing and getting to genuinely know them.
Stay active. Being healthy and fit allows you to perform more tasks with ease and precision. Spend few minutes on activity a day can help you lead a healthier, longer, more fruitful life. Eat good and healthy food. If you haven’t been doing that, start now and you'd be amazed at how much body and mind are connected.
Be Caring. Showing some love and concern to your friends, There’s no need to wait for a cry for help before showing your care and concern. You can do it right away, right now, to those around you. Even if there’s nothing wrong, it’ll warm the hearts of others to know that you cared. Make it a point of duty to always call friends; Do you have list of friends and relatives you’ve not contacted for a while? Why can’t you start calling them today and check on how they’re doing. They may not show it, but they’ll be happy that you called – because it showed you cared.
Be Attentive to others. When someone is talking, give him/her your full attention. Don’t busy yourself with something else that does not relate to the discussion at that point.
Have quality input. Your input determines your output. That’s why you need to feed your mind with positive and uplifting thoughts every day. Listen to motivational audio and video programs. Read inspiring books. Read quotes by great people.
Lastly
Focus your mind on something positive- High motives and noble thoughts can be transferred into actions where we become aware of healing and helping all people because we are all brothers and sisters and deserve love no matter what the past or present or future.
