1. Take walks (or bike rides) every day. Empty your pockets - especially your phone. Don't walk the same streets. You're not alone - you're with yourself. You're not lost - you're exploring.
2. Drink a glass of water when you wake up. Then ask yourself, If I only can get one thing done today, what should it be? Then do it. Don't check your email or Facebook until it's done.
3. Carry cash and tip someone who goes out of their way to help you. If it's awkward, just say, I'm trying to be more generous and thankful.
4. Don't text 'happy birthday'. Call them.
5. Write letters to friends and family spontaneously once a week. People love getting mail and an unexpected pick-me-up. You'll feel less repressed and distanced.
6. If you borrow a book or something else, return it a few days early and no more damaged or unclean than before.
7. Get a pet and take care of a few plants.
8. Take an interest in politics, but avoid debates and most discussions. It's hard to have honest ones.
9. Stand up for what you think is right. Speak it, but don't raise your voice. It's unbecoming.
10. Keep a journal or commonplace book. It centers you.
11. Desserts are not routine. They're rewards.
12. Sarcasm is cowardice. There are too many smirks out there as is.
13. Having more money is good. Honor your hard work by saving for the future.
14. Sleep eight hours every night. If you need coffee something is off.
15. Talk to at least one stranger a day. If you find that difficult, that's why you should do it.
16. What pimple? What wrinkled shirt? What 5 pounds? You are your own fiercest critic.
17. Go to libraries. Quiet space on-demand is priceless.
18. Never judge a book by its movie.
19. Never finish a book or tv show or movie that you don't like. Be jealous of your time. There's a better way to spend it.
20. Stop comparing yourself to everyone else. So what if they're younger or more successful? They're doing something completely different than you. Stay the course.
21. Smile first. They'll follow.
22. Don't dress for the job you have. Dress for the job you want.
23. We're not in high school. It's one meal and we're friends. Pick up the bill and don't worry about it.
24. Roll down your window instead of using A/C. You need fresh air.
25. Stop playing out detailed failure scenarios in your head. You become what you think about.
26. If you said you'd be there at 8, be there at 8. Being late is breaking a promise to yourself too.
*And a 27th for good measure:
27. Get an Inevitability / Accountability Partner.
2. Drink a glass of water when you wake up. Then ask yourself, If I only can get one thing done today, what should it be? Then do it. Don't check your email or Facebook until it's done.
3. Carry cash and tip someone who goes out of their way to help you. If it's awkward, just say, I'm trying to be more generous and thankful.
4. Don't text 'happy birthday'. Call them.
5. Write letters to friends and family spontaneously once a week. People love getting mail and an unexpected pick-me-up. You'll feel less repressed and distanced.
6. If you borrow a book or something else, return it a few days early and no more damaged or unclean than before.
7. Get a pet and take care of a few plants.
8. Take an interest in politics, but avoid debates and most discussions. It's hard to have honest ones.
9. Stand up for what you think is right. Speak it, but don't raise your voice. It's unbecoming.
10. Keep a journal or commonplace book. It centers you.
11. Desserts are not routine. They're rewards.
12. Sarcasm is cowardice. There are too many smirks out there as is.
13. Having more money is good. Honor your hard work by saving for the future.
14. Sleep eight hours every night. If you need coffee something is off.
15. Talk to at least one stranger a day. If you find that difficult, that's why you should do it.
16. What pimple? What wrinkled shirt? What 5 pounds? You are your own fiercest critic.
17. Go to libraries. Quiet space on-demand is priceless.
18. Never judge a book by its movie.
19. Never finish a book or tv show or movie that you don't like. Be jealous of your time. There's a better way to spend it.
20. Stop comparing yourself to everyone else. So what if they're younger or more successful? They're doing something completely different than you. Stay the course.
21. Smile first. They'll follow.
22. Don't dress for the job you have. Dress for the job you want.
23. We're not in high school. It's one meal and we're friends. Pick up the bill and don't worry about it.
24. Roll down your window instead of using A/C. You need fresh air.
25. Stop playing out detailed failure scenarios in your head. You become what you think about.
26. If you said you'd be there at 8, be there at 8. Being late is breaking a promise to yourself too.
*And a 27th for good measure:
27. Get an Inevitability / Accountability Partner.
