#GraduanTop10 Ways to be a Better Person

“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” ― Ernest Hemingway

We’ve all made mistakes we’re not proud of and with time travel being impossible, there’s nothing we can do to change that. The only way we can correct our wrongs is to know what they are, learn from them, don’t repeat the mistake, and hopefully you’ll become a better version of yourself in time!

Where do you start? With these 10 tips.

#1 Take care of yourself
Both your physical and mental well-being. You may think work-life balance is illusive but with the right time management and focus, you can do great work while enjoying your other passions in life. Stay away from negative people; they will just rub off their negativity onto you. Had a great work week or achieved something you’re proud of? Give yourself a treat! Nothing wrong with a little pat on the back to encourage you to do better in the future.

#2 Own up to your mistakes
At some point, you’re going to have to stop making excuses or blaming everything and everyone but ourselves yourself for your shortcomings. Whether it's completely missing a deadline or getting the brief all wrong, don’t make excuses for your failure. Own up and you’ll find things won’t be as bad as you imagined.

#3 Forgive
Did you know that forgiveness can help reduce anger and of course, mend broken relationships, as stated in this [study] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-forgiving-life/201804/8-reasons-forgive). This kind act also applies to yourself. Seek forgiveness from those whom you have wronged and forgive your former self for the mistakes you’ve made.

#4 Be truthful
Honesty is one of the most desirable traits. So instead of making up stories or lying to get your way out of a situation, why not be honest and own up if you’ve done something wrong?

#5 Think before you speak
There’s a famous saying that implores us to T.H.I.N.K before speaking. Are your words true, helpful, inspiring, necessary and kind? If what you’re about to say doesn’t tick most of the boxes, then keep your words to yourself.

#6 Use more of the magic words
Literally the basis of courtesy. Sorry, please and thank you, next.

#7 Confidence
Confidence is having faith in your ability to succeed and that faith will require consistent hard work. There’s no question that confidence takes time to build and the most important factor involved is hard work. Knowing how much effort you’ve put into yourself will breed confidence.

#8 Be supportive
Whether it’s your family or colleagues, always offer words of encouragement. If your colleague tells you that his dream is to become the Prime Minister of the country, tell him that it’s possible (or provide constructive criticism if you have your doubts). Don’t laugh at other people’s dreams – everyone is allowed to have them, even you!

#9 Donate to the needy
Make it a habit to spare some change to the needy. Or volunteer your time at a charity home. It not only helps you build compassion and kindness but it puts a smile on the face of those in need.

#10 Have more empathy
Would you like it if someone talked to you rudely? Would you like it if your colleague took your stuff without letting you know? If the answer is no, then there’s no reason you should be doing that to others as well. Rethink your common courtesy and do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Photo by Robert Baker on Unsplash