The complete list of all life-guiding messages for young people – click the titles for further information
Name specific ways that you can work to grow. Do you have access to professional help? Can you take courses or get training to make your strengths stand out and overcome your weaknesses?
Take each challenge as a signal that you are working toward something worthwhile. Use setbacks as a chance to hone your skills rather than seeing them as a sign that you are no good. Decide to do this ahead of time – don’t waver no matter how you’re feeling.
Negative thinking allows us the “luxury” of not expecting too much from ourselves and others. If we always expect to be let down by others, we spare ourselves the pain of being let down. But, it keeps you from the joy that comes with personal growth.
While you can’t emotionally detach yourself from the experience of life changes, you can try to take a step back and look at things from a distance. Try writing down exactly what has changed and how it has impacted you.
Some changes will be a challenge. If you can move past your resistance and embrace change as a new adventure, you may end up happier and better off as a result.
Look at your life outside the realm of your current circumstances. See yourself 40 years in your future, and 30 years in your past. We all have very real problems and situations to deal with; some are in our control while others are not.
Gaining perspective in your life is an important exercise that you must purposefully develop. By experiencing other peoples’ perspectives, speaking with older relatives and volunteering, you can start to get a more rounded view of the world in which you live.
What types of work do you dread doing? Are there things that you consistently avoid or put off until the last minute? Take note of training and skill deficiencies that you may have.
When you think about your strengths, list areas in which you excel. What types of work do you find most rewarding, and what training do you have? If you are not sure about this, think about the types of things that others often ask you to do.
Is a past hurt or painful memory fuelling your negative thinking? Choose to let go of that memory every time it comes to mind, and to forgive the person associated with it. Know that this takes time, and there will be days when you won’t feel like letting go. But when you do, you’ll begin to experience inner freedom.