Short messages on Positive change from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
If you hit a big setback, it will hurt. This is normal. Take a moment to lick your wounds, commiserate with friends, then keep on marching.
However good or bad a situation is now, it will change. Sometimes, this includes how you feel about the situation.
What’s the worst that could happen if you do what you feel doubtful about? Is that something you can deal with? Then do it! Most of our worries are a waste of time.
Hold the door for someone or thank them for something most people wouldn’t notice. Extend a small courtesy and watch the effect.
A small gesture from you could be a big gesture to someone else. Reach out.
Commit yourself to making lots of mistakes. Mistakes teach you important lessons. If you go ahead with your decision, either you succeed or you learn something.
Do you believe that if you don’t get it done exactly right the first time, you will fail and all efforts will be lost? Less than perfect is a perfect start – then build on it.
Choose a different way. Be a noticer and a doer. Someone needs for you to remind them they are great. Go and make a difference!
If you’re trying to get through to someone, take time to understand how they like to be spoken to so that you can talk with them effectively, in their language.
If you feel like you’re not being heard, try saying it in a different way. If your current approach isn’t effective, try something else.