We all face different challenges as we move along our lives. Some of them are personal, others professional. Some we have full control of, while others overwhelm us and leave us feeling defeated and hopeless. But one thing we all have in common is how these experiences change us, whether for the better or the worse.
One person might learn one thing while a different individual will take from it something else. But both will change because of it.
What you do with your life is your decision. Yet, if you want to grow as an individual, there are certain steps you can take. They include making an effort to be nice to others, taking calculated risks, and learning as much as you can.
Make an Effort to Be Nice
The late Mother Teresa of Calcutta, now proclaimed a Saint by the Catholic Church, once said, “The greatest good is what we do for one another.” In the United States alone, over eight and a half million people file a disability application every year. These are human beings like you and me who are physically restricted from employment because of incapacity in their bodies or minds.
If you know somebody in this situation, you are aware of the many difficulties they face daily. If you do not, you can only imagine. No matter the case, these individuals need your help.
Of course, it is not your responsibility to take care of them. Besides, you might not have the time or resources to do it. Still, you can choose to engage in actions that make the lives of those around you better.
Not being able to volunteer on weekends is not an excuse for not treating people with kindness or smiling at the cashier on your way out of the supermarket. These simple actions will not only brighten the day of another but also yours. After all, there are few things in life greater than the healing power of doing good.
Taking Calculated Risks
Jumping from an airplane without a parachute is not a risk. Neither is swimming with a bunch of hungry great white sharks. The word risk entails probability, not a certainty. In both actions mentioned above, the chances of you dying are 100 percent. Thus, there is no risk as you already know what the outcome will be.
A calculated risk is more like a challenge, something that you wish to accomplish that requires a lot of effort. An example is telling that special someone that you like her. In this case, there are two possibilities. First, she will say the same words in return. Second, she will either slap your face or decline your advances.
Still, if you really want her, you can fight for her. You can send her flowers and treat her with kindness and respect. You can listen to her and comfort her when she needs to be comforted. Slowly she will start appreciating you and liking you back. And even if she does not, you will have made a great friend.
Taking a risk is having the courage to dream big and doing the best you can to make this dream come to fruition.
The Beauty of Education
As long as there is something to do or something to learn about, there is purpose in your life. If all you want to do is sleep or watch TV, then you might as well be dead.
Many people say they become adults only when they have children. This overwhelming responsibility presents enormous challenges that make you a better, more mature person. They also teach you the value of selflessness.
Learning is not just about taking lessons in things you don’t know. Sure, these will help. At a time when the covid-19 global pandemic has wreaked havoc in the world, knowing a few IT skills will keep you financially afloat while you stay isolated at home.
But it is also about evaluating your experiences in life and taking from them what is useful. If you had a bad meeting with your boss or colleagues, you could analyze and identify what went wrong so that it doesn’t happen again. If you injured your leg while going for a run, you could decide to warm up before you go at it again.
There are two types of skills in life, those that will make you smart and those that will give you wisdom. If you want to be happy and successful, be sure to try out both.
As we have seen, there are different actions we can take to grow and have better lives. So get on with yours, and make it the best life possible for yourself and those around you.
