Self-Improvement Archives

Stop Trying to Control Others—It Harms You Both

Do you have a bad habit of trying to control others? Why is it so important to take responsibility for yourself? If you have a codependent personality, then you probably try to control those around you, whether it’s intentional or not. However, when you spend your life trying to control others, you’re allowing other people’s lives to control you. To counter this bad habit, you need to start focusing on your own needs. Here’s how you can regain control of your life and stop focusing on others.

The 6 Ways to Deal With Negative Thoughts

Do you want to know how to deal with negative thoughts? Do you often stress about circumstances that are out of your control? How can negative thoughts affect your mental health? The quality of your thoughts, both positive and negative, affect your mental health and state. Focusing on negative thoughts can cause overthinking, anxiety, and depression. So, rather than stressing about things that are beyond your control, learn to reframe your thoughts and improve your mental state. Here are some productive ways to process your fearful and negative thoughts.

What Are Counterfactuals—and How Do They Hurt You?

What are counterfactuals? What’s the difference between an upward and a downward counterfactual? Counterfactuals are the hypothetical situations you imagine—such as wondering what life would be like if you had taken that other job. Counterfactuals can go both ways. Upward counterfactuals are when you imagine how things could be better, and downward counterfactuals are when you think of how things could be worse. Learn more about counterfactuals and how they affect mental health.

How to Take Tests: 5 Steps to Success

Do you know how to take tests well? What strategies work the best? A Mind for Numbers author Barbara Oakley recommends the “hard-start-jump-to-easy” test-taking strategy. It has five steps, and it leverages the way your brain works. We’ll discuss this strategy and compare it with a few others. Keep reading to learn how to take tests.

Robin Sharma: How to Give Yourself a Break

Do you take enough breaks in life? Why is it so important to give yourself a break? Robin Sharma, self-help guru and the author of Who Will Cry When You Die?, asserts that you should take intentional breaks in order to feel refreshed and energized. The three types of breaks he suggests are a weekly personal break, a short, imaginary holiday, and a one-day break from your watch. Here’s a rundown of the different types of breaks and why it’s so important to cut yourself some slack and let things go sometimes.

Find Your Values to Escape the Cycle of Dissatisfaction

Do you know what your values are in life? Why does Jay Shetty say it’s so important to find your values and live by them? Can you change your values? In his book Think Like a Monk, former monk, author, and life coach Jay Shetty discusses the importance of setting clear values for yourself. Once you’ve set those values, it’s your job to examine your life and your choices and decide whether your current life and decisions align with your values—if not, it’s time to make some changes. Here’s how to clarify your core values in life.

How to Stop Procrastinating and Start Studying

Do you tend to put off studying until the last minute? Do you cram rather than measure your time? In A Mind for Numbers, author Barbara Oakley addresses the problem of procrastination, particularly in the context of learning math and science. She explains why procrastination (including cramming) is a problem, outlines the four components of habitual procrastination, and shares seven strategies for overcoming procrastination. Keep reading to learn how to stop procrastinating and start studying.

8 Examples of Development Goals to Set for Yourself

Are you looking to better yourself? What are some examples of development goals that you should set for yourself? Setting personal development goals for yourself requires focusing on yourself and acknowledging your needs. For that reason, many people have a difficult time setting personal goals and following through with them. These goals are especially useful for people who struggle with codependency and self-esteem. Here are eight examples of good goals to set for yourself this year.

How to Develop Self-Discipline: 6 Tips From Sharma

Why is self-discipline so important? What steps can you take to become more disciplined in your daily life? Self-discipline may sound harsh, but it’s actually a form of self-care. In his book Who Will Cry When You Die?, Robin Sharma goes over the six methods you can use to build your self-discipline so you can improve on your own terms. Here is how to develop self-discipline, according to Sharma.

How to Change a Habit: 7 Strategies for Success

How do habits develop? How can good habits help you study and learn more effectively? Your habits—good or bad—have a major impact on your life. When you understand how habits work and how they develop, you can use them as a force for good. Author Barbara Oakley shares seven strategies for changing habits that you can put to work for you. Continue reading to learn how to change a habit.