The year is coming to an end once again. This sent me panicking. Already? Wasn’t it only a few days ago that we celebrated the new year? How am I ageing so quickly?
It all boils down to how much you have improved in the end.
What can you do today that you couldn’t do a year ago?
One aspect of self-improvement is questioning yourself. Here are some questions to help you grow better.
How Does This Serve Me?
Put this question in your head on repeat.
Whenever you find yourself doing doomsday scrolling, getting lost in reels, binge-watching series, or procrastinating, ask yourself how the activity is serving you.
At times, these activities can be good too. When you’re too drained of energy, they help you gain joy. Mostly, though, they are wasting your precious time.
Know the difference.
How Much of the Suffering Do *I* Contribute to Myself?
This line shook me to my senses.
You can get comfortable in your pain and even contribute to it. But dear, living in pain and sadness is not beautiful, as I have explained.
Be aware and focus on having one of the rarest things in your life … happy days.
As said, you've got to be honest with yourself about how much you participate in your suffering.
Do I Need Advice or Comfort?
This will greatly improve your relationships.
When somebody is ranting about an issue, first ask them whether they require advice or merely a pair of listening ears to feel good.
Unasked advice is criticism. If the person wants you to be there and listen, do just that.
However, if you are asked for tips, then don’t hesitate to put your thoughts forward.
Circumstances can differ. Be clear about what the other wants from you.
Am I TRULY Being Productive?
I stress (maybe without reason) when exams are near. I over-study and saturate myself. If I don’t have a book in front of me, I feel I am wasting time.
It took me a while to realise what being productive means.
We often think productivity means to work. It doesn't.
Productivity means to make intentional choices towards a goal.
The choice could be to pause. The goal could be to replenish. Productivity could mean to rest.
So, taking a rest, going for a walk, and talking to friends can be productive!
How Do You Want to Deal With This Negative Thought?
Whenever you feel you are drowning in negativity, take a pause. Introspect.
Consider those negative thought patterns like Instagram ads, as advised.
You can,
Either read the caption, click on the page, go to the website, and look at the products.
Or you can acknowledge them and keep scrolling.
Are You Tired Or Unfulfilled?
Once upon a time, I felt tired too often. Even closing my eyes and resting won’t help.
I wasn’t tired then. That was the problem.
You have to stop confusing exhaustion with unfulfillment. You aren't tired; you're unfulfilled. Permit yourself to pivot. Bring a change.
Conclusion
Our time on earth may be too short, but once is enough if you do it right. The main motive of your life is to cruise through it gaily and be a better version of yourself as time flies.
Never be complacent or develop an ego here and keep healthily questioning yourself!
It Is Good We’re Mortal
What if the earth’s population suddenly turned immortal?
Consider these situations if the population of Earth suddenly becomes immortal:
0 years: You are born, and are one of the last babies given birth to.
7 years: You are a joyous child—certainly the happiest organism in the vicinity. You climb on the roofs and play with glass. Your parents never get worried. Life is good and even better as you know you are invincible.
14 years: You moan at the thought of school. The deadlines of assignments are so less when you have infinite days to live and complete them, but your teacher is as stubborn as infinity.
There are barely a hundred children studying in the entire city, and your options for befriending people are quite limited.
A space phenomenon came by and you were awed at its sight, but Suzy the nerd ruined your mood when she remarked, “Aw, ma’am, what is the point of missing our lecture? We can witness this 657 years after again.”
21 years: Why is the college degree awarded for a course of just 5 years?…
Why You Should Say “I Don’t Know” More Often
Let’s begin with a question:
How many of you have admitted — and how recently — that you don’t know about a particular activity or issue?
The numbers wouldn’t reach as high as they should. We humans are intent on proving to the ones around us (due to our egos) that we are all geniuses. We don’t want to seem as if we are incompetent.
This attitude backfires.
Do you know what? A lot of times you DON’T know.