Nearly all of us engage in some sort of self-sabotage. Most of the time, we do not even realize it. Self-sabotaging behaviors often come from limiting beliefs and fears. These invariably turn into practices and self-reinforcing habits.
The good news is that we all have the power to change these beliefs, and by doing so, change our lives for the better. Jack Mierop of Jack Up Your Life shares a few of the ways we can improve ourselves, and in doing so, improve our relationships.
- Stop Looking at the News
There is a saying in the news industry: “If it bleeds, it leads.” In other words, the media makes its money by selling fear and despair. Even allowing for the scourge of “fake news,” most of the stories shown to us are intended to inflame passions and stoke fears, all in the name of getting eyeballs on advertisements and selling consumer goods.
Turning away from all of that is the single best thing we can do to change our lives for the better. There are a lot of positive developments in the world today; learn to seek out those stories.
- Consider a Career Change and Update Your Resume
Working jobs we hate, find unfulfilling, or seem meaningless may not be the biggest cause of unhappiness, but it is certainly among the top ten. The good news is that thanks to the “Great Resignation,” it is an excellent time to seek a new position. You can prepare for the search by utilizing a free, online resume builder available on the World Wide Web that allows you to choose from a library of professionally designed resumes and then add your own copy, photos, colors, and images. These websites offer professionally-designed templates to which you can add your own information and customize to your liking.
- “You Are What You Eat”
This expression has been around in one form or another since the time of Hippocrates, and with good reason: it’s true. Medical science not only acknowledges the intimate connection between diet and health but also the connection between a healthy body and a healthy mind.
Avoid substances such as sugar and caffeine, and drink alcohol in moderation. The first two can give us an immediate energy boost but causes a body to crash quickly afterward. Alcohol is a depressant, and excessive amounts wreak havoc with brain cells as well as the liver. Harvard Medical School suggests cutting out red meat and increasing the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet. Or, you can have a professional such as a dietician or personal trainer assist you in coming up with an optimum eating plan.
- Just Say No
In a 2017 interview, British actress Dame Helen Mirren, then 70, explained that she would advise her younger self to say “no” more frequently. It’s good advice for the rest of us as well. Society often expects us to subordinate our own needs and desires to the demands of others.
The fact is, if our own needs and desires go unmet, we are less likely to be of any service to others. Therefore, as Muscle & Strength points out, it is not selfish to put yourself first. On the contrary, it is one of the best things we can do for our friends, families, and colleagues.
Ultimately, it is all about us as individuals, caring for ourselves so we can be of better service to others. Update your resume when changing jobs, eat well, get moving at least 30 minutes a day, and tend to your well-being, and you will be ahead of the pack.
By Emma Grace Brown
Image via Pexels
Life coach and motivational speaker Jack Mierop of Jack Up Your Life engages audiences of all ages, ethnicities and ways of life, with his witty and inspiring knowledge of communication and the power of choice in our lives. Connect with Jack today for more info!
