Actively choose your narrative and perspective on any situation, understanding that every situation is neutral and its impact is determined by your mindset. This practice can liberate you from mental prisons and reduce the need for unhealthy coping behaviors.
Recognize that you are not your negative thoughts. Identify your ‘Becky brain’ (anxious narratives), acknowledge them, and then consciously reframe them with a more positive or balanced perspective, which can train your brain to be happier.
View failure as a teacher, understanding that it can provide meaningful lessons. Embrace failure and vulnerability as inherent human traits to feel less alone and challenge societal pressures for perfection.
Shift your definition of ‘high performance’ from solely external achievements (like winning or glory) to consistently doing the best you can where you are with what you’ve got, showing up, and learning from failures.
Prioritize living an authentic life by going with your gut and doing what feels good, without worrying about others’ judgments or assumptions about you.
Engage in long-form, honest conversations in your daily life by paying full attention and truly listening. This fosters connection, prevents resentments, reduces physical tension, combats loneliness, and helps you understand yourself and others better, leading to kindness and less judgment.
Actively seek to understand others’ perspectives, practice empathy, and suspend judgment. Remember that if you lived someone else’s life, you might act in exactly the same way, fostering kindness and better relationships.
Cultivate humility by admitting what you don’t know and embracing a ’novice mindset.’ Be curious and open-minded, as this is essential for continuous learning and growth.
Recognize that happiness is not a constant state or a final destination. There is value and richness to be found in all emotions, including sadness, anger, and anxiety, if you are willing to explore them as opportunities for learning and growth.
Pursue work that feels intentional and purpose-driven, even if it means moving away from traditional or seemingly ‘bigger’ opportunities, to gain a sense of freedom and fulfillment.
After consuming valuable content, actively select one insight to apply to your life and one to teach to someone else, as teaching reinforces your own learning and retention.
Actively seek out opportunities to meet diverse people and hear their stories, as this can provide new perspectives, pull you out of self-absorption, and allow you to show up authentically.
Regularly express specific gratitude and acknowledge the positive contributions of others, especially those you collaborate with, to foster positive relationships.
Be aware of the emotional toll certain topics or projects can take, and know when to step away or adjust your involvement if it becomes too draining.
Identify and implement simple daily actions that can make an immediate difference to your physical and mental health.