Thirteen Steps to a Better You-Guest Post

Thirteen Steps to a Better You.
(sounds cheesy but I think you’ll like number 3)

According to www.getrichslowly.org and writer J.D. (I unfortunately couldn’t find any more information on him other than his initials) these common sense steps will lead you to a psychologically happier life. He states each step, then proceeds to explain it. Here, however, I give my perception and interpretation of each one.

Here They Are! :

1: Don’t compare yourself to others. Physically, emotionally, financially, socially, or any other way possible. It sets a trap. Someone will always be better than you. It isn’t worth your time, energy, or stress to try to be someone else.

2: Foster close relationships. Don’t take your few close friends for granted. They are all you have after all! People sometimes focus on having tons of friends. Remember- quality not quantity!

3: Have sex. Need we say more??!

4: Get regular exercise. This is a given, it’s also one of the hardest. Most people, however, don’t try hard enough. It’s simple- eat right, exercise, and take care of your body.

5: Obtain adequate sleep. It’s hard, especially for people who work irregular hours and can’t get a good sleep cycle going. At least try. When you don’t get adequate sleep, your mood suffers.

6: Set and pursue goals. Continued self-improvement makes life more fulfilling. Even small goals like sticking to a to-do list or going for a jog. Making a goal and sticking to it makes us feel good because we accomplished something we set up for ourselves to do.

7: Find meaningful work. A job is not just always a job. Granted, finding something you love to do isn’t always easy but if you can find the one that suits you, it brings added meaning to your life.

8: Join a group. It doesn’t even have to be a group that’s organized. Meet with a few friends for a Saturday lunch weekly. Find an acquaintance with the same hobbies as you and get together a few times. It takes your mind to a different place and you experience a different kind of happiness.

9: Don’t dwell on the past. This is another tough one as we can’t always control where our mind wonders to. Don’t beat yourself up over previous mistakes or relationships. Focus on now and the good things you have rather than the things you can’t change. Don’t be mad about something you can’t change.

10: Embrace routine. Research shows that although we believe we want variety and choice, we’re actually happier with limited options. It’s not that we want no choice at all, just that we don’t want to be overwhelmed. Routines help limit choices. They’re comfortable and familiar and, used judiciously, they can make us happy.

11: Practice moderation. Too much of a good thing is a bad thing. It’s okay to indulge yourself on occasion – just don’t let it get out of control. Addictions and compulsions can ruin lives.

12: Be grateful. It’s pretty self-explanatory. Learn to appreciate the things you have.

13: Help others. It doesn’t have to be some big heroic act, just being nice on a daily basis helps others.

The Psychology of Happiness:

Several years ago, James Montier, a “global equity strategist”, took a break from investing in order to publish a brief overview of existing research into the psychology of happiness [PDF]. Montier learned that happiness comprises three components:

• About 50% of individual happiness comes from a genetic set point. That is, we’re each predisposed to a certain level of happiness. Some of us are just naturally more inclined to be cheery than others.
• About 10% of our happiness is due to our circumstances. Our age, race, gender, personal history, and, yes, wealth, only make up about one-tenth of our happiness.
• The remaining 40% of an individual’s happiness seems to be derived from intentional activity, from “discrete actions or practices that people can choose to do”

Thoughts?

To learn more about Kaci, go here.

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Posted by kaci on Thursday, July 23rd, 2009 and is filed under Featured, Tips & Tricks. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

4 Responses to “Thirteen Steps to a Better You-Guest Post”

auntiegwen July 23rd, 2009, 9:47 am

Very simple but true.

Lisa – if you want my rules to dating post just lift it from my blog, feel free to cut sections out if you don’t want them. xxxx
lisaq July 23rd, 2009, 10:12 am

You’re awesome Gwen! I’ll plan on posting it Monday giving credit where credit is due of course!
Hot Alpha Female July 24th, 2009, 9:00 am

I love all of these tips! Really I do.

I have always believed that happiness is in our own hands and that it is a choice!

Thanks for the reminder!

Hot Alpha Female
Your Go To Girl For Dating Advice
Honey July 24th, 2009, 4:18 pm

I ADORE GRS.