While statistics often reveal weight loss is perhaps the most common New Year’s resolution, it isn’t often successful. So here is one resolution you can make now or at any time of the year – make this world a better place.
That may sound complicated, but in fact, it’s very simple. From this day forward, do something for your fellowman. It doesn’t have to cost large sums of money, require hours of volunteering, or any profound effort. All that is necessary is to make a conscious effort to do something good because attitude is the first step.
Realize that the majority of people do the right things. If they didn’t, this world would be pretty intolerable. People who commit heinous crimes will always get publicity. Why? Because the majority of us are shocked that someone would do such a thing proving that the majority of us are still on the straight and narrow path.
Secondly, be aware of what influences you. Reality shows that depict people at their worst behavior, or competitions where judges make cruel comments at the expense of the contestant, may cause generalization and create prejudices.
Music that promotes violence or ethnic jokes that degrade a cultural or societal segment of your community, may set up comparisons. Thinking you are better because of your socioeconomic status or skin color may discourage you to help someone in need.
So if you seriously want to make this world a better place, here are few easy attitude changes. No one is perfect, but if you are successful in at least one or two of these suggestions, you will make a difference. You will also see many opportunities to do good things that you can and want to do.
- Judge less (this requires constant work because the biggest impairment to judgment is your own perspective and assuming that others think like you do)
- Keep your word (follow-through is a direct association in how much you care and how you value others)
- Refuse to be a victim to circumstance (we can’t help what has happened to us or what might, but we are the only ones to decide how we will react)
- Forgive more (forgiving is not excusing but simply letting go)
- Avoid rationalizing (if you have to rationalize, it’s probably wrong)
- Take responsibility and atone when possible (if you can’t right the wrong you have committed, at least say, “I’m sorry” and vow never to repeat the offense)
- Don’t blame others
- Strive to live every moment to the fullest
- Resolve issues fairly
- Refuse to gossip
- Compliment others and pass them on
- Praise generously
- Build confidence in others
- Smile!
- Take your turn
- Drive responsibly
- Be courteous (in person and on the phone)
- Read inspirational books like The Dash, Simple Things to Make This World a Better Place, and A Purpose Driven Life.
Today, choose to make the world a better place. It just might make you happier than losing weight, and it will certainly have a more positive affect on your fellowman.
Happy New Year!
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