Saying no is often the easier way out.
When you say no you can safely stay within your comfort zone. You don’t have to fear failing.
But if you say yes your life can expand and deepen. The yes allows you to open up your life to more happiness.
Today I would like to share 10 things that I have said yes to and that have helped me to become happier in my life.
Being imperfect
Trying to be perfect is setting the bar too high. It will be impossible to reach. Perfectionism is mindset that eats at you and your happiness. Saying yes to being imperfect can turn that around.
How to do it:
Realize the costs of buying into myths of perfection.
By watching too many movies, listening to too many songs and just taking in what the world is telling you it is very easy to be lulled into dreams of perfection.
It sounds so good and wonderful and you want it.
But in real life it clashes with reality and it can harm or possibly lead you to end relationships, jobs, projects etc. just because your expectations are out of this world.
I find it very helpful to remind myself of this simple fact.
Being you.
Not being able to be yourself, always trying to change for others or censoring yourself don’t feel good at all.
It makes life feel so small and limited.
So how can you be yourself? Your environment plays a huge part.
How to do it:
Supportive people.
Spend more time with the people who support your dreams, values and you. Or are at least neutral.
And spend less time with people who always criticize you or you simply aren’t a good fit for.
The things that make you come alive.
It is important to find some time and energy for the things that you feel makes you come alive.
How to do it:
Mix it up.
Try something new, even if it is just something small each week.
- Eat the vegetarian dish at lunch if you always eat meat.
- Listen to some music that isn’t your normal cup of tea.
- Go out to a movie, café or pub with friends if you usually stay in at night. Or vice versa.
Create variation and expand your comfort zone regularly in small ways to live a happier life.
Optimism
Pessimism can really limit your life and bring it to a standstill.
It can make it feel like there’s no point in trying because it won’t make a difference or you’ll just fail. It can create ceilings and walls made out of glass where there really are none.
Saying yes a more optimistic way of thinking can on the other hand open your life up.
How to do it:
Ask yourself optimistic questions.
When you’re in what seems like a negative situation then make something better out of it by asking yourself questions that promote optimism and helps you to find solutions.
Questions like:
- What is one thing that is positive or good about this situation?
- What is the opportunity within this situation?
Start your day off on the right foot.
As mentioned in tip #2, the influences in your life can make a huge difference.
So choose to spend your breakfast time with an optimistic influence like for example a book, a blog or your mom.
Or talk to someone early in the day that most often supports and cheers you up like a co-worker or a friend in school.
