7 Better Personal Steps

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JAKARTA - A world filled with good and friendly people is an ideal world to live in. Unfortunately, busy work and activities often prevent others from doing good.

No need to take big steps, good deeds can start from small and simple things. Here are seven ways to be a better and friendly person to others, as summarized on the Psych Central page, Tuesday, April 23.

Building empathy

Empathy is the ability to relate to other people's emotions, thoughts, and experiences. This is a trait that can make you better understand other people and encourage deeper ties.

"By actively listening and empathizing with the people around you, you will expand the world's view," said Amy Braun, licensed clinical professional counselor from Yorkville, Illinois.

"Empathy helps you to be more patient and loving, so that it can improve the quality of your life."

Empathy can be built in small ways, such as asking questions when you see someone expressing emotions.

Responsible

Being responsible for mistakes can be a challenging process, even painful. But, taking responsibility for your actions, both positive and negative, you give yourself the opportunity to learn and develop from that experience. If you never admit your mistakes, you will never need to make positive changes.

Train self-reflection

Self-reflection is the ability to look inside and know who you are and what makes you, you.

"It's worth taking the time to occasionally reflect on your actions, beliefs, and personal experiences," said Dr. Leda Kaveh, a licensed clinical psychologist from Gaithersburg, Maryland. This practice helps to understand motivation and identify areas where you can make changes or struggle for personal growth.

You don't need any tools to train self-reflection. But if you're not sure where to start, journaling about emotions and thoughts can help.

Embraces attention

Mindfulness was a practice of awareness at the time. It is used in a variety of therapeutic formats to support well-being and can help gain better control over things in life such as stress, anxiety, or contemplation.

The 2021 review found that awareness-based interventions were effective for everything, from depression and anxiety to dealing with stress and encouraging prosocial behavior.

There are many different ways to train mindfulness. You can realize your breath, inhale and exhale. Focus on your breath, and try to accept passing thoughts without judging.

Create a strong inner circle

Inner circle is not just a very valuable person in life. They are people who can also motivate you to achieve a bigger goal. Or they are the ones who can keep you safe in your comfort zone.

Be selective about who you allow to be in the inner circle. Find mentors, role models, and people who inspire and challenge you to develop.

Involved in pro-social behavior

Prosocial behavior is behavior that helps or supports others. According to a study in 2022, engaging in at least one prosocial activity helps increase overall satisfaction of life and reduces negative emotions such as being easily offended, pessimistic, and hesitant.

Committed to life studying

"It is very important to remain open to knowledge and skills throughout our lives," Kaveh said.

Hal ini lebih dari sekadar pembelajaran, tapi juga mencakupkan penghasihan terhadap beragam budaya, kepercayaan, dan pengalaman!

When studying, you can continue to gain perspectives that further encourage empathy and affection for yourself and others.