Discussing the Need to Self-Reflect: How You Can Be a Better Person

We all have ups and downs and moments of weakness. But that doesn’t mean we’re bad people, or that we can’t make things right or improve ourselves.

We’re all flawed; that’s what makes us human. Every day and every mistake is an opportunity to learn, grow, and work on ourselves.

So if you’ve taken the initiative to become a better person, you’re doing something remarkable. Not everyone is gifted with the ability to identify their flaws and work on bettering themselves.

With that in mind, here are a couple of things you can do to better yourself:

Compliment Yourself Everyday  

We’re our own worst critics. That’s why it’s important to break through this habit and learn to appreciate ourselves. We’re all working hard to achieve our goals and dreams, and we need to celebrate that.

It’s easier said than done, but start with baby steps. Look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself you look great, or write down five things you like about yourself in a journal.

Start small—you’ll eventually start seeing yourself in a new light.

Don’t Blame Others

Before you decide to blame others when a problem occurs, make sure to take a moment to analyze the situation.

Is there anything you could’ve done to prevent the problem from escalating? Is there anything you did or said that caused the problem? Is it really the other person’s fault? If it is, know that you’re not responsible for other people’s behavior. You’re only responsible for your own.

The best way to deescalate a situation is by removing yourself from it. It’s okay to walk out until you cool down. It’s better to write down your feelings and address it with the other person when you’re not angry.

Practice Forgiveness

If someone makes a comment that offends you, don’t react. Respond. They probably made it without thinking. Sometimes, people do and say things they don’t mean.

Practice forgiveness. The reason I am saying “practice” is because forgiving someone isn’t easy. But it’s immensely important. It’ll help you grow as an individual and become a better person.

Write down what you’re angry about in a journal. Then write down things from the other person’s point of view. Maybe they felt justified, just like you did. But what’s the reason for that? Writing it down can help you figure it out.

Ashley Yeo