TIPS REPORT 09: PUT THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE

 

This report includes powerful tips related to putting things in perspective. It also includes 3 actionable steps you can take right away and a list of suggested reading for those people who are looking for even more information. ©

 This article is from a Series of 52 tips Report on the subject of self improvement. If you want to receive a file with all 52 Reports at once, you can subscribe to my e-mail list.

TOP TIPS

We all deal with trials and tribulations in our lives. No matter how blessed we feel, situations will arise to challenge that. Often these problems consume us, and we feel like there is no way past them. If you have ever felt like this, then you might need a shift in perspective. The ability to recognize your problems and then properly put them in perspective is key to our happiness and productivity. Anyone can learn how to put things in perspective, and these nine tips are the perfect place to get started.

 

1. Think Beyond This Moment

When you are actively dealing with a problem, it will take up a lot of mental real estate. Things can seem bad at the moment. Try to take some time to think about the future. It can help you put things in perspective when you think about how much any of this will matter in ten years.

 

2. Stop and Consider

When dealing with some issues, your feelings can start forcing facts into the background. Take some time to consider what you are going through. Think about how the event will truly affect you. Consider how bad things are. Ask yourself if there are any positives to this situation.

 

3. Don't Treat Your Inner Monologue As Fact

You can't always trust that little voice in your head. Quite often, our inner dialogue tends to be overly negative. Just like you should question your negative self-talk, you should also question if that voice is blowing things out of proportion.

 

4. What Would Your Best Friend Say?

Whenever you are struggling to switch your perspective about something, ask yourself what your best friend would tell you. Most likely, they will have a positive spin on the situation that you have not have considered. At the very least, they will remind you that you can handle anything that comes your way.

 

5. Get Back to Nature

Sometimes all it takes to shift your perspective is a nice walk in a quiet park. Spending some time in nature is a great way to disconnect from the minutiae, and remember there is a huge world around you. Your problems often feel small when compared to the vastness of nature.

 

6. Spend Time Helping the Less Fortunate

Helping the less fortunate is a winning strategy all around:

● You are helping someone who needs it.

●You are going to give yourself a boost.

●It's a good reminder that your problems might seem very trivial to other people.

We can all use a reminder like that once in a while.

 

7. Spend Some Time with Children

Spending time around children is a wonderful way to switch your perspective. It reminds you of a simpler time when your cares melted away in the face of the next adventure. Their child-like innocence and carefree attitude have a way of rubbing off on you.

 

8. Stop Worrying About "Should"

If you require a seismic level change in perspective, forget about all the "shoulds" in the world. You don't need to worry about where you "should" be at a certain age. Don't burden yourself with society's idea of what you "should" have or "should" be doing. You will feel happier if you just focus on your timeline.

 

9. Focus on What You Can Control

If you are dealing with a difficult situation, sit back and figure out what you can and can't control. Once you do that, shift your perspective to taking action. You know what you can control, so all that is left is for you to take steps to address those issues.

 

ACTIONABLE STEPS

 

a) Figure out what in your life might need a little perspective. Think about events or circumstances in your life that you feel might seem worse than they are. Write one of them down.

 

b) Think about the issue you wrote down in the last step. Ask yourself if this will matter five days, five weeks, and five years from now?

 

c) Talk to a loved one about the issue you wrote down. Do they have a different perspective? Is there anything you can learn from them?

 

FURTHER READING

 

Affiliate links:

1. You Can Be Happy No Matter What

https://amzn.to/3y13KbP

2. The 7 Perspectives of Effective Leaders

https://amzn.to/3xCPwfV

3. Purposeful Perspectives

https://amzn.to/3QmOfC6

4. Peace, Possibilities and Perspective

https://amzn.to/3mYvCXM

5. Keep the Big Things Big and the Little Things Little

https://amzn.to/3OfodPC

TIPS REPORT 08: THE LIES WE TELL OURSELVES

 This report includes powerful tips related to The Lies We Tell Ourselves. It also includes 3 actionable steps you can take right away and a list of suggested reading for those people who are looking for even more information. ©

 This article is from a Series of 52 tips Report on the subject of self improvement. If you want to receive a file with all 52 Reports at once, you can subscribe to my e-mail list.

TOP TIPS

I am sure most of us consider ourselves to be honest people. Outside of the odd white lie, we find it difficult to lie to our friends and loved ones. This makes it all the more confusing then that we find it so easy to lie to ourselves. You might have bristled at this thought, huffed, and thought, "I do no such thing!" The nine lies below are common lies we tell ourselves. Sometimes they are harmless, but often they hold us back from reaching our goals.

 

1. I'll Get to It Eventually

How many times have you told yourself this, then failed to "get to it"? If you are like most of us - plenty of times! It is much better to set a specific deadline for all of your tasks. Alternatively, you could just do it now as well.

 

2. I Can't Escape my Past

Many of us have skeletons in our closets, or if not, trauma that we never properly dealt with. The reality is you can get over your past. Your past doesn't define you. You might have to work a little harder or work on yourself, but you can get past your past.

 

3. There is Something Wrong With Me

Have you ever felt like such a failure that you assume there must be something wrong with you? This a powerful lie that can hold you back from even trying to accomplish your goals. Whether you are different, struggling, or even failing, that is circumstance. That isn't who you inherently are as a person.

 

4. I Know Exactly What I am Doing

Self-confidence is a powerful tool in your arsenal. Sometimes it even helps to fake confidence! That said, we need to be careful not to go overboard. There is nothing wrong with being honest that you need some help because you don't know what you are doing.

 

5. I Would be Happy If Only...

I know it's easy to focus on what you want or think you need for happiness, but it rarely works out that way. Even if you acquire what you think you need to be happy, you will just move the goalposts further and think about something else. You need to figure out how to be happier on your terms.

 

6. I am Too Busy to...

While this is true sometimes, and especially true for people who are working and raising a family, a lot of the time, it isn't. Downtime is important, but almost all of us waste time in some fashion. Take an honest appraisal of your day, and you will likely find some extra time to spare.

 

7. I Can Change Him/Her

I bet a couple of you are nodding in agreement about this one! Many of us have this moment where we meet someone we like, but they are toxic to be around. You think that with enough love and caring, you can change this person. We always find out that we can't. It isn't even our job to try and change someone else. That's on them.

 

8. I'm Too Old To...

I heard a 25-year-old the other day say they were too old to do something. I had never felt older. The reality is, we can still do almost anything we want as we age. It's never too late to go back to school or change career. It's not too late to take chances. It's never too late for you to try and live the life you dream about.

 

9. I'm a Failure

While all of us will deal with failure at one time, that does not make us failures. Failure is something we deal with; it isn't something we are. If you feel like a born loser that always fails, try to focus on your wins. We all have some wins in our lives, no matter how small they may seem. Also, failing is good - it is the best way to learn about yourself.

 

ACTIONABLE STEPS

 

a) Read over the list of lies we tell ourselves and figure out if you use any of them. Pay special attention to any lies you might use regularly.

 

b) Take a sheet of paper, and mark a line down the center from top to bottom. On the left-hand side, write down the lies you tell yourself. Feel free to add any other lies we may have missed as well.

 

c) On the right-hand side of the paper, counter each of those lies. Either write down reasons they aren't true or the steps you can take to ensure they aren't true.

 

FURTHER READING

 

Affiliate links:

1. Lies We Tell Ourselves: The Psychology of Self-Deception

https://amzn.to/3xEi2NY

2. The Lies We Tell Ourselves: Face the Truth, Accept Yourself

https://amzn.to/3HxmNgS

3. Vital Lies, Simple Truths: The Psychology of Self-Deception

https://amzn.to/3OiTO2E

4. The Lies We Tell Ourselves: Vulnerability as a Tool

https://amzn.to/3mX07gJ

5. I'm Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves

https://amzn.to/3tKPscN

TIPS REPORT 07: HOW TO LIGHTEN UP

 

This report includes powerful tips related to lightening up. It also includes 3 actionable steps you can take right away and a list of suggested reading for those people who are looking for even more information. ©

 This article is from a Series of 52 tips Report on the subject of self improvement. If you want to receive a file with all 52 Reports at once, you can subscribe to my e-mail list. 

TOP TIPS

If there has ever been a time that we all need to lighten up a bit - it might be now! Listen, I understand that life is a little crazy. Things aren't going swimmingly for a lot of us. It's easy to get down on ourselves. The thing is, if we aren't careful, we could lose the spark of happiness we do have. That's why it is important to lighten up a bit. We need to stop being so hard on ourselves while wallowing in negativity. Let's all take a deep breath, exhale and try to lighten up a bit. We can start with these nine tips:

 

1. Embrace the Concept of "Perfect Enough"

It feels great when something we are working on comes out just perfect, but it isn't the end of the world if it is just acceptable. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in making sure every detail is perfect, we don't take the time to enjoy the journey. You should take the time to appreciate the journey even if everything isn't perfect.

 

2. Avoid Toxic People

Certain people in our lives bring us down. We can't always avoid these people, but why wouldn't we limit our exposure to them? It's going to be very hard to lighten up if you spend a lot of time with people who sap your joy.

 

3. Find Healthy Ways to Release Tension

One of the best ways to lighten up is to release some of your built-up tension. Maybe you could get a massage. If that isn't your style, maybe you could blow off some steam working out. The choice is ultimately yours; make sure you engage in tension-relieving activities regularly.

 

4. Look at the Funny Side

Sometimes even the stressful events in our lives have a funny side. Learning to find this humorous side is a great way to lighten up. When you can laugh at yourself, you will find it easier to laugh in general.

 

5. Spend More Time Outdoors

A nice leisurely walk on a warm sunny day is one of the best ways to lift your spirits. No matter what's weighing on your mind, this time outdoors and in nature has a way of naturally lifting our mood and letting us lighten up a bit.

 

6. Act Like a Kid Again

Have you ever watched a kid playing and felt a pang of jealousy that they find so much joy in such simple activities? Why not join them? Act a little silly now and then. Don't be afraid to get dirty. Laugh at something stupid. You'll find taking yourself less seriously is one of the best ways to lighten up.

 

7. Spend Time with Fun People

We already know we shouldn't be spending a lot of time with toxic people. The inverse is true as well. We should try to spend more time with our fun friends. The friends that lift you and keep you smiling. It is easy to lighten up when you are having fun.

 

8. Help Someone in Need

This might seem like a weird suggestion, but hear me out. Helping someone in need will boost your mood in general. It is also a helpful reminder that everyone has problems, and maybe yours aren't that major in the grand scheme of things.

 

9. Stay in the Present

A major reason people can't lighten up is that they are reliving a bad memory or catastrophizing about some upcoming event. Strive to stay in the moment more often. Appreciate the here and now. If you get too caught up living in the past/future, you'll never lighten up.

 

ACTIONABLE STEPS

 

a) Who Stresses You Out? Is there anyone in your life that makes it impossible for you to lighten up around? Take some time to figure out how (or if) you can limit your time with them.

 

b) Spoil Yourself. Hey, life is tough, so take some time to pamper yourself. Whether it's a comforting meal, a night out, or a massage, put yourself first for once.

 

c) Reach out to a Fun Friend. If you have one of those friends that makes you laugh just by the way they answer the phone - reach out to them. Some time together will brighten both of your moods.

 

FURTHER READING

 

Affiliate links:

1. Lighten Up: Love What You Have, Have What You Need

https://amzn.to/3zEWaoy

2. Lighten Up

https://amzn.to/39EFnHr

3. Slow Down and Lighten Up

https://amzn.to/3HyhDBs

4. 52 Weeks of Simple Happiness: A Year to Lighten Up

https://amzn.to/3xWU6Hc

5. Lighten Up: Survival Skills for People Under Pressure

https://amzn.to/3xGTDYu

TIPS REPORT 06: PRIORITIZE YOUR TASKS

 This report includes powerful tips related to prioritizing your tasks. It also includes 3 actionable steps you can take right away and a list of suggested reading for those people who are looking for even more information. ©

 This article is from a Series of 52 tips Report on the subject of self improvement. If you want to receive a file with all 52 Reports at once, you can subscribe to my e-mail list. 

TOP TIPS

The adage says, "We all have the same 24 hours a day". Yes, it's a cliche, and it likely more annoying than helpful - but it is true. We can't create more time out of thin air, but we can use it more effectively. That is why prioritizing your tasks is so important. Knowing what you should be working on and when you should be doing it will only increase your productivity. If you want to learn more about prioritizing your tasks, read these nine tips:

 

1. What is Worth Prioritizing?

First off, you need to figure out what is truly important to you. The tasks you prioritize should reflect your core values. If you are laser-focused on your career, then career tasks are naturally more important. If you are family-first, then you may rank those tasks higher in priority.

 

2. Make a List

A great way to start prioritizing is making a list of everything you want to accomplish. You can focus on the short-term, long-term, or even better - both. Don't worry about editing as you go; focus on thinking of as many goals/tasks/todos as you can.

 

3. Rank Your Priorities List by Urgency

Take the list of priorities you create and rank the tasks by urgency. This usually means ranking the tasks when they are due, but don't forget your core values. A typical way of breaking these lists up is three categories: Urgent (complete ASAP), Important (need to address soon, Leisure (can focus on these in your free time).

 

4. Break Your Large Tasks into Smaller Pieces

You should strive to break your large tasks down. This makes the task more manageable and lets you have more control over the moving parts. Some smaller parts of your large task might need to be completed earlier than others. It is easier to prioritize when you know this.

 

5. Delegate What You Can

Why waste time prioritizing the tasks you don't even need to do. Figure out if any of your tasks can be delegated or outsourced. This will save you time and energy. You can focus on the more important priorities while the smaller details are handled by someone else.

 

6. Set Deadlines for Each Task

Set some deadlines for each of your tasks. Simply setting a deadline has been shown to help people follow through. Try to set your deadlines a little earlier than you need. This will help you stay ahead of things and gives you a buffer if you can't deliver.

 

7. Look For Opportunities for Growth

An interesting, if a somewhat esoteric tip is to focus on tasks that grant you growth opportunities. We must continue to broaden our horizons and skillset, so focusing on tasks that help you do this makes sense. If all else is equal, but one task allows you to learn something new, or update your current skills, choose that one.

 

8. Start With Your Most Important Task

Another classic tip that you might have heard referred to as "eat the frog." The idea here is that you start with your most important task, that way you know you at least finished that. Some people choose their most hated task as well. The same idea applies, though; it's all about getting it over with ASAP.

 

9. ...or Don't

Contrary to the last tip, sometimes you are so unmotivated that you don't have the energy to tackle anything important. If that feels like you, then start with the absolute easiest, no-brainer task you can. Sometimes doing that is enough to build your momentum so you can tackle the high-priority stuff.

 

ACTIONABLE STEPS

 

a) Make A List of This Weeks Tasks - Think about your current week. What would you like to accomplish? List everything you can think of. Try to keep it reasonable, but don't be afraid to stretch yourself a bit.

 

b) Arrange the List by Importance - Now break that list down into three categories: Urgent (do ASAP), Important (do this week), and Leisure (whenever you get around to it).

 

c) Set Deadlines For Each Task - Now set a deadline for each task. Be specific; choose a day and time. Try to make your deadlines a bit earlier than needed, so you have some buffer room.

 

FURTHER READING

 

Affiliate links:

1. Manage Your Time, Manage Your Life

https://amzn.to/3HvI0Ia

2. Prioritization: How to Prioritize Tasks to Increase Productivity

https://amzn.to/39vVJSI

3. Time's Up: Prioritize Yourself Now

https://amzn.to/3zMto5y

4. Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day

https://amzn.to/3tKygEp

5. 18 Minutes: Find Your Focus and Get the Right Things Done

https://amzn.to/3mXU0Zu

TIPS REPORT 05: RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS

 This report includes powerful tips related to Random Acts Of Kindness. It also includes 3 actionable steps you can take right away and a list of suggested reading for those people who are looking for even more information. ©

 This article is from a Series of 52 tips Report on the subject of self improvement. If you want to receive a file with all 52 Reports at once, you can subscribe to my e-mail list.

TOP TIPS

Kindness isn't trendy. It isn't a hot button topic. It doesn't get as much press as happiness, passion, or determination. We think about it, but it's not something we strive to acquire. That is a pity because kindness doesn't just help the people around us; it helps us too. It is the proverbial no-brainer.

If you are interested in simple ways to invite kindness in your life, consider these nine random acts of kindness.

 

1. Give Someone A Genuine Compliment

This is a great habit to get into in general. Simply hand out more genuine compliments. This will boost your mood and might make someone else's day. It might feel awkward, to begin with, but it will become second nature eventually.

 

2. Buy the Person Behind You a Coffee

If you have the means, next time you are in the Drive-Thru, pay for the people behind you as well. This random act has a way of being passed on, or at the very least, talked about and shared.

 

3. Tell A Boss About a Good Employee

We live in a society where people seem all too willing to scream at retail workers. Instead of complaining about a bad job, why don't we mention good service more? Please make an effort to let a manager know when one of their staff does a great job.

 

4. Find a Charity You Believe In

If you have the means to make a charitable donation, your money will go a long way for someone less fortunate. The best way to connect with a charity is to do your research and find something that truly speaks to you.

 

5. Volunteer Somewhere

If you don't have extra money, do you have an extra hour? Volunteering your time can be just as effective as a charitable donation. Not only are you helping people in need, but you are also getting social interaction. You might even learn something new or meet someone interesting.

 

6. Help Someone Who Needs It

Is there someone in your life who needs a little help? Go ahead and offer them a hand. Reach out with a call or a text and ask if they need anything. Sometimes, that gesture alone makes a world of difference to somebody.

 

7. Offer to Help People Who Seem Lost

You ever see people while you are out who seem lost? Maybe they are looking at a map or their phone, pointing in different directions. Ask them if they need help finding something. Often people will be too shy to ask for help on their own.

 

8. Offer Workers a Drink

If you have some people working in your neighborhood, or even working at your place, offer them a drink. This is especially important on really hot days. You could play the hero with a well-timed delivery of ice-cold water.

 

9. Leave Positive Comments on Social Media

Social media can be a real cesspool. Everyone is trying to get a quick laugh by taking someone down. Other people post negative reviews of everything, Take a week, and only leave positive social media comments. See how you feel after that week. I bet you keep doing it!

 

ACTIONABLE STEPS

 

a) Leave a Loved One a Note - Whether your child, partner, or someone else, leave a little note of appreciation somewhere for them to find. A lunchbox is a great choice, but so is a random pocket in their clothes.

 

b) Check-In with a Loved One - Reach out to someone you haven't checked in within a while. If you are missing them, they are likely missing you. You might really make their day.

 

c) Help Someone Without Them Asking - Do something for someone you care about without being asked. Maybe take on a sibling's chores or check something off your partner's to-do list. It doesn't have to be big to be appreciated.

 

FURTHER READING

 

Affiliate links:

1. The Hidden Power of Kindness

https://amzn.to/3O4wdmK

2. Deep Kindness

https://amzn.to/3mYPslO

3. The War for Kindness

https://amzn.to/3xDu7mz

4. Channel Kindness: Stories of Kindness and Community

https://amzn.to/3zLbIad

5. The Power of Kindness

https://amzn.to/3y0IKSw

TIPS REPORT 04: KICK-START A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

This report includes powerful tips related to Kick-Starting an Active Lifestyle. It also includes 3 actionable steps you can take right away and a list of suggested reading for those people who are looking for even more information. ©

 This article is from a Series of 52 tips Report on the subject of self improvement. If you want to receive a file with all 52 Reports at once, you can subscribe to my e-mail list.

 

TOP TIPS

No matter who you are, what you do, or your goals, a healthy lifestyle can only help. A foundation of good health is the perfect starting point for any endeavor. You will look better, feel better, and have more energy. The best way time to kick-start a healthy lifestyle was yesterday; the next best time is now. If you are ready to embrace a healthier lifestyle, these nine tips are a great way to get started.

1. Start Small

You don't always have to hit the ground running (not that there is anything wrong with that). If you are taking your first steps towards a healthy lifestyle, focus on small, simple steps you can use to build momentum. A lot of marathons started with a walk around the block.

2. Honor Your Personal Preference

Committing to a healthy lifestyle can take some work, so why make it harder by fighting yourself. Honor your preferences. Double down on the healthy foods you already like. Start doing more of that physical activity you already love.

3. Dress the Part

I don't mean you have to go out and get a brand-new gym outfit - but hey, if that would motivate you, go for it! This means that if you have an activity planned for the day, dress for it early. If you already have your running shoes on, you are far less likely to skip your run.

4. Find an Exercise Buddy

A good way to break up the doldrums of an exercise routine and add accountability at the same time is to find an exercise buddy. You will be less likely to miss out on your routine, and you will enjoy it more. It's a win-win.

5. 80/15/5

This is a simple ratio to help you with healthier eating. It isn't meant as a cure-all, but it is a good general guide. 80% of what you eat are healthy foods you already enjoy, 15% are foods you know are healthy but don't love, 5% eat whatever you want. You can tweak the numbers a bit to match your preference.

6. Start Each Morning with a Big Glass of Water

Yes, even before your coffee. This is a great way to get your day off to a great start. You will be well on the way to meeting your daily requirements. Don't stop in the morning though, most of us should be drinking much more water throughout the day.

7. Learn to Cook

It is so much easier to eat healthy on a budget when you can cook. You don't even have to be great at it. Just learn enough so that you can cook more meals more than you order. YouTube is a great place to learn, start by finding a video recipe of one of your favorite dishes.

8. Reward Yourself Without Sabotage

Make sure to reward yourself regularly. Some people may find this soft, but working towards a reward is just human nature. The key is to make sure you don't sabotage your progress. Taking a day off your routine is a reward. Taking a few weeks off is sabotage. A piece of cake is a reward. A whole cake is a sabotage.

9. Don't Let Setbacks Turn into Failure

You will hit stumbling blocks on your path towards a healthy lifestyle. Don't let that scare you, though. A setback is a great way to learn what doesn't work for you. Your results are going to come down to how well you bounce back from the inevitable setbacks.

ACTIONABLE STEPS

A) Think of Three Healthy Foods You Like

Find more ways to incorporate these foods into your daily diet.

B) Add More Activity to Your Day

What is a simple, non-exercise way to add more activity to your day. These are things like parking further away when shopping or walking for certain short errands.

C) Find an Exercise/Accountability Partner

Who is the perfect exercise or accountability partner in your life. Reach out to them to see if they are interested in joining forces.

FURTHER READING

Affiliate links:

1. Eat. Sleep. Move. Breath

https://amzn.to/3badtU3

2. Healthy Gut, Healthy You

https://amzn.to/3HBPk51

3. Wellness: Guidelines for a Healthy Lifestyle

https://amzn.to/3QsSsEi

4. Designed to Thrive: Learn the Untold Truths About Health

https://amzn.to/3zPWktr

5. How Not to Die

https://amzn.to/3xxmnCU

MGameiro Digital Marketing (mgameiro1970.blogspot.com)

TIPS REPORT 03: A GOOD FRIEND

This report includes powerful tips related to the Traits of a Good Friend. It also includes 3 actionable steps you can take right away and a list of suggested reading for those people who are looking for even more information. ©

This article is from a Series of 52 tips Report on the subject of self improvement. If you want to receive a file with all 52 Reports at once, you can subscribe to my e-mail list.

TOP TIPS

Have you ever thought about what makes a really good friend? It might not seem like the most pressing issue, but knowing what traits make a good friend can have a profound impact on your life. It lets you know how you should act to be a better friend to the people in your life. At the same time, it teaches you what you should expect from the closest people in your life. If you are interested in knowing what makes a good friend, then please start with these essential traits all good friends should have:

1. They Have Your Back

A good friend is going to have your back through the good times and the bad. It's easy to be friends with someone when everything is good, but who will be there when you fall on bad times? The people that stick by you in those times are good friends.

2. They Are Available

A friend doesn't have to be available at all times for your every whim, but they should be available when you need them. We are all very busy with our own lives, but if you have a friend you love, you make at least some time for them.

3. They Listen

All good friendships need a little give and take. Good friends listen as much as they talk. They don't just focus on telling you all their problems. They actively listen to you as well. Listening and thoughtfully responding is a hallmark of a great friendship.

4. They Accept You As You Are

You are wonderful just the way you are. A good friend will recognize that. They will embrace your authentic self and not judge your personal decisions. As long as you aren't harming yourself, a good friend should support your choices.

5. They Are Fun to Be Around

A good friend doesn't have to be a non-stop party, but they should be fun to be around. You should look forward to seeing a good friend because you enjoy spending time with them. Of course, there will be sad events along the way, but you should be happy to be around your friends in general.

6. They Are Trustworthy

How can you be good friends with someone if you don't trust them? Without trust, there is no close friendship. You should feel equally comfortable sharing your secrets, or letting them housesit. A good friend will gain your trust and respect it.

7. They Tell Us the Truth

Honesty is important for any relationship in your life. A good friend is no different. They should respect you enough, to be honest with you. This might even mean they have to be brutally honest with you when needed.

8. They Are Kind

It is so much more enjoyable to spend time with kind people. You and your friends might get your snarky jokes off about things, but at the end of the day, they should treat you with kindness. Even better is if your friend is kind to everyone, that is a good sign they are a good friend in general.

9. They Build You Up

A good friend should build you up, not tear you down. You should feel confident and ready to take on the world with them at your side. If your friend is constantly nitpicking, doubting you, or otherwise being negative - they aren't a good friend, to begin with.

ACTIONABLE STEPS

A) Think About Your Current Friendships.

Are they fulfilling? Do any of your relationships throw up any red flags? Consider who you should be spending more or less time with.

B) Think About Yourself as a Friend.

Are you a good friend? Do you exhibit the traits of a good friend? What areas could you work on and improve?

C) Do Something Nice.

Think about one simple act you could take right now to benefit a close friend. Now go ahead and do it!

FURTHER READING

Affiliate links:

1. The Business of Friendship

https://amzn.to/3zKOC3G

2. Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close

https://amzn.to/3Qr1y4D

3. The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship

https://amzn.to/3mV5E7u

4. The Friendship Factor: How to Get Closer to the People You Care for

https://amzn.to/3n2FsHW

5. Made for Friendship

https://amzn.to/3xxC2C5

MGameiro Digital Marketing (mgameiro1970.blogspot.com)