Introduction
Consider all the major time consuming activities you did today. Do the same for every day this past week, or month for more accurate results. Similarly, consider the major positive and negative interactions you had over this time. Modern psychology suggests humans, like many other animals are creatures of habit. As habitual creatures, all of us will have activities and more importantly - attitudes that are common throughout the past month.
There will be many activities we share such as eating and sleeping. Depending on what stage in life you are at, a daily activity may include school or work. On a deeper level we possess degrees of habits such as procrastination, selfishness or any of the seven deadly sins - all of which are detrimental to human happiness. For example, I've noticed throughout the past few years, I have a difficult time accepting other peoples ideas..I'm not sure why this is...but I am aware that stubbornness is a major flaw of my character and has led to several experiences where I mumbled to myself "If only I listened to them earlier".
There will be many activities we share such as eating and sleeping. Depending on what stage in life you are at, a daily activity may include school or work. On a deeper level we possess degrees of habits such as procrastination, selfishness or any of the seven deadly sins - all of which are detrimental to human happiness. For example, I've noticed throughout the past few years, I have a difficult time accepting other peoples ideas..I'm not sure why this is...but I am aware that stubbornness is a major flaw of my character and has led to several experiences where I mumbled to myself "If only I listened to them earlier".
If you participated in this exercise then you may have shed some clarity on what you're doing with your time and character. You may have encountered many qualities and habits you are grateful to have. You may have also encountered qualities and habits you deem negative. In my experience these negative qualities are often times the root of most our problems; and the hard truth is no one but you can change them.
Out with the bad
"Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny". Just like starting an essay, the beginning is always the hardest. Whether it's trying to study on a daily basis, working out regularly or not getting angry as often...you will be met with extreme resistance from yourself to develop these habits.
We must be motivated with the idea that we can change ourselves into whatever we like. At first it is near impossible to think like this, but after starting the chain of breaking/developing habits, it is extremely motivating knowing that if you ever feel any sort of discomfort, whether that be in relationships, health, finances, respect from others, global crisis...you have the power to relieve that discomfort.
Unfortunately most of us only fix the negativity once we hit a brick wall. Whether that is having unbearable credit card payments, a breakup, obesity issues...we often only change things when we realize we're deeply unhappy.
Unfortunately most of us only fix the negativity once we hit a brick wall. Whether that is having unbearable credit card payments, a breakup, obesity issues...we often only change things when we realize we're deeply unhappy.
In with the good
There are some basic activities we must all do, but an increasing number of people neglect one or more of the regular mandatory activities.
Human nature has four dimensions, the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimension. Neglecting any one dimension will surely cause long term harm and unhappiness.
The Physical Dimension
This refers to caring effectively for our body. Eating the right kinds food, getting sufficient rest, relaxation and exercise on a regular basis. There is enough evidence out there to suggest that some form of exercise is required for every individual.
Lacking physical exercise or a poor diet results in ineffective physical capabilities to tackle other areas of life. The implicit effect of this leads to insecurities and on worse cases, physical or social difficulties.
The Mental Dimension
This refers to caring effectively for our minds. Constantly exercising our brains keeps them from becoming lethargic. If you are in school, then this is done by developing a genuine interest to learn the subjects you take...irrespective of grades and the curriculum. Specializing in our field of employment allows financial benefits and greater overall materialistic wealth. Understanding the world allows us to appreciate the vast beauty and synergy in the world and in humans.
Lacking mental exercise leads to dullness. Often times people are stuck at jobs they hate in fear of unemployment due to being completely outdated in their industry. Newly grads find themselves unable to find jobs due to not having the genuine interest mentioned above.
The Emotional Dimension
Imagine living in a world where you were the only person. You wouldn't aspire to be an engineer, a doctor, or be kind and generous, you're only goal would be to find someone to connect with. We must understand that the entirety of our happiness comes from our interactions with other humans. Besides food and shelter, there aren't really any desires that exceed our desire to be understood. Connecting with others fulfills this desire all the while enhancing our communication skills and empathy.
Lacking meaningful connections with people leads to a lack of empathy and degrades our communication skills. The lack of empathy combined with ineffective communication makes it difficult to understand others, and be understood by them. Since we have an inherent desire to connect, if we cannot find that connection in other people - we often turn to drugs, porn, gambling or other pleasure inducing activities. There has been growing evidence to suggest that lacking in the emotional dimension is the direct cause of addiction.
Lacking meaningful connections with people leads to a lack of empathy and degrades our communication skills. The lack of empathy combined with ineffective communication makes it difficult to understand others, and be understood by them. Since we have an inherent desire to connect, if we cannot find that connection in other people - we often turn to drugs, porn, gambling or other pleasure inducing activities. There has been growing evidence to suggest that lacking in the emotional dimension is the direct cause of addiction.
The Spiritual Dimension
This does not refer to our religious beliefs. This refers to regularly refreshing the values we hold dear to ourselves. If one does not spend time refreshing the values they hold to, then one negative incident after a next will eat away at their character base and cause one to be selfish, arrogant, angry, deceptive, among other negative traits.
If you find yourself having a difficult time being happy for friends successes, feel the need to compare and be better than others, find yourself lying to others and yourself...you may be lacking sound values.
If you find yourself having a difficult time being happy for friends successes, feel the need to compare and be better than others, find yourself lying to others and yourself...you may be lacking sound values.
I wake up every morning and the first thing I do is take ten deep breaths, then remind myself to be honest to myself and others, kind, sensitive and happy, then continue with my day. Meditation, yoga and similar mind-body experiences are useful activities to help strengthen the spiritual dimension.
Conclusion
"I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor". You are not your environment or your lifestyle if you choose not to be.
