Self-Improvement 101. . .

 

A couple of jaunty fellows from 1941.

Want to buck the trend of the predictable, the commonplace, and the unsavory?  Try these dozen tips on for size.  They just might fit.

1) Do hold yourself to a reasonably high set of standards where personal appearance, habits, attitude, and behavior are concerned.  Make that part of your routine.  Don’t, on the contrary, be content to sink to the bottom of the (soiled laundry) heap when left to your own devices. 

2) Do be unfailingly kind, helpful to, and happy for others’ good fortune in whatever form that takes.  Don’t be petty, mean, spiteful, envious, and resentful of others.

3) Do make a habit of thinking about others.  Don’t think of just yourself day in and day out.  Sometimes, a bit of self-sacrifice or self-regulation in the name of the common good is necessary.

4) Do be clear-eyed and honest in your perception of both self and those around you.  Don’t get enmired in the quicksand of self-delusion.

5) Do realize that you are not owed anything by the rest of the world.  Don’t behave like a self-centered and entitled brat.  Time to get over yourself.

6) Do strive continually to be the best version of yourself and make the most of (legal) opportunities that present themselves.  Don’t complain constantly about why you wouldn't, couldn’t, didn’t, shouldn’t, or were not able to.  Fatalism is not the answer.  You are part of the equation and have control over what happens to you through the decisions you make. 

7) Do focus on high quality and the long term when it comes to people, material possessions, and ideas.    Don’t get hung up on the fleeting, the trivial, the banal, the flashy, and the just plain stupid.  Be more discerning.  Especially when it comes to people. 

8) Do cultivate the habit of concentrated thought for extended periods.  Don’t be superficial.  It is neither interesting, nor attractive in the longer term.

9) Do establish the habit of making your words count.  Don’t run at the mouth, make an effort to get the last word in during a disagreement, or punctuate others’ serious statements with smart remarks for a cheap laugh.  Not only does it become exhausting quickly, my late father was correct.  Talk IS cheap. 

10) Do make a habit of being more proactive, self-aware, and in control of your situation.  Take ownership of both your good fortune and the less good.  Don’t continue playing the all too common Blame Game.

11) Do strive to become evermore pleasant to be around for others.  Don’t be common whatever you do.

12) Do make sure to be part of the solution regardless of the issue at hand.  That means greater self-awareness, a willingness to foster dialogue (sometimes internal), and practicing the art of compromise.  Don’t continue to be part of the ongoing problem.

So, what's it gonna be?  Goofus, or Gallante?

  -- Heinz-Ulrich