Six Ways to Become Better at Almost Everything

I understand the topic is vague, which allows me to take this post in whichever direction my mind takes me. I’m an avid reader, and a quick glance at my bookshelf will show everything from autobiographies, self-help, personal/business growth, to finance and real life serial killer mysteries (yes, really). True story, in college, I studied criminal behavior and wanted to become a detective…Only to find out that I need to become a police officer first. Enough about me! Let’s get this train back on the tracks. Through books I have found many common denominators of successful people through all walks of life. Success here does not equal dollars in the bank, but rather their happiness, emotional stability and outlook on life.
Here are a few that you can start implementing right away in effort to start making changes for the better;
1. Wake up an hour earlier- It doesn’t need to be in the wee hours of the morning, but you should start creating a habit of waking up at least 1 hour before you currently do. This is even more important if you have you children. This hour of your day may be the most peaceful 4% of your day. Many people complain that they don’t have the time to (enter just about anything here). Well guess what? I just added 7 hours to your week! Take action. Get. Shit. Done.
2. Exercise– The benefits of exercise would be a blog post unto itself. Exercise has tremendous general health benefits, and in regards to this topic there are 2 that come to mind. First, the ability to move well and take care of yourself and others equates to more freedom. The less reliable you are on others to care for you at any point in your life, the better you will be able to do just about everything!Second, numerous studies have shown great benefits of exercise on people with mild to moderate depression. Exercise enhances the action of endorphins and stimulates the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, both of which are known to improve mood.
Don’t have time to exercise? See # 1.
3. Travel– Go. Somewhere. Anywhere. Bonus if you travel to a place where the “poor” don’t also have 50in flat screen T.V’s and Xbox 4. Which brings me to;
4. Be grateful– Somewhere, someone is happy to have 3oz of clean water to drink for the day to help wash down their only meal; a few spoonful’s of rice and half of a partially rotten banana. If you’re reading this now, and do the same tomorrow; congratulations! Approximately 6,500 people die each day in the U.S. You’re welcome; there’s reason # 1 to be grateful!
5. Read more– Turn off Netflix and open a book. The benefits of reading include; increase intelligence, helps you relax, improved sleep and makes you more empathetic. In addition, research has shown that those who engage their brains through activities such as reading could be 2.5 times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and dementia than those who spend their down time on less stimulating activities.
6. Put it in perspective– When talking about how he always remains positive in business and life, Gary Vaynerchuk said that he compares each situation to the “worst that could happen”…his family being killed! Now, that may be extreme for most people, but that’ll certainly get you to put whatever you’re dealing with into perspective. If 90% of your day is spent bitching and moaning about life; take Gary’s advice. You’re exhausting to your friends and family! Stop complaining, and realize wherever you are now that you’re unhappy with was based on a series of choices that YOU made. If you don’t like it, I suggest you wake up earlier, exercise more, travel more, be more grateful and read more. Good luck!