- Comparison Is The Thief Of Joy
In this day and age, we constantly compare ourselves to others. Not only does this cause stress, but it also creates an unnecessary sense of inadequacy and dissatisfaction. As overused as it may be, progress is not linear, and everyone moves at their own pace. The idea of being “behind” or “ahead” only exists because we compare clocks that were never meant to be the same. At the end of the day, the things we’ve once longed for are the reality we live in today.
- If you get 1% better every day, by the end of the year, you’ll be 365% better
Because we live in a world of instant gratification, we often forget good things take time and effort. At first glance, 1% seems like something that wouldn’t even matter and is easy to brush off since people are conditioned to think they have to chase big outcomes. But in reality, change takes time. Even on days that are incredibly mundane, taking a small step from your comfort zone or doing something to improve yourself should be considered a win.
- It’s never too late to be what you might have been
No matter how much time has passed or what choices have been made (or not made), everyone still has the power to reinvent themselves. Many of us, especially as we near the end of our college career, start to think we are out of time and it is too late to explore other interests or options. A lot of young adults feel trapped by the idea that they have to get it right the first time, but dreams can evolve. Maybe what you wanted at 17 isn’t what you want anymore at 21, and that’s okay. It’s not failure. It’s growth. Even if you feel you’ve wasted time, every experience has shaped you into who you can be. Nothing is a waste if you choose to move forward.
- Others are not thinking about you as much as you think they are
While we often feel we are under constant judgment, most people are more focused on their own lives. What you think others are focusing on is often over-exaggerated in your own mind. The moment you realize people aren’t analyzing your every word or action, you feel freer to express yourself. You don’t need to seek constant approval from others, and self-worth is never tied to others’ perceptions.
- No is a complete sentence
It is a powerful reminder that you don’t owe anyone an explanation when you set a boundary. There is no need to add on all sorts of explanations, especially if you are in need of prioritizing your own time, energy, and peace. Especially in a culture that heavily emphasizes the pursuit of busyness, saying no is often difficult. You can’t always be a people pleaser and constantly put their needs above your own; it can lead to self-neglect.