Going to places you’ve never been before is a great way to get some life experience. Such as booking a trip to another city, or taking a road trip to the next town over. Make an effort to eat at a restaurant that’s popular with the locals, rather than going to your favorite chain. Every chance you get, choose newness over the familiar. Trying new social activities is another good way to open up your world. If you tend to spend your time watching sports, get tickets to see a play. If you’re a total bookworm, you could sign up for a hiking club or join a bowling team.
For example, if you’re afraid of public speaking, volunteer to give a presentation. If you dislike talking about your feelings, make an effort to have a conversation with a loved one telling the person how much you care. Ask the person how he or she feels, too.
Share yourself with the people you’re talking to, too. Work on going deeper than casual conversation and fostering new friendships.
Don’t base your opinions of things on what other people think, or whether something is popular. Do your own research and look at both sides of the story before you decide what you think about something. For example, maybe you think a certain type of music isn’t cool because none of your friends like it. Before you jump on the bandwagon, try seeing a band play the music live, and read up on its history. When you’ve taken time to understand something, you can decide you don’t like it, but not before then.
Self-directed learning is just as valuable as taking classes. If you don’t have access to a class on a subject you’d like to know more about, find alternate ways to learn. Check out books from the library, interview people, and learn by doing. For example, if you want to learn a new language, you could take a class or do so completely on your own. Find a group of people who speak the language, read books written in the language, and travel to the country where the language is spoken.
Identify why you feel the person is wise. Is it because the person is extremely well read? Does she give excellent advice when people are in need? Does he seem like he’s figured out the meaning of life? What can you learn from him or her? What life choices and behaviors can serve as an example to you? In a given situation, try asking yourself yourself what he or she would do.
Practice forgiveness when someone you revered makes a mistake. Try to empathize with people instead of kicking them when they’re down.
Don’t go into a new situation presuming that you know just what to do. Examine the problem from all angles, meditate or pray, and then act according to your conscience. It’s all you can do. Accepting your limitations is a high form of wisdom. Know what you have to work with and use your talents to the fullest, but don’t pretend you have more than you do.
For example, let’s say there’s a person at work who’s getting bullied, and you know sticking up for him will make your boss angry. What’s the right thing to do? Think carefully and decide what’s most important to you: keeping your job or helping someone who’s hurting. Stand up for your values in the face of criticism. This is no easy task, since throughout life people will tell you what they want you to do. Separate your values from those of other people and do what you know is right, no matter what.
Don’t kick yourself for making a mistake. You’re human, and all you can do is learn from the growing pains you experience. [7] X Expert Source Samantha Fox, MS, LMFTLicensed Therapist Expert Interview. 19 January 2021. Realize there’s no such thing as perfection. The goal isn’t to be perfect or godlike, but to do your best to act on your conscience and be a good person throughout life.
If someone asks for advice, do your best to point them in the direction that seems right. Don’t let your personal desires cloud your advice.
