15 Ways to Become a Better Person

Every morning before you go on with your daily routine, take a couple of minutes to give yourself a compliment.

Whether you compliment your outfit, haircut, or how you recently completed a task using your unique skill sets, giving yourself a little emotional boost will make you happy.

Blaming your spouse, boss, or clients is fruitless and won't get you very far. Instead of pointing fingers and making excuses about why you aren't happy or successful in your personal or professional life, own your mistakes and learn from them.

When you do this, you will become a better person. 

Letting go of anger is easier said than done. While anger is a perfectly normal emotion, you can't let it fester. When this happens, you may make unwise decisions, and more importantly, it may affect your health.

Research suggests pent up anger can cause digestive problems, difficulty sleeping, and even heart disease.

Joyce Marter, LCPC, suggests you forgive and let go of resentment.

She notes, "If for no other reason than for yourself, forgive to untether yourself from the negative experiences of the past. Take time to meditate, and give thanks for the wisdom and knowledge gained from your suffering. Practice the mantra, 'I forgive you and I release you.'"

How would you feel if a loved one or business partner lied to you? 

Chances are you would see that as a violation of your trust. If you want to be a better person in either your personal or professional life, you should always tell the truth and state as clearly as possible what you are trying to convey. 

Learn to articulate your thoughts, feelings, and ideas in an open and honest manner.

Whether giving up your seat to an elderly person on the subway, assisting a co-worker on a project, or carrying in the groceries when your spouse comes back from the store, being helpful is one of the easiest and most effective ways to practice becoming a better person. 

The more you help others, the better you feel.

As Jeet Banerjee notes on Lifehack, "listening to people and giving everyone a voice is one of the greatest things you can do." 

He adds that he "got to meet some of the most amazing people, close some of the biggest deals, and develop connections that will last me a lifetime all because I took time to listen to people. Being a good listener can change your life in a positive manner."

It may not seem like a big deal, but supporting a local cause, donating clothes, or buying from local farmers' markets or businesses are simple ways you can help your specific region. 

You may not be able to save the world, but you very well could make a difference in your neck of the woods. Get to know and care about your community.

How much effort does it take to say, "Thank you," or to hold the elevator door open for someone? Not much at all. However, these acts of kindness can make someone's day. 

It doesn't matter if someone is ultra rude, condescending, or worse. The way someone else behaves should not determine our behavior.

Tiffany Mason has five excellent reasons on Lifehack why you should be yourself:

• Be able to align yourself with your values and beliefs.
• Establish your identity.
• Build courage.
• Create boundaries.
• Find focus and direction.

Whether trying a new restaurant, traveling to an unknown part of the world or doing something that has always scared you, you should always be open to change. 

This allows you to grow because you experience something new. It helps you be high functioning and self-confident if you are not wary of change.

How would you feel if you had just cleaned your home and someone came in and tracked mud everywhere? You'd probably be a little ticked that they hadn't taken off their shoes. Take this mentality and apply it to everyday life. 

For example:

• Don't toss your trash or cigarette butts on the floor of public restrooms or sidewalks just because someone else will clean it up.
• Be respectful of others' time, thoughts, ideas, lifestyles, feelings, work, and everything else.

Going to a party this weekend at your friend's apartment? Make sure you don't arrive empty-handed.

Even if you've been assured that there will be plenty of food and drink, bring along a little something to show your appreciation for being invited.

If you don't understand why one country is invading another, take the time to educate yourself on the current event. Ask a person intimately connected with the event for his or her thoughts. 

Remember, we're all interconnected, and being aware of different cultures, different people, and what their lives are like can make you a more well-rounded individual. This will also help you understand points of view different from your own.

How good does it feel to make someone smile? It feels pretty good, right?

Surprise your loved ones or co-workers now and then, with a gift, a night out on the town, or by offering help when you know they could use it.

Becoming a better person doesn't happen overnight, but it is possible.

Believe in yourself and know that it is possible!