Make These 7 Promises To Yourself And Keep Them

Dec 26, 2018

Oftentimes, people make promises to themselves but fail to keep them. This is a dangerous habit because it makes stagnancy and failure a normative element of one's life. To overcome this habit so that you can attain higher levels of self-actualization, make sure that you keep the following seven promises:

1. Live Your Own Life

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Oftentimes, people fail to attain the highest levels of productivity and progress because they are leading their life in a manner which ensures that they conform to external values. These value systems could have been learned from parents, while at school, or within the work setting. While some of the values may be logical or moral, not every mode of living that you learn from external sources will work for you.

This is the case because individuals have minds, wills, and desires of their own. With this reality in mind, make sure that you're living your own life rather than passively going along with the ideas and suggestions submitted to you by other people.

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2. Accept Change

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Although it's safe to say that most people don't like change, accepting it as a reality of life is oftentimes the key to peace. Everything is in a constant state of change, including our weight, relationships with others, desires, food choices, hobbies, and vocational inclinations.

In recognizing that these realities are ever-shifting, you can approach your life in a more thoughtful manner that involves receptivity to engaging in changes that will make you a smarter person.

3. Listen To What Your Body Is Saying

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Often, the body sends us signals, and we ignore them. When this happens, we run the risk of acquiring a wide range of illnesses that compromise productivity and health. An example would be the experience of chronic constipation.

In many cases, this is the result of a long-standing issue such as not drinking enough water or failing to consume enough fiber-rich foods. Irrespective of what the real problem is, it must be addressed and resolved to ensure that you can remain the healthy, happy person that you were born to be.

4. Don't Allow Your Past To Determine Your Future

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Oftentimes, people allow things that have transpired in their past to impact their self-concepts. For example, an individual victimized by sexual violence may think that this experience determines her self-worth and value in the eyes of a potential romantic partner who is genuinely interested in cultivating an equitable, loving relationship.

Although the past may permanently impact the lens through which we view the world, it doesn't have to become a thing that limits our future experiences and access to edifying people, places, and things.

5. Recognize And Respond To The Fluidity Of Relationships

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While there's definitely something desirable and even healthy about desiring long-term relationships, it's important to realize that not every friendship or romantic relationship you develop will last. This is the case for several reasons, including the fact that people's values often change and cause them to seek out connection and community with other individuals whose values parallel their own. Note that while not every relationship you develop will end, at least some of them will likely change.

For example, if a close friend moves away, you may begin communicating via email rather than going out for dinner and a movie every weekend. By recognizing and responding to the fluidity of relationships with an attitude of thoughtfulness and acceptance, you can avoid a lot of pain and problems.

6. Turn That Frown Upside Down

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Another promise you should make to yourself is to smile daily. This activity is known to give you more energy and limit stress!

7. Push Your Boundaries

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Another promise that you need to make to yourself concerns boundaries. Specifically, it's important to think critically about areas in your life that you have accepted as normative despite realizing that they are limiting your intellectual, emotional, or physical growth. In many cases, tolerating these long-standing behavioral patterns can give rise to limiting beliefs and frustration.

For this reason, it's important to regularly push through your boundaries so you can remain in the state of perpetual growth that engenders deep satisfaction. Know that you can push your boundaries in every area of life. Examples include learning a new language so that you can attain a job promotion and mastering a new yoga posture so that your body remains in a state of perpetual growth.

Conclusion

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Individuals who are serious about leading extraordinary lives should know that they can. To increase your likelihood of attaining the highest possible levels of success and happiness, be sure to keep the seven promises listed above! Also, feel free to add to this list and pass it onto others!