Do you ever look at someone and compare your body type to theirs? Ever wish you could give a presentation like a colleague? Do you find yourself wishing you had the cool new car your neighbors drive? If any of these sound like you, here's a list of 10 things to do instead of trying to look, act, or own like others.
1. Focus on what you have
When a new gadget gets released by Apple, the one you have loses its luster. They do this on purpose. The electronics business is counting on the fact that you will want the latest and greatest technology. Instead of feeling a need to have the newest toy, be grateful for what you already own. research on gratitude
2. Do something free
When I told my older daughter about this topic her first idea was "Play Skip-Bo". She remembers many a weekend sitting on the deck out back having tournaments. We made it fun with normally forbidden junk food and music. We've had poker tournaments that the girls' friends wanted to join. I am still trying to learn chess. Because of diverse weekly schedules we are homebodies on the weekend. You can venture out for free fun at the park or community center.
3. Stop comparing
I read a book this year that changed how I think about comparisons. "What's Holding You Back?" by Sam Horn covers many topics. The most powerful for me was the chapter on comparing yourself to others. Now I try to compliment people who have more and better instead of feeling the need to compete. I went from resenting a strong co-worker to cherishing her wonderful abilities. free activities
4. Volunteer
There's nothing like seeing what others don't have to make you appreciate your situation. When my girls were in middle and high school they thought every parent bought expensive clothes for their children and were upset when I would not. Volunteering with The Salvation Army after school program in a local housing community gave them a broader perspective.
5. Know your budget
Do you know the debt of the average American family? I found statistics saying we have 10 to 30 thousand dollars in credit card bills and car payments. The cost of housing was not included. Wow! If you cannot afford it, don't buy it. My husband and I have work to do on this one. Any ideas for us? free budgeting software
6. Raise your self-esteem
Not as easy as it sounds. The greatest percentage of self-esteem is set in childhood. We adults have a more difficult time raising the bar. You can do this two ways according to Dorothy Corkille Briggs, the seminal expert on self-esteem. First spend time doing things you are naturally good at. Second, shore up weaknesses by practicing what you are not good at but need to master. I will have to devote more time to this in another list, it's important.
7. Work towards something
Want a cool vacation on the beach? Save for it and pay cash. Interested in going back to school? Make plans to save for tuition. Having something to work towards sets a great example for the kids and helps you do without on the short-term. There is a terrific book called "Switch" that talks about how to work toward important changes at home and in the business world. It's one of my favorite reads.
8. Unenroll
Kids today are doing too much. If your child is taking dance lessons, playing soccer, and taking music lessons, perhaps they are over-programmed. Limit activities to maximize family time and reduce stress. Some activities are good. The experts say three hours a week is optimal for kids under 12.
9. Fix instead of replace
It's almost always cheaper to repair a car instead of replacing it. Recently I spent $21 dollars to make three pairs of shoes look like new. I had to search for the shoe-repair shot but it was worth it. Not handy, find a reputable handyman and keep the card on file. reasearch by David Elkind author of "The Hurried Child"
10. Try a month without spending
Two years ago, I tried a whole year without buying anything I didn't need. I goofed three times. I was amazed at how many purchases could be avoided. I don't suggest a year, it might feel punative. Try one month only buying what you really need and let me know how it goes.
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