These are some things I want to work on, in order to be more focused mentally and to work towards being a better person (so cliché, but there's no better way to put it)
1. Be a better conversationalist
1. Be a better conversationalist
When my passions get ahold of me, I can be a conversational narcissist, droning on and on, and forgetting that what I’m saying may not actually be interesting to other people. And while being exuberant is definitely a positive trait, I will listen to whoever I’m speaking to more so that they feel respected. Oftentimes, I listen only with half of my mind, because I’m crafting my response. But conversations are not a test to see who can be wittier or who can talk more; good ones are a trade of ideas, with each person walking away with a deeper understanding than they had before. Also, I will keep in mind that a lull in conversation is not a bad thing, and allows people to really think about what had been said before and what they want to say next. Silence helps people collect their thoughts, thus communicating them in articulately.
Succinct: Listen to other people; only say what needs to be said
2. Be more organized
2. Be more organized
I am going to write tasks that I will actually do when I say that I will do them, instead of pushing things into the future. I need to think more long-term and need to prioritize my time, instead of browsing social media and lounging around. In order to do this, I will start doing work earlier in the day, and only let myself read/browse the web/have relaxation time if I finish my work.
Succinct: Practice delayed gratification
3. Be minimalistic
Even though I hardly buy stuff (go anti-throwaway culture!), I have a tendency to attach sentimental values to what I already have and have a scary ability to rationalize keeping stuff. Like why do I need a bunch of stubby pencils when I rarely use wooden pencils anymore? I need to stop thinking that everything is going to be useful at a later date and just get rid of the clutter. I also need to be minimalistic with the company I keep. I feel like sometimes I talk to people just because I’m bored and want to be entertained-- this also ties into #1. True friends don’t need to talk 24/7 to be connected.
Even though I hardly buy stuff (go anti-throwaway culture!), I have a tendency to attach sentimental values to what I already have and have a scary ability to rationalize keeping stuff. Like why do I need a bunch of stubby pencils when I rarely use wooden pencils anymore? I need to stop thinking that everything is going to be useful at a later date and just get rid of the clutter. I also need to be minimalistic with the company I keep. I feel like sometimes I talk to people just because I’m bored and want to be entertained-- this also ties into #1. True friends don’t need to talk 24/7 to be connected.
Succinct: Lose the clutter, both physically and socially
