Category: HACK 201-301

Social media is an amazing service that helps us connect with the world. The problem, though, is that social media can also disconnect you from actual interactions with people. You don’t have to quit email/Twitter/ Facebook/Instagram/Tumblr cold turkey—just check it a couple of times a day and then be done with it. If people truly need to get in touch with you, they can call you. (You know, that other function of your phone!)

“I’m fine.” “Things are fine.” “We’re doing fine.” “Fine” is one of the most overused and meaningless words people say today. You should never answer “fine” when someone asks you how you are doing. Take a few moments to actually think about how you are feeling and then give an appropriate answer: “I’m bored.” “I’m nervous.” “I’m great.” Take the time to think about your feelings instead of giving a throwaway response. Who knows? You might even inspire the person who’s asking to think more about their feelings as well!

Interrupting someone isn’t just rude—it sends the message that you don’t care about the other person. When you interrupt what someone is saying, what you’re doing is telling that person, “I don’t care enough about you to listen to what you are saying so that I can understand you—I am just listening until I can decide what I want to say next.” Genuinely listen to what the other person is saying. Focus on what the other person is telling you and try to actually understand their point rather than just thinking about your counterpoint. Ask questions about what the other person is saying. Your interlocutor will feel appreciated and valued, and in turn, you’ll feel happier that you took the time to listen.

You’ve no doubt heard that things won’t bring you happiness . . . yet we all still buy more and more stuff. Buying things doesn’t make us happy for many reasons: possessions are only temporary, possessions require maintenance, possessions make us worry about damage and theft, and no matter how much you have, some- one else will always have more. So instead of looking to fill your happiness void with buying more things, try having fewer things. Redirect your buying desires to other pursuits that are more lasting. 

When someone wrongs you, your first reaction may be to devise a plan to inflict similar pain on that person. You may even feel like doing so will make you feel better about your own pain. In reality, though, seeking revenge does not cancel out your pain—all it does is continue the cycle of pain. There is a famous saying: “Before seeking revenge, first dig two graves.” That makes sense, because when you seek revenge, you are hurting yourself in the process. Rise above the situation and move forward. You don’t want to let pain suck you into a negative place. 

That old saying about wisdom coming from the mouths of babes is more true than you might think. Try to regularly talk to someone under the age of seven. What you will discover is a fierce zest for life, a refreshing outlook, and a no-nonsense attitude about what it takes to be happy. Want to learn what it’s like to really enjoy a day? Talk to a kid and understand the simple joys of life. 

Want to truly appreciate the world and the wonders of time? Talk to a senior. Talk to people who have literally seen the world change, not just in terms of technology and convenience, but also through the atrocities of war and the moments that changed history. The perspective and knowledge you can gain from seniors and maybe even apply to your own life is monumental. 

The past is a valuable thing: it holds valuable memories and teaches us lessons. Learn from those lessons and learn from those mistakes . . . and then let them go. If something bad has happened, see it as an opportunity to learn something you didn’t know. If someone else made a mistake, see it as an opportunity to be forgiving and understanding. The past does not define you. Think of the past as practice and training, letting you learn lessons so that you don’t repeat them. Don’t dwell on the bad aspects of the past and don’t live in the pain of old hurts. Move forward! 

Want to get quickly overwhelmed and give up on making a positive change as soon as you’ve begun making it? Then try to handle a big change all at once. It won’t work. Tackling a big lifestyle change should start with small, basic steps. If you try to do too much too quickly, you will get frustrated, resent the change, and eventually give up on it. Instead, start with small, easy-to-manage steps and gradually add more steps over time. 

“What other people think of you is none of your business.” This quote is true on so many levels—what other people think of you should not affect the way you live your life. Some people will not like you no matter what you do, so it’s no use trying to change yourself to meet someone else’s expectations. Be yourself, express your thoughts as you see fit, and be comfortable in your own skin. If others don’t appreciate you, that is their issue, not yours.