Don’t Accept Disrespect

Disrespect can mean different things to different people. For me, it’s one of the most serious issues, and it’s hard to recover from because I am vocal about my boundaries. I believe you should not allow others to treat you poorly. When you recognize the importance of your word, your morals, and your place in others’ lives, you will likely stop allowing disrespect to continue.

I’m not talking about the subtle boundaries that people may not be aware of; I’m referring to the clear boundaries you’ve set and communicated, which some people may choose to ignore. That’s disrespectful.

It’s important to understand that what defines disrespect for you might not be the same for someone else. Take the time to figure out what disrespect looks like in your life, and write it down. Then commit to yourself that, regardless of who it involves or what the situation is, you will not compromise on these boundaries. This commitment includes how you treat yourself; do not allow yourself to disrespect your own boundaries.

Hold yourself to the standard you wish to present to the world, and more often than not, the world will begin to reflect that to you.

Wake Up Prepared for the Day

Every night, I make it a priority to prepare for the next day. The night before is crucial; it’s like your personal holy grail. Creating a checklist of what needs to be done the evening before sets you up for success each morning. This way, when you wake up, you can be grateful that you’ve already taken care of everything except for the essentials. Like brushing your teeth, doing your hair, and putting on makeup. Everything else will be ready to go.

This is especially important if you have a family. They rely on you in many ways, and you also depend on yourself to stay ahead of the game. So, why not start preparing the night before?

I am committed to ensuring that every single night, I set myself up for success before I go to bed. I make sure that everything needed for a successful day is in place so that I can wake up ready to tackle whatever comes my way.

Healthy Lifestyle

You’d be surprised how many people I know who don’t care about their health. We often think that because we’re in our 20s and 30s, we can get away with anything. However, I promise that by the time you reach 60, or even 50, your body will remind you of what you’ve put it through during your younger years. For me, adopting a healthy lifestyle is more than just a choice; it’s a commitment to my future. I want to ensure that I remain as healthy as possible for as long as I can.

I’m not saying a healthy lifestyle will protect me from cancer or other diseases, or keep me safe from accidents, but at least if I survive those challenges. I can live a fulfilling life. 

I never want to be a burden on my children or family, needing to be pushed around in a wheelchair or relying on others. A healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym every day or meticulously count your protein intake. It can be as simple as spending time outdoors, allowing the sun to touch your skin for just a few minutes each day. Sitting at home all day, cooped up in bed, is not a healthy lifestyle. Trust me, this will come back to haunt you in ways you can’t even imagine.

Find Your Passion

I have an ongoing commitment to myself to find my passion, and this commitment is dynamic because it may change depending on the situation. I might have ten different passions that I want to explore, and that’s perfectly okay. It’s important to evolve and grow, and you can’t do that if you limit yourself to one narrow focus. I have promised myself that when new opportunities arise, I will seize them and pursue them with determination.

This commitment not only fosters my growth by helping me set goals and develop positive habits but also distinguishes me from those who navigate life aimlessly without a plan. I know a few people who can thrive by living in the moment, but that’s not who I am. My habits and goals define me.

So, find your passion and work towards it. Don’t let anyone stand in the way of your success. That’s all there is to it.

Keep Reading and Learning

One thing I absolutely need from the friends and company I keep is a commitment to reading and learning. You cannot be stagnant. It’s important not to just listen to the news and let others dictate what to think or how to feel about a situation. 

When I think about learning, I reflect on the struggles my ancestors went through to reach the point where I can sit here and read without fearing for my life. Knowledge is power; without it, someone else holds the keys to understanding how the world works. Escaping into books or immersing myself in the realities presented on paper provides a wonderful way to take a vacation without spending much money. Commit to yourself to always learning.

Or you could be like me, a course junkie, spending thousands of dollars on learning experiences that I may never use again. I have four degrees that just sit on my desk, but I did learn valuable lessons from them that I wouldn’t have acquired on my own. Those lessons have given me a deeper understanding of life.

Recently, I downloaded Duolingo as a way to replace my TikTok habit once and for all. I realized it was time to change my habits and fill my time with something more productive. Duolingo is helping me learn a new language at my age, and I’m excited that I am forming a new habit, rather than holding on to an old, unproductive one.

Be of the world, not in it.

Having grown up in a very religious background, I was always taught to be of the world, not in it. As I evolved into adulthood, I began to understand that this concept is a powerful way to disconnect from the chaos around us. It’s important to be aware of the world’s tragedies and keep up with daily news, but we must also recognize that there is only so much we can do.

As someone who naturally wants to fix things, it weighs heavily on my heart to realize that many problems require money, time, and attention in multiple places at once. Now, ask yourself: is that possible? No, it’s not. This realization adds an extra burden to my already full plate of responsibilities.

Being of the world is just as important as being in it. Taking a step back at times allows us to maintain our well-being. I’m not suggesting we throw in the towel and give up, saying we can’t do anything about the problems we see. Rather, I am saying that while big commitments are important, we should also acknowledge and appreciate the efforts we have made. It’s perfectly okay not to be able to fix everything.

Take Breaks When You Need Them

Do you know me? I’m the queen of taking breaks. Sometimes, I take a break even while I’m on a break! It may sound funny, but it’s true: breaks are essential for reevaluating where you are in life. They help prevent total burnout and keep you from feeling overwhelmed.

Anyone who knows me understands that I might just clock out for a day, or even longer. I’m all over the internet, posting, dancing, and sharing my opinions, and then out of nowhere, I might disappear for three months. More often than not, I’m just taking a much-needed break. This isn’t just limited to my online presence; it applies to my relationships with friends and family as well.

I want to emphasize that it’s perfectly okay to take a break whenever you need one. You are allowed to take a break, and that’s completely valid.

When you commit to yourself, you are your number one priority. This concept aligns with the idea of taking a break at the end of the day; you need to prioritize yourself. If you find yourself shouting out for help, it’s a sign that you need to focus on your own needs rather than on what others expect from you. You can’t fill a cup if it’s already empty. Sometimes, it feels like people only care about themselves and take without considering what they have to give.

Set boundaries.

People often don’t care if you’re going through tough times, as long as you keep showing up in their lives. I learned this the hard way. I used to think I was more important to others than I actually was. When something tragic happened in my life recently, no one showed up for me the way I would have for them. 

This realization wasn’t about whether I prioritize myself; it was about recognizing my worth as a friend. I offer support and expect to be treated the same way, but when that didn’t happen, I realized I wasn’t their priority as a friend. It’s crucial to move on from relationships that don’t reflect your own values. I’ve become very strict about this.

Consider the Source

One thing I’m now very committed to, as I’ve gotten older, is considering the source of any advice I receive. I realize that everyone has an opinion, just like everyone has a behind, but not all opinions are equally valid. In the past. I used to take advice from people I wouldn’t want to trade places with, believing that any input was valuable. As an adult, I’ve learned that’s a misconception.

It’s crucial to evaluate who is giving you advice and where they are in their own lives. Don’t take guidance from someone who isn’t in the position you want to be in. If they’re on their way to success but haven’t actually reached it. Their perspective may not be relevant to your situation. 

You might wonder why you should consider my advice as the writer, and the truth is, you don’t have to. Ultimately, it’s important to evaluate the source of any guidance you receive.

Connect with Nature

Did you know that grass is free to touch? Right now, before billionaires figure out how to profit from people enjoying nature. You can go outside and enjoy the fresh air for free. I truly believe that the healthiest people are those who take the time to connect with Mother Nature. It doesn’t have to be a big, extravagant adventure. It just needs to involve being outdoors and feeling the sun on your skin. I’ve always said that people tend to get too cooped up in their houses. They often remain in the same spot for too long. When you commit to yourself, you are committed to every aspect of growth.

Find Someone to Look Up To

I have committed myself: I want to find a mentor, someone I can look up to completely. Friends and mentors are not the same, and this is where many people get confused. When I say I am looking for mentorship, I mean I am seeking guidance in a specific area. Which is different from the kind of support friends provide.

I can tell you what I’m looking for in a mentor, but what’s right for me may not be right for you. It’s essential to determine where you want to go and who would be the best fit for you on that journey. 

This is why I truly appreciate being in school; professors serve as our mentors. They aren’t our friends; they are there to impart knowledge and expertise. You can’t get the same experience from a friend who might hold back for the sake of your feelings and the relationship.