I don't know why people are so obsessed with complaining. No matter where you go or what you do, there's always something worth grumbling about, right? The size of your butt or the limpness of your hair or the demands of your sadistic boss or the way time won't stop running out on you...
Wrong.
Newsflash: whining about your problems is going to get you nowhere. In fact, it's only going to make things worse. If you want to make your life better and achieve your goals, you need to change your attitude.
The Real Issue Here
See, there's nothing wrong with feeling sad once in a while. Even the happiest people have their bad days. But what I'm talking about here is a negative attitude and a half-hearted approach to life.
How many of you think about all the things you wanted to do but didn't? How many of you are unhappy with your life but aren't willing to do anything about it?
Almost all of you? Yes, that's what I expected.
The thing about life is that the only way you can move forward is by actually moving. But maybe you aren't moving - you're just standing still and listing down all the things that you hate about yourself, about your job, about your relationships.
Why not list down solutions to these problems at the same time?
Two Approaches to Solving Your Problems
You aren't omnipotent and you can't fix everything that's wrong with the world. But you can at least try, right? I believe that there are two ways you can look at a problem: either own it or change it.
Owning It
Human beings aren't perfect and neither should they chase perfection. If there's something that's bothering you, but you don't think you can change or improve it (or maybe you don't want to), then don't. Whether it's your physical appearance or a personality quirk or even a hectic job schedule, if you believe that it isn't actually affecting you negatively, then don't try to find a solution. Accept the situation and embrace everything positive it has to offer.
For example, maybe there's one thing about your partner that puts you off. But aren't there a hundred other things you love about them? Focus on the silver lining and the entire cloud will turn to gold.
If you use this approach, remember that only your perspective will change. Other people will continue to see you the same way: it just won't affect you anymore.
Changing It
Maybe this is a problem that is really making you upset. You're unenthusiastic about your new job. Your partner is indifferent or abusive and isn't giving you the love you deserve. Your friends are using peer pressure to make you do things you wouldn't normally do.
These problems cannot be chased away by a positive attitude. You deserve the best things in life, and if someone or something is making you uncomfortable, you have to stop it.
Quit that job and do what you love. Forget about the money. Talk things out with your partner or separate from them. Tell your friends that they're being a bad influence on you.
You have the power to change your life. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Why You Should Start Now
It's so important to apply these approaches to your life this very minute. The more you procrastinate, the more negative you'll get, and the more your mind will get accustomed to whining instead of doing.
So spend today being intentional. Every time a bad thought enters your mind, think of what you're going to do to turn it into a good one. Accept the way your body looks or start working out. Talk to your boss about your heavy workload or quit if it isn't adding value to your life. Enjoy the quiet time you have or go out and meet new people. It's all up to you.
Now go and give yourself the life you deserve!
Swati is a self-proclaimed geek who enjoys obsessing over fictional characters and the wonderful world of books. She likes food, fitness, acting pretentious and avoiding people as much as possible - except on the internet, where she is too extroverted for her own good. Find her at Geekie Chic.