Your Clear Next Step’s mission is to create better workdays, so we can co-create better communities. No matter where we are in our career or life, there is always room for improvement. Sometimes it's hard to know where or how to start, or the idea sounds daunting, but there are small changes we can make even in our day-to-day. With these simple and convenient tips, we can all be on this journey of better. Here are 10 sentences we can try to make today better, which in turn, will create better days for ourselves and those around us.
We choose our own attitude to start the day with, we might as well choose a good one. Rather than letting the fact we woke up on the wrong side of the bed get in our way, embrace the good morning attitude! Let's tell ourselves and others it is a good morning, not just a morning.
Let's embrace a growth mindset and start our day with curiosity. Think about our schedules for the day: what are our tasks to complete? Who will we converse with? Then, we'll reflect to discover what we can learn from those experiences. For example, we can learn precisely how long it takes us to complete one of those tasks, and establish a proper schedule that allows us the time to complete it every time.
For a person we encounter today, or better yet - every person, genuinely ask them how they are. This is not just the bump into them: "How are you?" / "Fine" mindless drivel, rather the actual question: How are you? This interaction also requires proper listening ears and a welcoming space to be effective. Ensure the person feels comfortable sharing their answer and that we are prepared to listen. What’s even more exciting with this sentence is that we are making the effort to build relationships with the people we ask.
This is the one where it’s important that we close our mouth and open our ears. Demonstrate that we are actually listening - not listening to reply, not listening to argue, not listening for our chance to talk - but listening, genuinely listening to the other person. There are nonverbal ways to show we are listening to the other person, but sometimes it is subjective. Listening is a part of communication, and in order to properly listen to someone, we need to understand their communication style, and how to show them, personally, that we are listening.
Whether we are saying this to ourselves or someone else, these words of encouragement can inspire both camaraderie and accountability. No one wants to feel alone, and letting them know when we understand their struggle, frustration, or whatever it may be, is a kindness. It’s a way to show we support them and creates a safe space for them to ask for what they need.
This is a great phrase to offer to get outside our own selves, and look to others. We can ask ourselves: where can I co-create greatness in my community or just make a positive difference for one other person? Offer to help. Use phrases such as, “Is there anything I can help you with?” or “What can I take off of your plate?” Then, let's not forget to help and do what we said we would do!
Let’s practice humility. This phrase is a great one for demonstrating humility and setting our own egos aside. There is no shame in admitting we don’t know something. In fact, most people will respond with grace and respect, especially if we follow it up with “yet.” Admit we don’t know and take it one step further by committing to find it out.
Finding ourselves back in a growth mindset, this one reminds us that we don’t have it all figured out, and we can figure out the puzzle before us if we keep trying. This circles back to our discussion of saying “I don’t know.” Let's become comfortable with admitting we don’t know… yet, by continuing even further with “and I can figure that out.” Commit to learning, developing, and growing in our understanding.
A great phrase to use to express gratitude. How many times do we say "thank you" in a day? Probably not enough. When we operate from a position of gratitude, we are wiser and more insightful. Saying “thank you” is an appreciation of the other person for making the effort to do something for us. There is no automatic obligation - there are always conditions - even if that condition is simply that they are another human!
What did I gain from my efforts? Maybe asking someone how they are and genuinely listening allowed a new relationship to form. Maybe we learned an easier or more efficient way to accomplish something. This daily habit of reflection can help us consider the journey of the day, and aspire to do even better tomorrow.
These 10 sentences help us all in our journey of self-discovery, growth, making or strengthening connections, or any other journey we may find yourself on.
Which of these 10 sentences do you already practice everyday? Which are your favorites to continue or begin? Let us know in the comments!