Good morning folks, hopefully today is going well and you are keeping a positive outlook on the rest of the day.  Quick question: Have you ever thought about how you could be a “better you”.  Chances are you have and something may or may not have come out of it.  It isn’t that each of us is a bad person, because that just isn’t the case, but each and everyone has more potential to grow and develop as individuals and leaders on our campus.  As Resident Assistants we can model personal development to our residents just by our actions and talking with residents about what they are doing to keep moving forward.  Here are some challenges to consider as you move forward:

• use words that encourage happiness. for example when someone asks you about your day switch up your response from the typical “I’m fine” to something more exciting such as  “I’m fabulous today!”  Focusing on happiness and positive can really help change the way you look at things in your daily life and the result is a positive one.
• try something new. Learn something by trying something new.  Variety can spice up your life and you can only do something for the first time once, so its kind of really exciting!
• one selfless act a day. Ever heard the phase you get what you put in.  Well they aren’t really lying there whether it is professionally or in other areas of your life. When you make a positive impact on someone else’s day they are more likely to do good for others as well.
• do what you are passionate about. Set aside one hour a day to do something that you are passionate about.  This is a good way to incorporate “me time” into your day and this engagement brings happiness and meaning into their lives.
• treat everyone nicely, even those who are rude to you. It isn’t fake to be nice to people you dislike, it simply means you are mature enough to control your emotions.  Be nice not because the people around you are nice, but because you are.  You will start to see the rudeness around you dissipate.
• concentrate on being positive at all time. Have the ability to make your own happiness and drive.  No matter the situation look to the positives or the silver lining of it.
• look at life as a lesson even in inconvenient situations. Everything is a life lesson: the people you meet and every challenge that gets thrown your way.  Never forget to acknowledge the lesson, especially when things don’t go your way. Learning is the first step to progress.
• pay attention and enjoy your life as it happens.  You’ve got a lot on your plate work, school, family, a social life, and whatever else you may be juggling.  Don’t forget to notice and enjoy the now in your life. Be present for the interactions you have and the things you are doing now.  Now is the only moment that is guaranteed.
• set your goals and work on them daily. break it down into bite size pieces and focus on achieving each pice at a time.  Take that dream and make it a reality.
• challenge yourself and get uncomfortable. you don’t grow through comfort, so try something new, talk to a stranger, face your fears.  Really challenge yourself by facing a barrier in your life.
• evaluate. look at the things you are doing and journal about it. Tracking the where you are and where you are going can help you hold yourself accountable for the kind of life you want to be living and striving for.

Good luck in your endeavors.