Simple steps to survive 2014 and beyond

Our parents and grandparents had it easy 20-30 years ago – jobs were easier to find and easier to keep, wages were higher, prices were lower, breathing was lighter and so was traffic.

Looking back at the good old days makes me want to step into a DeLorean DMC-12 and take a carpool with Marty Mcfly back into a more relaxed time. (To those who are too young, this is a reference to a mid 80s film, Back to the Future, starring Michael J. Fox.)

Nowadays, there are a lot of things to worry about – the strengthening of terrorists and storms, the weakening of our immune system and the atmosphere, the continuous increase in gasoline price, electricity and crime. New strains, new threats, new disturbances. All these while dealing with the ever-present financial challenges, dead-end jobs, stray bullets, flash floods, storm surges. If I missed something, check out news websites or television programs to see a better picture of our grim state.

Reading the news will make even the strongest of super heroes want to call in sick. These days it seems like we are in a perpetual 3 phase cycle.

1. Just got through a challenge.

2. Going through a challenge.

3. Getting ready to face a challenge.

But before you stop reading and start packing your bags for your next troubles, here are some tips (from my experience) on how to surpass some troubles we encounter.

1) Keep a proper perspective.

We should  think about what we are thinking about. If you wake up healthy, with a roof over your head, and a job (even if you hate it), remember the people who are living on the street, those who don’t have families, and those with no food. A good number of people would move heaven and earth to be in your place.

We know that life is hard but focusing on what you have rather than what you don’t have will surely give you a bit of peace. Keeping a right perspective will not only make us happier but it will give us an attitude of gratitude.

2) Be thankful!

I have learned that the happiest of people are not the richest, not the most successful, not the ones who have the biggest houses and the fastest cars. No, the happiest are the ones who are grateful – grateful for the small things and the not-so-small things. The grateful people have a certain peace about them that’s unmistakable.

Perhaps, we should make a habit of thanking people, from the jeepney driver who brought us to work safely to the fast food attendant who took our order correctly. Even to the “manong” guard who keeps our surroundings safe. Being a little thankful will take us a long way.

3) Watch your mouth.

A bad habit that is ingrained in our culture is thinking that it is wrong when we speak good things about ourselves. Culture will tell us that we are mayabang (proud) when we affirm ourselves positively. But positive affirmations are a proven way of lifting self-esteem, improving performance and just having a better outlook on life.

I honestly believe that there are power in words, so speak! Speak good things! Speak great things about yourself, about your family, about your love life, about the country and about your finances. Keep telling yourself that you can succeed and you will eventually believe and achieve it!

4) Stop complaining!

One common belief is that unhappy people complain a lot. I think it’s the other way around. Complaining leads to unhappiness. Just as positive affirmation affects us positively, negative words will dampen our spirits, shorten our tempers, make us cranky and irritable and make us come out as “unfun” and sour. Seriously, would you want to spend a half hour with someone who just complains? Think about it.

5) Be generous!

We all have different beliefs about giving to street kids, the elderly, the church. Whatever it is, share your time and food, give advice, and be extravagant while you’re at it! It doesn’t have to be money. Share a smile tell a joke. Share joy. Because its true, the more you give the more you receive! 

So why not share and spread joy? Don’t be stingy!

6) Dream big!

This 2014, put your dreams on steroids. If you were dreaming for a car, dream for a house, too. If you were aiming for a job, make it your goal to be the manager. This will subconsciously awaken the greatness in us. I have not heard of a world changer who didn’t have a huge dream.

Write your dream on a piece of paper and visualize what you would be doing once this goal is attained. But please, you owe it to the world to have a big dream. If you reach for the ceiling and fail, you land on the floor. But if you reach for the moon and fail, at least you land on the roof. Dream big! It’s free!

These things will not guarantee riches or fame, but at least it will create in us more confidence. Better habits make us better friends and positive influencers in our community. When challenges come our way, we will be more equipped to overcome if our hearts, minds and mouths are in the right place.

Let us all live a victorious and joyous life this 2014 and beyond! – Rappler.com

Ravi Chulani is an ambitious freelance writer, businessman, and avid sports fan. He is also an advocate of social development for the Philippines. He is currently beginning his journalism career and is open to any writing opportunities that may come his way.