How to Be a Better Person
Becoming a better person is an ongoing journey that requires self-awareness, intentional effort, and a willingness to grow. Whether as a sibling, parent, child, neighbor, or friend, relationships thrive when we actively work to improve ourselves. By implementing frequent life audit practices, individuals can assess their behaviors, set meaningful goals, and foster healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
1. Being a Better Sibling
Siblings often share deep bonds but can also experience conflicts. To be a better sibling:
Practice active listening (Brown, 2018) – Understanding your sibling's perspective strengthens your relationship.
Show support in their achievements and struggles (Miller, 2020).
Resolve conflicts with maturity – Avoid resentment by discussing disagreements constructively.
Life Audit Solution: Regularly reflect on your interactions with your sibling and set goals for improving communication and support.
2. Being a Better Parent
Parenting is one of the most challenging yet rewarding roles. To be a better parent:
Lead by example (Gottman & Silver, 2016) – Children learn by observing their parents' behavior.
Foster open communication – Encourage honest discussions and emotional expression.
Prioritize quality time – Being present and engaged strengthens parent-child bonds (Siegel & Bryson, 2012).
Life Audit Solution: Assess parenting strategies regularly to identify areas for improvement and growth.
3. Being a Better Child
Even as adults, we can improve our relationships with our parents by:
Expressing gratitude (Emmons, 2007) – Acknowledging sacrifices and efforts strengthens bonds.
Checking in regularly – Frequent communication prevents emotional distance.
Offering support when needed – Aging parents appreciate emotional and practical assistance.
Life Audit Solution: Periodically review how often and meaningfully you connect with your parents and adjust accordingly.
4. Being a Better Neighbor
A strong community starts with good neighbors. Improve your neighborly relationships by:
Practicing kindness and respect (Putnam, 2000).
Helping in times of need – Offering assistance fosters goodwill.
Maintaining a friendly and approachable demeanor – Small gestures, like a smile or greeting, go a long way.
Life Audit Solution: Evaluate your level of community involvement and identify ways to be more engaged.
5. Being a Better Friend
Friendships require effort and mutual investment. Strengthen friendships by:
Being reliable and trustworthy (Dunbar, 2010).
Actively supporting and celebrating your friends’ achievements.
Maintaining healthy boundaries – Balance giving with self-care.
Life Audit Solution: Reflect on the quality of your friendships and take steps to deepen meaningful connections.
The key to being a better person lies in continuous self-improvement. Frequent life audits provide a structured way to assess behaviors, set goals, and make positive changes in relationships. By implementing intentional reflection and action, individuals can strengthen their connections and foster a more compassionate and supportive environment for those around them.
Citations:
Brown, B. (2018). Dare to Lead. Random House.
Dunbar, R. (2010). How Many Friends Does One Person Need?. Harvard University Press.
Emmons, R. (2007). Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Gottman, J., & Silver, N. (2016). The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. Harmony.
Miller, C. (2020). The Power of Showing Up. Ballantine Books.
Putnam, R. (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. Simon & Schuster.
Siegel, D., & Bryson, T. (2012). The Whole-Brain Child. Delacorte Press.
