15 Super Mental Health Tips

Prioritizing mental well-being is more crucial than ever. With increasing external pressures and internal challenges, it's vital to have strategies in place to maintain and enhance our mental health. While professional help is essential for severe mental health issues, everyday practices can significantly boost our overall mental wellness. 

 

This article delves into 15 super tips, grounded in both ancient wisdom and modern research, to help you navigate the pathways of your mind. 

 

Practice Mindfulness Meditation

 

Mindfulness meditation is a practice that focuses on the present moment without judgment. It's a technique that has its roots in ancient Buddhist traditions but has gained significant attention in modern psychology for its benefits. 

 

Research shows that practicing mindfulness can reduce stress, improve concentration, and even increase one's overall happiness.

 

Taking just a few minutes each day to sit quietly, breathe deeply, and focus on the present can make a significant difference in one's mental well-being.

 

Stay Physically Active

 

Exercise isn't just for physical health; it plays a pivotal role in mental wellness, too. Regular physical activity can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. 

 

When we exercise, our body releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Whether it's a brisk walk, a yoga session, or a high-intensity workout, find an activity you enjoy and make it a part of your routine.

 

Get Adequate Sleep

 

“While insomnia can be a symptom of psychiatric disorders, like anxiety and depression, it is now recognized that sleep problems can also contribute to the onset and worsening of different mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation.” (https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/)

 

Sleep is essential for mental health. Lack of rest can exacerbate feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. It's crucial to establish a regular sleep routine, ensuring you get at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

 

Avoid screen time at least an hour before bed, keep your bedroom dark and cool, and try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.

 

Connect with Loved Ones

 

“When people are socially connected and have stable and supportive relationships, they are more likely to make healthy choices and to have better mental and physical health outcomes. They are also better able to cope with hard times, stress, anxiety, and depression.” (Centers For Disease Control)

 

Human beings are social creatures. Connecting with friends, family, and even pets can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. 

 

Spend quality time with loved ones, engage in meaningful conversations, and seek support when needed. Remember, it's okay to lean on others when you're feeling down.

 

Limit Alcohol and Caffeine Intake

 

While a glass of wine or a cup of coffee might seem like a good idea at the moment, excessive intake can negatively impact your mental health. 

 

Both alcohol and caffeine can disrupt sleep patterns and exacerbate anxiety. It's essential to consume them in moderation and be aware of their effects on your mind and body.

 

Set Realistic Goals

 

Setting achievable goals can give you a sense of purpose and direction. Start with small steps and celebrate your achievements along the way. 

 

Whether it's related to your career, personal life, or hobbies, having clear goals can act as a motivating force and enhance your self-esteem. Remember, it's okay to adjust your goals based on changing circumstances or feelings.

 

Take Breaks and Manage Stress

 

It's essential to recognize when you're feeling overwhelmed and give yourself a break. Whether it's a short walk, a day off, or a vacation, taking time to relax and rejuvenate can significantly benefit your mental health. 

 

Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your routine, such as deep breathing exercises, journaling, or listening to music.

 

Maintain a Balanced Diet

 

What you eat can significantly influence your mental health. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can boost your mood and energy. 

 

Avoid excessive sugar and processed foods, which can lead to mood swings and feelings of fatigue. Drinking plenty of water also helps in maintaining optimal brain function.

 

Limit Exposure to Negative News

 

While it's essential to stay informed, constant exposure to negative news can take a toll on your mental well-being. Set boundaries for how often and when you consume news. 

Consider designating specific times in the day to check updates and avoid doing so right before bed. Remember to balance the intake with positive stories and news as well.

 

Seek Professional Help When Needed

 

There's no shame in seeking help. If you feel persistently sad, anxious, or overwhelmed, it might be time to consult a professional. 

 

Therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists can provide valuable insights, coping strategies, and support. Remember, taking the step to seek help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

 

Limit Screen Time

 

Spending excessive time in front of screens, whether it's for work or leisure, can negatively impact mental health. Studies have shown that prolonged screen time can lead to symptoms of depression and anxiety. 

 

It's crucial to take regular breaks, perhaps following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Also, consider setting a screen curfew before bedtime to improve sleep quality.

 

Engage in Creative Activities

 

Engaging in creative activities can be therapeutic. Whether it's painting, writing, crafting, or playing a musical instrument, expressing oneself creatively can provide a sense of accomplishment and act as an emotional outlet. 

 

The good news is that you don't have to be an expert; the process is more important than the end product.

 

Practice Gratitude

 

Focusing on positive aspects of your life and practicing gratitude can significantly boost mental well-being. Consider maintaining a gratitude journal, where you jot down things you're thankful for each day. 

 

Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can lead to increased happiness and reduced depressive symptoms.

 

Avoid Drugs and Substance Abuse

 

While some might turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism, substance abuse can exacerbate mental health issues. It's essential to be aware of the consequences and seek support if you find yourself relying on substances for emotional relief.

 

Educate Yourself

 

Understanding mental health, its challenges, and various coping mechanisms can empower you to take better care of yourself. 

 

Numerous resources, both online and offline, provide valuable insights into mental well-being. Educating yourself can also help in reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues.

 

References

• Kabat-Zinn, J. (2003). Mindfulness-based interventions in context: Past, present, and future. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10(2), 144-156.

• Babyak, M., Blumenthal, J. A., Herman, S., Khatri, P., Doraiswamy, M., Moore, K., ... & Krishnan, K. R. (2000). Exercise treatment for major depression: maintenance of therapeutic benefit at ten months. Psychosomatic Medicine, 62(5), 633-638.

• Walker, M. P. (2017). Why we sleep: Unlocking the power of sleep and dreams. Simon and Schuster.

 

How To Make Criticism Work For You

It may seem counter-intuitive, but sometimes a critique can be the most impactful thing someone can offer you. It all comes down to what you decide to do with it. If you’d like to discover how to make criticism work for you, rather than derail you, read on.

 

Create Distance

 

When someone says something critical about you, you have some choices to make. Of these choices, one of the most significant is whether or not you choose to be offended. 

 

The stoic philosopher Epictetus said this on the subject, “If someone in the street were entrusted with your body, you would be furious. Yet you entrust your mind to anyone around who happens to insult you and allow it to be troubled and confused. Aren't you ashamed of that?”^[1]

 

In other words, don’t fall into the trap of allowing the opinions of others to control your emotions and take charge of your mind. By recognizing that someone’s thoughts about you only have the significance you afford them, you can decide how you will feel, and you see the foolishness of letting other people’s words control you. 

 

This recognition creates distance between what is said and your sense of self-worth, a powerful tool to assist you in navigating snares of modern life such as the attention economy and cancel culture.

 

Let Life Be Your Teacher

 

Choosing to learn from each experience you have is profoundly empowering. You don’t have to agree with people or even think they’re intelligent. The important thing is that you can garner lessons from everything you encounter in life.

 

When someone criticizes you, it’s a great opportunity. Since you’ve already chosen to create distance and not allow words to offend you, you now have the chance to scan over what was said and see if there’s anything useful there. You’re ready to learn and grow if possible, transforming the encounter from a trial to a win.

 

Embrace The Process

 

Sometimes a little humility goes a long way. When we acknowledge that we’re all works in progress, it doesn’t hurt so much to encounter criticism. Instead of feeling embarrassed or belittled, you can figure out how the observation might pave the way for improvement. After all, a lack of growth often leads to stagnation, so we should embrace the process, relishing opportunities to break the mold and move forward.

 

Criticism Can Cultivate Creativity

 

Sometimes hearing what is wrong with something you’ve done can pave the way for innovation. For example, when someone presents you with issues in a proposal you present, or holes in a story you’ve written, it can reveal new ideas that were previously obscured from your view. This expanded vision is a part of how collaboration works, making more minds better than one.

 

According to Harvard Business Review, there’s a sweet spot in criticism that recognizes the flaws in something without throwing the baby out with the bathwater. They refer to this process as “yes, but, and.” In this scenario, the “yes, but” portion presents the issue with a presented idea, while the “and” portion presents potential solutions.^[2]

 

By approaching a discussion this way, the critique becomes an invaluable method for creating novel solutions without disregarding a person’s initial concept. As with many encounters, showing regard for other people’s feelings and perspectives while giving constructive criticism makes for more thorough communication and better outcomes.

 

Final Thoughts

 

It isn’t all bad to be criticized, even when the critic has questionable intentions. When we choose to analyze a person’s words, scan them for utility, and refuse to take them personally, we will always learn from the encounter. The freedom from releasing the perception of insult paves the way for vast personal improvement while removing potential suffering.

 

The benefits of criticism are amplified when it is used constructively amongst respectful individuals. In this ideal scenario, you will be encouraged to elevate your ideas and hone your skills, while being free from personal attack. Thus, being amongst good company is another potent way to make criticism work for you.

 

References

 

1. Salomon, Albert, editor. The Enchiridion. Translated by Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Bobbs-Merrill, 1955. 
2. “Why Criticism Is Good for Creativity.” Harvard Business Review, 16 July 2019, https://hbr.org/2019/07/why-criticism-is-good-for-creativity.

 

Cultivating a Balanced Mindset

In the pursuit of achieving balance, we often get caught up in the external world - creating to-do lists, scheduling commitments, and striving for efficiency. However, a crucial element often overlooked is cultivating a balanced mindset.

 

Shifting Your Perspective

 

Instead of viewing life as a constant struggle for balance, adopt the perspective that balance is an internal state. It's not about achieving external perfection but finding peace and acceptance within yourself. This shift in perspective allows you to approach life's challenges with greater resilience and navigate the inevitable ups and downs without feeling overwhelmed.

 

Practicing Mindfulness

 

Mindfulness practices like meditation and deep breathing can be powerful tools for cultivating a balanced mind. These practices help you focus on the present moment and become aware of your thoughts and emotions without judgment. By training your mind to be present and accepting, you can better manage stress, reduce anxiety, and approach life's challenges with greater clarity and calmness.

 

Gratitude as a Source of Strength

 

Gratitude is another powerful tool for cultivating a balanced mindset. It allows you to shift your focus from what you lack to what you already have, fostering a sense of contentment and appreciation for the good things in life. Taking time to reflect on what you're grateful for, big or small, can significantly improve your well-being and overall outlook.

 

Self-Compassion is Key

 

Finding balance requires compassion for yourself, especially on days when you feel overwhelmed or unable to adhere to your ideal schedule. Instead of self-criticism, practice self-acceptance and understanding. Acknowledge your limitations and forgive yourself for setbacks. Remember, everyone struggles with achieving balance at times, and it's not about attaining perfection but about making progress and learning from your experiences.

 

Cultivating a balanced mindset is a journey, not a destination. By incorporating mindfulness practices, fostering gratitude, and practicing self-compassion, you can create a foundation for inner peace and navigate the ebbs and flows of life with greater ease and resilience. This, in turn, will contribute to a more balanced and fulfilling life, even when faced with external demands and challenges.

 

Achieving Balance in a Demanding World

Finding balance in life can feel impossible in today's fast-paced, demanding world. Juggling work, relationships, personal well-being, and countless other responsibilities can be overwhelming and leave us struggling to manage. But achieving balance isn't about maintaining a perfectly equal distribution of time and energy across every aspect of our lives. It's about consciously prioritizing and managing our resources to create a fulfilling and sustainable life.

 

Prioritize Your Values

 

The first step towards achieving balance lies in identifying your core values. What truly matters to you in life? Is it family time, professional success, creative expression, or physical health? Once you understand your values, you can start prioritizing activities that align with them. This might involve setting boundaries at work to ensure quality time with loved ones, delegating tasks to free up time for personal pursuits, or scheduling regular exercise sessions for a healthy mind and body.

 

Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability

 

Life is rarely predictable, and unexpected events can throw our meticulously planned schedules into disarray. The key is to be flexible and adaptable. Instead of rigidly clinging to a fixed schedule, embrace the flow of life and learn to adjust your plans as needed. This might involve saying no to additional commitments when your plate is full, delegating tasks when faced with unexpected deadlines, or simply taking time to recharge when needed.

 

The Power of "No"

 

Learning to say "no" is crucial for achieving balance. It empowers you to control your time and energy, preventing them from being drained by commitments that don't align with your values. While saying "no" can initially feel uncomfortable, it helps you focus on what truly matters and avoid burnout.

 

Finding Joy in the Journey

 

Finding balance isn't just about managing responsibilities; it's also about embracing moments of joy and fulfillment. Make time for pleasurable activities, for example, spending time in nature, pursuing a hobby or simply connecting with loved ones. These moments of joy are a source of energy and renewal, making navigating the inevitable challenges life throws us easier.

 

Remember, finding balance is a continuous journey, not a one-time destination. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, and don't be afraid to adjust your approach as needed. You can create a balanced, fulfilling life by prioritizing your values, embracing flexibility, harnessing the power of "no," and prioritizing moments of joy.

 

5 Creative Ways to Build Better Focus

Building better focus cannot be found in a step-by-step guide. It is a process, one that is filled with starts, stops, leveling up, and many missteps along the way. In fact, improving your focus might just be one of the most challenging things you can try to do in the Twenty-First Century. We have limitless distractions, stress from home and work, and information flying at us 24/7.

 

Below you will find a list of creative ways to work on improving your focus. But what you must remember throughout all the steps is to take inventory consistently. Notice your mental state, what is distracting you, and why is it distracting you. Taking the time to stop and take stock will give you feedback on what is and isn’t working for you, as well as how you are improving along the way.

 

Consider Your Attention

 

Throughout the day, stop and consider how much attention you are paying to the task at hand. Are you fully focused? Or are you only half working on a project while the other half of your brain thinks about lunch?

 

Consider Your Mood

 

Consider your mood throughout the day and why it may be that way. This should be paired with your attention to what you are doing. Are you anxious while you only half-think about the project? Are you annoyed and typing an email? 

 

Write Down Your Distractions & Look at Them

 

Every time you catch yourself being pulled away from the task at hand, write down the distraction and what you were doing, then get back to work. At the end of the day, look back on what distracted you and when. You may be able to pinpoint weak points in your day and find ways to remedy those distractions.

 

Stop and Breath

 

Ever feel like you’re being pulled in ten different directions? Are the distractions flooding at you becoming overwhelming? Stop and breathe. Clear your mind for a few moments, write it all down, and make a plan. While you may not be able to solve all the problems, at least you can do your best to work through each one with a clear mind.

 

Visualize

 

You can use visualization at any time to clear your mind and focus on one thing. This will allow you to push away distractions and build your mind’s ability to concentrate for a lengthened time. You can visualize colors, images, anything that you focus your mind on.

 

Building better focus is not a race. It is a journey that takes time and patience. Consider incorporating creative, focus building exercises into your daily routine.

 

6 Ways to Make a Positive Impact on Someone’s Life

How do you change a life? You start by making a positive impact on them. Whether you're looking to mentor someone in their career, teach a friend a new skill, or look for another way to offer guidance to someone else, the outcome you desire is always the same. You want them to succeed. 

 

Are you ready to be the teacher they need? 

 

Let's explore some ways to make a positive impact on someone else’s life through teaching:

 

Figure Out the Relationship You Want to Have

 

First, what kind of relationship are you looking to have? Do you want to be a teacher in a classroom? Do you want to come alongside a friend and help them out once in a while? Do you want to be a formal mentor, possibly in a business setting? Your choice will dictate your next steps. For example, if you wish to teach in the classroom, you might want to ask yourself what skills you have to teach. Perhaps you might want to offer a night class at a Community College. Or you might want to set up a webinar from your home to guide students through some new skills.

 

Define the Goal

 

Once you've established your setting and gained a student or a set of students, you need to create a clear objective. What is the purpose of this teaching relationship? What do you want the other person to get out of it? What do they want to get out of it? 

 

Go All In

 

Don't go into this unless you're truly willing to invest in the individual. Become more interested in helping them succeed as a person than marking their achievements off some list. 

 

Know When to Stop

 

You'll find the best outcomes in giving guidance to others when you know what they truly need. To find this out, you might need to lay aside your agenda and listen to them for a while. Their initial problems might not be what they need to solve. It could be there’s something deeper going on. When you allow the other person room to talk, they will often come around to what's really bothering them if you give them enough time. 

 

Drop Assumptions

 

Don't think you know everything, especially about the person you're mentoring. Rather than assuming anything, take the time to ask them about themselves. Discover what they want out of this relationship.

 

Be Vulnerable

 

You've made mistakes too. Be willing to share your catastrophes. There's a lot of lessons to be learned from other people's mistakes. Your experiences are a valuable tool when it comes to teaching others. 

 

In the end, the best way to make a positive impact on someone's life is to be open and honest in your desire to help and in how you treat the other person. Honesty is crucial to the mentoring relationship.

 

Beyond Handshakes: Building Rapport in a Virtual World

The rise of remote work and virtual interactions has redefined the landscape of building rapport. But don't let geographical distance or screen barriers deter you. You can cultivate strong connections even in the digital realm with a few conscious tweaks.

 

Master the Virtual Meeting Space

 

Technology can be your ally or your enemy. Familiarize yourself with video conferencing platforms, learn to utilize features like breakout rooms and polls, and ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to participate. Create a virtual space that feels inviting and accessible, fostering a sense of shared presence even through a screen.

 

Embrace Active Listening, Virtually

 

Nonverbal cues become more nuanced online. Be extra attentive to tone of voice, word choice, and pauses. Use virtual tools like emojis and reactions to show engagement and acknowledge contributions. Pay attention to chat messages and respond promptly, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued.

 

Leverage Shared Experiences

 

Creating virtual watercooler moments, scheduling social calls, hosting team games, and celebrating milestones together can help foster a sense of community beyond work-related tasks and build camaraderie. Encourage informal chats and light-hearted conversations to make online interactions less transactional.

 

Personalize Your Approach

 

While online communication might feel impersonal, go the extra mile to demonstrate individual attention. Remember birthdays, celebrate achievements and offer virtual congratulations or condolences when appropriate. Show genuine interest in colleagues' lives outside of work, fostering a sense of connection on a personal level.

 

Embrace Vulnerability and Empathy

 

Technology can create an illusion of distance but don't shy away from showing your human side. Acknowledge challenges, express gratitude, and be open about your own experiences. Virtual vulnerability can foster genuine connections and encourage others to do the same, creating a supportive and collaborative environment.

 

Building rapport in a virtual world requires intentionality and adaptation. By mastering these strategies and investing in creating a connected online workspace, you can bridge the digital divide and cultivate meaningful relationships even without face-to-face interaction.

 

Remember, whether online or offline, building rapport is an ongoing journey. The effort you invest in connecting with others will reap rewards in the form of stronger relationships, smoother collaborations, and a more rewarding professional experience.

 

The Art of Cultivating Connection: Building Rapport in Professional Settings

Building rapport in professional settings goes beyond polite small talk. It's about forging genuine connections that foster trust, collaboration, and success. Whether negotiating with a client, leading a team, or navigating office politics, mastering the art of rapport can unlock unexpected doors.

 

Active Listening is the Cornerstone of Connection

 

Effective communication starts with genuinely listening. Forget multitasking or waiting for your turn to speak. Give your undivided attention, maintaining eye contact and nodding to show engagement. Ask clarifying questions and paraphrase critical points to demonstrate understanding. This builds trust, reveals hidden insights, and strengthens your grasp of the situation.

 

Seek Common Ground

 

Finding shared interests or experiences fosters a sense of familiarity and comfort. Notice subtle cues – a sports jersey, a travel mug with a city you recognize – and use them to spark conversation. Share relevant personal anecdotes to bridge the gap and show yourself as relatable. Remember, it's not about forcing connections but about genuine curiosity and finding that spark of commonality.

 

Empathy is the Key to Unlocking Understanding

 

Put yourself in the other person's shoes. Consider their perspective, acknowledge their feelings, and offer support where needed. Show genuine interest in their thoughts and aspirations. A simple phrase like "I understand how you feel" or "That must be challenging" can go a long way. Demonstrating empathy creates a safe space for open communication and strengthens your bond.

 

Nonverbal Cues - The Unspoken Language of Rapport

 

Positive body language speaks volumes. Maintain an open posture, lean in during conversations, and offer genuine smiles. Mirror the other person's mannerisms subtly to establish harmony. Be mindful of your facial expressions and avoid anything that might convey boredom or frustration. Nonverbal cues can build bridges or create walls, so be conscious of your message.

 

Authenticity is the Foundation of Lasting Rapport

 

Building genuine connections requires being your true self. Avoid pretending to be someone you're not or forcing conversations about topics you don't find interesting. Embrace your unique strengths and perspectives, and allow them to shine through. People are drawn to genuine individuals, and building rapport on a foundation of authenticity creates lasting relationships.

 

Remember, building rapport is a continuous process, not a one-time event. Consistently practicing these skills will establish trust and approachability, helping you succeed professionally.

 

What Stops You from Getting Motivated?

Innovation, creativity, and satisfaction are all dependent on motivation. Motivation drives us to take action, and when we take action, we generate movement, development, and change. We feel needed, competent, and relevant; we feel empowered by seeing how we can make a difference in the world and produce more of what we like in our lives. All of this brings meaning and enjoyment to our lives. 

 

According to VeryWellMind, "When you’re struggling with motivation, you’ll likely come up with a long list of reasons why you shouldn’t take any action. You might think, “It’ll be too hard,” or, “I’ll never get it done anyway.” These types of thoughts will keep you stuck."

 

Most of us have a single definition of lack of motivation, which means you're likely to believe you're dealing with the same issue anytime you're unmotivated. The reality is that lack of motivation is a broad group of subjects with several variants. 

 

Lack of motivation is defined as a lack of commitment to act, and there are a variety of reasons why you could be in that situation:

 

Fear

 

Even if you're approaching terrain you've decided to walk into, a part of you is driven to resist moving ahead when you're scared. Fear slows you down and makes you reluctant and cautious, which may be good, but your concerns are sometimes based on your thoughts rather than a realistic evaluation of the hazards in your environment.

 

Stress And Frustration

 

Have you ever felt so frustrated, overworked, or under stress that you'd instead give up than keep going with whatever you're trying to accomplish? Whatever the source, one thing we all know about being overwhelmed (or too worried) is that it saps motivation.

 

You Have No Idea What You Want

 

This primary cause is by far the most prevalent of all the reasons why you could be weak in motivation: Either you don't have any idea you want, or you don't understand what you want. If you don't feel motivated in any aspect of your life, it's probably because you haven't chosen exactly what you want. We can't concentrate on anything if we don't know what we're trying to achieve.

 

Lack Of Self-Determination

 

We thrive on independence. Our brains all contain a decision-making center, and this part of us has to be used. According to studies, persons with depression have a deficiency in this decision-making area in the brain. If you practice utilizing this portion of the brain and making decisions, your depression will usually disappear, and you'd be more motivated.

 

Misery

 

We go through a period of wondering if we should or could keep things the way they were and lamenting what we'll lose if we make substantial changes at the start of any shift. 

Confusion, self-doubt, suspicion of the world around us, and a sense of being lost are all frequent symptoms, and the larger the change, the stronger these symptoms become, and the easier we lose our motivation.

 

The Purpose of Others Can Help Define Your Purpose

It’s confusing not to know what your purpose is. You may believe you are supposed to be a police officer. But, that just defines your job. It’s not necessarily a purpose. Helping people would be closer to a purpose while the job of police officer helps you accomplish that.

 

You may want to define your purpose more accurately than just stating you help people. However, perhaps you can’t seem to get a grip on any definition. When this is the case, try to determine the purpose of others.

 

If you read the profiles of many of your idols, you will start to see a theme forming. This theme will likely resonate with you and get you closer to your purpose. For instance, you may believe that a certain president was a great motivational speaker and you have always admired that. By learning more about his or her life, you can gain some insight about why they can motivate. The story is as important as the trait of being a motivator. Perhaps part of your purpose is to motivate others.

 

When you are researching or observing others, you need to delve deeper into their backgrounds. The research will reveal what situations they faced and what kind of people they were before becoming successful. You may even uncover information that is not so flattering about your idols concerning their past. But it is insightful. It also shows that these people are not super humans and fallible just like everyone else.

 

Sometimes, you can gain insight into people you would not consider to be idols. They may have opposite views, which you find contentious and even offensive. However, they became the way they are for a reason. Again, their story will help you see a new perspective. It may change your biases and preconceived notions on how people are not as different as you believed.

 

The idea behind learning about the purpose of others is not to become like them. It’s to find some similarities and differences between your purpose and theirs. When you see similarities, this can explain your purpose. When you see differences, you can use this to try to look at life from a different angle.

 

You don’t want to use this information as some formula that you can plug in a computer which then spits out what your purpose is. You need to use it more as a guideline and how it can help you seek new paths in your quest for purpose.