If you are here reading how to be a better person, this is the first step. Being self-aware is one of the steps to getting there. No matter how good you think you are, it is always a good idea to do a self-check every now and again. So, let’s look at some things on how to be a better person.

How do you perceive yourself; do you think of yourself as a bad or ugly person? If so, what makes you feel that way? Do you have others make negative comments about you often? Does it seem like you are never invited or included in events and outings? Let’s go through some checkpoints on how to be a better person.

You Can’t Be Narcissistic

Narcissistic people would have the toughest time to be a better person. In their minds, they are doing nothing wrong. A narcissist feels that their self-aware check deems them good. If you have ever been told you are a narcissist or have a concern about it, take the test.

Narcissistic personality disorder, (NPD), involves a pattern of self-centered, arrogant behavior. Also, a lack of empathy and consideration for other people. People with NPD usually have an excessive need for admiration. Other NPD traits can be being cocky, manipulative, selfish, patronizing, and demanding.

The biggest key for a narcissistic person to be a better person is by becoming self-aware. That will help you recognize that you have NPD. It could be really beneficial if a narcissist had someone to point out times, they are being narcissistic. Although, the narcissist would have to be willing for criticism and wanting the help.

If willing to change, there are things that can be done. First the narcissist would want to start changing their responses to something more positive. Think about what triggers your more selfish or one-sided views. Give some thought on what an ideal good person is and how they would handle things.

Be Empathetic

To understand how to be empathetic, you need to know what empathy is, READ DEFINITION. Quite often, people will forget to what it is like to stand in someone else’s shoes. It is easy to get mad at someone either driving too slowly or walking too slow. Your frustration can build immensely when someone just can’t communicate very well; the list can go on. However, to be a better person, you have willing to understand why some people are just matching your speed.

First off, look at it from their point of view. “Why are you in such a hurry, why are you talking so fast.” This could be what they are thinking about you. You have to consider; they may be slower or whatever it is that frustrates you for a good reason.

Keep in mind, the world doesn’t revolve around just you. Other people have problems just like you do. To be a better person, means not to be self-absorbed. Be compassionate, kind and caring. So, the next time you want to scream, yell and flip off someone that isn’t driving or walking the speed you want. Take a moment and consider, they may be doing the best they can do.

Stand By Your Word

The times we live in today has made many of us flakes. How often have you told someone that you will give them a call or text later? The meaning “catcha latter” doesn’t mean that at all. If you want to be a better person, it’s time to do what you say and say what you mean.

You want to be a person that is considered reliable and trustworthy. If you keep telling others things you don’t mean, you will become disliked after a while. By standing by your word, people will deem you trustworthy and even feel safe around you.

Don’t Take It Personal

With this one, I think most of the world has lost its mind. It seems everyone flies off the handle over any little thing. But truthfully, this hate we see so much isn’t so much about who these people are hating on. It is really a reflection of how they feel about themselves.

This is just something to think about next time you are feeling down or upset. If someone was to ask you something or say something not quite right. Don’t lash out as if it was a personal attack. It is one of those times that you should really think before opening your mouth. This seems to be a forgotten trait these days.

Be Responsible

I am sure, many of us would like to think that we never make mistakes. If a mistake is made, we try to cover it up so we can still look blameless. Well living that way isn’t the best way to be a better person.

When you try to avoid accountability, this makes you an undesirable person to others. Even if someone else is at fault or has made a mistake. It destroys how others view you if you are blaming them.

Another point, don’t blame or make others feel bad about inconveniencing you. If you were visiting a friend and then realized you were late or needed to do something else. It is just so wrong and rude to direct the blame onto the person you were with. You alone are responsible for your life and time. Granted, others can interfere with your agendas. But even in that case, to blame and go on about it is unnecessary. No one likes those that are always pointing a finger.

Be Considerate Of Others

You should always be considerate of other people’s feelings, responsibilities and time. It is always nice to visit with someone but try to understand their time limitations. If you pop in on someone, make sure they have time for you. Often people forget that others do have obligations and also a set time to get things done. Your visit could mess up their whole day.

Pay attention to how others feel. If someone is feeling down, the cure isn’t always jokes and pratfalls. Also, do not go on and on all about you, other people have something to say as well. This can go back to what a narcissist is, they seem to think that they are all there is.

There is nothing wrong with offering a hand of help either. A supposed friend of mine once stopped in when I was working on what was really a two-man job. His only concern was what he had to tell me, then he left. Never once even asked if I needed help.

True friendship is hard to find and many often forget how to be a good friend. We all need to pay a little more attention to those we supposedly care about. Just be sure to offer help, be ready to listen and try and understand other’s needs.

Keep Yourself In Check

The best way to be a better person is to always be self-aware. Pay attention how you interact with others. This is good way of being considerate to others as well. By monitoring yourself, it helps others understand you and feel more at peace with you.

Being self-aware also helps you learn more about yourself. You will begin to see why you might want to snap at someone. Or perhaps why you want to avoid people. When monitoring your feelings and actions, you are not only being kind to others. You are also learning more and more about yourself.

This also helps immensely in thinking before speaking scenarios. We all have days where we put out foot in out mouths. However, when paying attention to your feelings and moods, might give you an edge on thinking before speaking as well.

Love And Like Yourself

Now there are two scenarios on loving yourself. One is being a narcissistic selfish butt-head. That isn’t the person you want to be. However, loving and liking the person you are, opens your heart to like and love others.

Also, when you care for yourself, this opens the doors for others to care for you as well. If you really didn’t like yourself and carried that attitude around. Others will see and feel it and be distant at least.

Caring for yourself also id a key to having confidence. As mentioned, people gravitate more towards confident people. Just remember, liking and loving yourself doesn’t mean you feel that you are better than everyone else. All it really means is, that you are happy with who you are.

Do The Opposite Of Your Negativity

This one may sound really strange but there is some sense to the madness. It is just a fact; we all have moods and everyone at some point has a bad one. It isn’t uncommon, when we are in a bad mood, we tend to take it out on others. There is a way to fix that, especially if you want to be a better person.

Be sure to always compliment others, especially if you are in a bad mood. Always respect other people and their feelings. Think about this. If you lash out at someone due to being in a bad mood. In the end, does that make you feel better? More than likely, you will regret it and that in itself will add to your bad mood.

So, by practicing being respectful, thoughtful, and complimentary when in a bad mood. The end result is, it will shorten your bad mood time, and bring you into a better one.

Being kind is the best way to be a better person. There is no better time to be kind than when you are not in the best of moods.

Conclusion

The things one needs to know and do to be a better person, really isn’t rocket science. The hardest part is practicing these things daily.

You should always be kind to others, and be grateful. Never forget to say thank you or just ask someone how their day is going. Showing interest in others rather than yourself, makes people’s days a little brighter. At the end of the day, it will make your day brighter as well.

Being a better person is really up to you. You can’t fake it, it has to be something you really want. It has to come from your heart, not a checklist. Being a good person starts from inside you; you have to care about yourself. Then spread that love to others.