Taking the Next Step

In my "Epiphany" post, I talked about the list of crappy observations and realizations I recently had about myself.

Now, it is time to begin thinking about the kinds of regular behaviors and focuses I want to embrace and how to sustain and reinforce them. I love how the web has detailed steps on incredibly lame life skill issues - like "how to act more mature," for example, which took me to the following list of not-so-pathetic items. The following is helpful in that it points to what I should be doing. I've edited the stuff that are non-issues:

1. Tone down your fashions. First impressions do count.
2. Use manners. Try to be courteous without being stuffy or inflexible.
3. Have a genuine good attitude and a goodwill towards others. Goodwill towards others is a sign of maturity because it shows that you have recognized that "we are all in this together." If someone is rude to you, try not to return the "favor." If you can let it go, don't reply; silence is a good judge. If you can't let it go, simply tell the person that their comment was rude.
4. Dont be silly or repeatedly go for the funnie
5. Have confidence in yourself and speak from your heart. If you think that you have a good idea, share it. But think before you act. Voice your thoughts honestly. This - i need help with.
6. Think before you speak. If you can't think of anything to say, or don't have anything nice to say, then say nothing.
7. "Be slow to anger". People that lose temper and/or self-control easily may be recognized as insecure or immature.
8. Learn to apologize sincerely for your mistakes, inappropriate words and actions towards others.
9. Be an active listener
10. Remember, when you speak, use facial expressions and be funny as usual, but be more serious in conversation.
11. Be helpful. Hold doors, help pick things up, and offer help and assistance when needed. Greet strangers, or others you know, and don't be prejudiced. Discrimination is usually the result.
12. Talk about mature things to people. Notice how they carry themselves, how they dress, and how they speak.
13. Keep in mind, around kids, squat down to their size when you talk to them.
14. Use proper grammar and spelling whenever you write.
15. Keep an open mind. See it as an opportunity for you to learn about something (or someone) new and different.
16. Don't swear, or at the very least, save the swearing for times that really, really warrant it.
17. Accept compliments gracefully. If somebody has taken the trouble to compliment you, the least you can do is appreciate it.
18. Take criticism gracefully, too. Not all of it is valid, but it is often worth giving some thought to how others see you and what you can improve.
19. Be polite online, too. Think before you post. Proofread before you post. Don't blab on about a load of things because people will find this annoying.
20. Write out your goals and plan how you will achieve them. Create an agenda to mark when you should have achieved something. Planning helps so you can see your progress change over time. Also, create a punishment for yourself if you haven't achieved that goal such as, an essay, 100 push-ups or not going to an event that you'd like to attend. You have to make sure you actually do them when you have a punishment, no matter what unless an emergency comes up.