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It's no secret that narcissism is on the rise. We exist in a world increasingly designed to prioritize personal experience over everything else. Don't forget that while it is important to pay attention to your needs, we must also remain aware that we share space and resources with others. The confusion of needs with wants and the failure to appreciate the impact of our actions on others can contribute to unnecessary tension. When you feel like you aren't being heard or that you're being treated unfairly, always stop first and consider how the situation might look to someone else differently situated. Doing so can help you reassess how you feel or provide you with insight about what to do. When we take time to actively appreciate the perspective and needs of others, we can make better choices to help ourselves and those around us thrive.

It's likely that you've heard this bit of advice given to leadership and managers, but it applies to everyone at every level. Always consider your role as part of the team. Whether you work directly with or for someone or mostly on your own, we can fuel motivation in ourselves and others by taking personal responsibility to get things done. It's common to feel resentment when being asked to do things that others can or should do themselves. Make sure to remember this when considering your own requests. Delegation and division of work can help maximize efficiency, but this is most likely to happen when tasks are shared and we feel our contributions are valued. Avoid unwarranted problems by always considering first whether the task is something better done by you. If you decide yes, then give it your all!

Often, we hear that work should be meaningful and that motivation will follow. This mindset disempowers us by fostering the belief that our ability to engage in rewarding experiences is controlled by others. Such thoughts are damaging to personal agency. You are in control of what you gain from what you do. Cultivate empowerment by recognizing that you hold the key to making even the mundane meaningful. When considering your tasks, remember to appreciate what you gain while doing them - and don't just think short-term. Every experience is a chance to learn and grow, providing dividends that continue down the road. Consider too what role you play in helping others achieve their desired and important outcomes. Meaning comes not just from working toward and meeting your own goals but from assisting others in making strides toward achieving theirs as well.

This one can be difficult. We exist in a climate that is hyper-focused on pointing out what's wrong, yet very few offer solutions to the problems they highlight. While the first step to changing for the better is figuring out where we can improve, we won't get anywhere if we simply stop after pointing out the problem. If you notice something that needs to be addressed, take the time to consider a reasonable solution. Consider not just your perspective but those of all who will be impacted. Think about the feasibility of implementing your solution given situational constraints. Sometimes we might find that there is no good alternative, but rather than be frustrated use this as an opportunity to practice adapting and letting go. These are valuable life skills that will help you thrive in all aspects of your life. It is important not only to recognize what you can adjust and plan your steps to get there but also to develop an understanding of what you have to learn to work with, around or through. You'll find you'll build a fulfilling sense of resilience as you adopt a mindset to help you optimize your environment, your choices and ultimately your life. Be an advocate for positive action, helping yourself and others thrive.