Understanding and Improving Your Actions, One Step at a Time
If you want to keep an eye on yourself and grow as a person, there are two main things you need to look into:
1. Figure Out What’s Really Good and What’s Really Bad
Before you can make wise choices, you need to think deeply about what is truly good for you to go after, and what is genuinely bad for you to avoid. This isn’t about what feels good or bad in the moment, but about the lasting things that matter most in life—things like kindness, honesty, and self-control, versus things like greed, anger, or hurting others.
2. Take a Good Look at Your Actions
Once you know what’s really good and bad, pay close attention to what you actually do. Ask yourself: are your actions lining up with the good things you want to choose, or are they leading you toward things you should avoid?
You can do this in two ways:
When You’re About to Do Something
Before you do anything, try to pause and ask yourself: “Is this a good thing to do, or is it something I might regret?” Don’t just act on impulse—take a moment to weigh your choices. It’s like putting your actions on a scale to see if they lean more toward good or bad.
When You’re Not Doing Anything
Even when you’re not busy with something, take some time to think back over the things you’ve done. Go over your actions in your mind—what was good about them, and what wasn’t so great? Be honest with yourself. If you see things you’re proud of, make a plan to keep those good habits going. If you find things you’re not proud of, don’t just ignore them. Think about how you can do better next time.
How to Handle the Bad Stuff You Find
If you notice there’s something in your actions that wasn’t good, don’t just shrug it off. Spend some time thinking about why you did it, and come up with a clear plan to avoid it in the future. Maybe you need to change your surroundings, ask for advice, or set some boundaries for yourself.
Strengthen the Good, Let Go of the Bad
Whatever good you discover in yourself, hold on to it and look for ways to make it even stronger. Whatever bad you find, be willing to let it go, even if it’s hard. The goal is to keep growing and becoming the best version of yourself.
In short, self-reflection isn’t just for philosophers—it’s a simple, practical habit anyone can build. Pause before you act, look back at what you’ve done, and always aim to choose what’s truly good over what’s truly bad. With a little practice, you’ll find yourself making better choices, feeling more in control, and living a more meaningful life.
Minister A Francine Green, May 2026