One of my greatest flaws has been that I'm generally rude, annoying, and unhappy. I've begun to realize many of the things I do that caused me to be unhappy, and as a result caused people not to want to be around me. Over the past couple years I've worked on trying to be a better person and here are the top ten guidelines I try to live by.

1. Socialize

Whether it's joining a sport, band, theater, a club, or just hanging out with friends or family. Get out and do more things with people. You'll be surprised by the good times your missing out on when you just sit around at home. There's no excuse for being busy, I'm an insanely busy person and I still manage to find time for anything I really want to do. You don't have friends you say? I'm a huge introvert but I still enjoy occasional nights out with friends. No need to push yourself too far out of your comfort zone, but you may be surprised to find out that zone includes more than you thought.

2. Be Cautiously Optimistic

Don't become so sure of yourself that you become disappointed (or embarrassed) when things don't work out the way you planned. Be confident in yourself and others to do your absolute best and know that no matter what things will work out.

3. Take Every Opportunity

Obviously this doesn't mean do every single thing possible. No, that requires time turners, and clones. I mean when you're presented with an opportunity (travel, school, job, etc.) then do everything possible to make it happen. It's the cliche idea of "you'll never know unless you try". Get off the computer, get out and do more things; do bigger and greater things.

4. Listen - Genuinely

When someone is talking to you - even if you're not actually listening - listen. Learn how to fake small talk, learn how to seem like what someone just said to you is the most interesting thing in the world. Make eye contact, tilt your head slightly, and concentrate on what someone is saying. That gesture builds trust. People are more likely to want to be friends with someone they feel they can trust. People also like talking about themselves, so always ask questions. You'll learn how fake politeness and small talk are, but people will trust you more.

5. Stop Making Excuses

You know that thing that you really and I mean REALLY don't feel like doing? Why? Do you have an actual reason or are you just too lazy/tired/unsocial? Exactly, you don't have a good reason do you. Get out there and get stuff accomplished, you'll feel better about yourself. In addition to this, do more things with people. Even if socializing sounds like the worst thing in the world. It's not often that you go do something with friends and say that you didn't have a good time.

6. Challenge Yourself

Don't take the easy way. What's more impressive, the guy who played it safe and works in a cubicle every day? Or the guy who has a wicked scar from that one time he wrestled a bearshark? Being average never impressed anyone. Why do girls go for bad guys? Because they take risks - they aren't boring. Challenge yourself mentally too. If you're getting all A's or a 4.0 or whatever and you aren't taking the highest level classes you can, you aren't challenging yourself. Quite playing life on easy.

7. Appreciate What's Around You

This is another really cliche thing, but appreciate the scenery as well as the people around you. Whenever I drive places I try to notice every beautiful thing on my way to where I'm going. Whether it's the rolling hills, the snow-capped mountain in the distance, or the way the sunlight hits the roof of a building as it sinks below the horizon. I know I probably won't live in Oregon forever so I'm trying to appreciate it's beauty now. Do this also with the people in your life, never forget how great they are.

8. Travel

Some people don't enjoy traveling as much as others. I am not one of those people. I will go anywhere with anyone in an instant. I love to see the world. But if that's not for you that's fine. I still highly encourage people to travel outside their comfort zone to experience another culture for a while. It's important to be able to view the world from different perspectives. It keeps you open minded.

9. Head Up, Shoulders Back

Nothing deep or profound about this one. Just when you walk anywhere, keep your head up, look forward. I realized in middle school that I always stared at the ground when I walked and I had never really noticed that. When I made a point to stand taller and look directly in front of me when I walked I became more confident and self-assured. I'm still not a really outgoing person, but I felt better about myself and that was what mattered.

10. Smile More

This is by far the most important advice I have to give. During my training for work they told us to look at people (especially when we were having a bad day) and say to yourself: "I like you". Now I at first I thought that was cheesy and I'm not going to say that's the part that worked, but it made me realize how important your attitude towards others affects your own mood. When I walk around snapping at people things get tense and silent. When I smile and say hi to people, not only do I have great conversations but it actually puts me in a good mood. Smiling is contagious.