We all know someone who is just an amazing person. They’re kind, giving, patient, and they never say a bad word about anyone. You’ve probably wanted to be more like them at some point, right?

While wanting to be someone else is unlikely to get you very far in life, there are a few things you can do to be a better person in 2019. Here are some guidelines for self-improvement:

Donate to charity

The funny thing about giving is that it actually makes you feel good. Not to mention, it’s simply a nice idea to think about people other than yourself. It can be easy to get wrapped up in our day-to-day lives and forget about the people who are having a hard time. But you can easily find a charity to support that’s in line with your values- whether you’re passionate about girl’s education, feeding the homeless, helping immigrants, or another important issue.

Treat yourself right

This may seem strange- after all, this is about helping other people right? But you can’t pour from an empty cup. This is a common problem amongst women- and mothers in particular. It’s easy to put yourself last when you have family members who are relying on you for almost everything. In 2019, if you’re hoping to be a better person, it all starts with being a better person to yourself. Take time out away from it all. Treat yourself to that manicure, or hire a sitter for an hour a few times a week so you can go to the gym.

Talk it out

It’s hard to be a good person when you’re dealing with toxic people. And misunderstandings can easily grow into bigger problems when you’re not talking about them. That’s why it’s so important to take the time to talk it out. In 2019, make a conscious effort to be honest with the people around you. This doesn’t mean that you need to be confrontational, simply that you should calmly tell people when their behavior is upsetting you.

Take more time

Life is busy. And it can be difficult to remember to call your mum, thank your grandma for that birthday gift she sent, or tell your partner you love them. But these types of things are so important, and you won’t regret taking the extra time to visit a sick friend, call a family member, or open up to a loved one.