Keep a calendar or daily planner to help you stay on top of things. There are also plenty of calendar and planner apps for your phone to use to stay on track. Set aside time for your tasks, such as by writing “pick clothes up off the floor, 4:00-4:30. ” It will help you visualize what you need to do.

Punctuality is important. Show up when you say you will. Being late regularly makes you look unreliable. You do not have to agree to all requests. If you’re asked to tackle a big project you can’t handle, you are better off saying no than agreeing to it. Taking on no more than you can handle is a very responsible thing to do.

For example, self-control is like leaving the last slice of pizza behind when you’re full. Avoid being impulsive. Stop yourself from taking more than you need or getting into fights.

Staying disciplined is a challenge in the age of social media. Consider turning off your phone and setting it aside so you aren’t tempted to check status updates when you’re busy.

For example, devote 1 hour every day to studying. Keeping that schedule is better than doing it for a week and then giving up for a month. Consistency proves that you are reliable. Making a schedule helps a lot with this, so use a planner or phone app if you need to.

Think twice about getting into a fight with a friend, for instance, or skipping an appointment. Bigger decisions have more severe consequences. Doing something illegal like stealing could get you in a lot of long-term trouble. If you need help figuring out the consequences, write down a list of pros and cons. Describe the good outcomes and the bad outcomes that could happen when you make a choice.

For instance, when you skip your homework to play, think about what you would do differently. You might think, “Skipping was fun, but now I have a lot of work to make up. Next time I’ll get it done as soon as possible. ” If you hurt someone’s feelings, consider why they reacted that way. You might realize, “That comment was more insensitive than I realized, so I’ll listen and apologize to make things better. ” Remember, making changes in yourself is a process, so be patient with yourself and don’t expect it to happen all at once. Just keep trying to improve a little each day. [8] X Expert Source Dawn Smith-CamachoCareer & Life Coach Expert Interview. 13 May 2020.

Small lies, like telling someone you like their new haircut, aren’t a big deal. Avoid big lies that could hurt someone’s feeling if you want people to trust you.

For example, you might forget someone’s birthday. Say, “I’m sorry I forgot, but I’m going to make it up to you. ” Lying is irresponsible and can get you into more trouble. If people know you made a mistake, you have nothing to lose by hiding it.

For example, say, “I’m sorry we got into a fight. I think I misunderstood what you meant. Can we talk about it?” Control your reactions and try to avoid snapping at people. Take a deep breath and think about what to do next. Personal attacks seem childish and don’t help.

For instance, treating other people with respect sets a good example. Don’t scream or swear in public places, include others who seem left out, and Being a role model is very important when you’re around younger siblings or children. Take the opportunity to care for them and show them how to behave. It is a pretty big responsibility but one that often scores a lot of points with others.

If you’re looking to impress your family, try helping out at home as well. Ask your family what you can do to help. Tackle some household chores to prevent that pile of dirty laundry from building up, for instance.

For example, you could show responsibility to parents by cleaning up around the house. Do the dishes and straighten out your room. If you can do what needs to be done without being asked to do it, then you look very responsible.

When someone says no to you, don’t pressure them to change their mind. The pressure could make them uncomfortable and think of you as immature for not respecting their decision.

For example, you could become a leader in a volunteer organization or practice hard for your sports team. Stay with it for a while and don’t neglect your commitment. A long-term commitment doesn’t have to be forever. Try to set a length of time, such as a year, to keep it up. If you absolutely have to quit, be graceful about it.