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Change your perception -

Even when confronted with new facts, people are reluctant to change their minds because they don't like feeling wrong or insecure. And while it's possible to change perceptions, it requires a lot of work.

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Cry it out -

If crying comes natural to you, then do that. But don't force it.

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Use meditation or yoga to bring you into the present moment -

While yoga and meditation have their benefits, they're not the only way to bring you into the present. You can also be present by walking or taking a shower.

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Do what you love and the money will follow -

The problem is people love the same few things, such as arts and sports. It's often better to pursue an under-the-radar career, with your creative or athletic outlet as a hobby.

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Express your feelings through a creative outlet -

You shouldn't add more things to your to-do list when you have to maintain your life. If you feel like expressing yourself creatively, then do so. But don't make it into an extra activity that might stress you out.

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Don't say you don't have enough time -

If you have a full-time job, or you're a single parent, chances are you won't have much time to work on your side business. Some people have access to personal trainers or chefs, so be mindful about who you’re comparing yourself to.

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Focus all your energy on something you can actually control, and don't dwell on what you can't -

You can't focus your energy on anything if something is eating you up. Instead, you need to listen, then you’ll naturally focus on things you like or need to.

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Give yourself a rant window -

You don't need a window for this. Let yourself vent for as long as your system desires. Just be attentive to how it's making you feel.

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Never give up -

This is one of the worst pieces of advice. Sure, you shouldn't quit something with great long-term potential. But sometimes giving up is the best choice you can make.

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Learn a new skill -

Learning a new skill is simply an experience. It won't change any problems or dissatisfaction you might have.

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Use a stress ball to express your anger -

If you feel like using a stress ball, then use one. But it won't change anything, and chances are you'll still be angry.

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Unromanticize the way you view love -

It's normal to romanticize love, especially if you're heartbroken or wanting to be in a relationship. But that doesn't mean you have to change the way you view it. Pay attention to what you're feeling and just be skeptical of your ideas and thoughts.

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Visualize an empowered single you -

If you naturally feel empowered, then that's a good thing. But forcing it on yourself just feeds your need for control, which might not be genuine.

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Focus only on you -

A lot of self-help 'experts' will tell you to just focus on yourself. If your friends and family are all negative, then that's understandable. However, no one succeeds alone. So don't be a lone wolf.

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Immerse yourself in a group activity -

While it's important to be social, you don't need to immerse yourself, especially if you're not really up for meeting people. If you feel the need for human contact, then you'll seek it.

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If you want to do it right, do it yourself -

Trying to do, and be, everything in your business and personal life will quickly wear you out. Also, doing everything yourself might not always produce the best quality output.

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Avoid negative thinking at all costs -

One of the big aims of mainstream personal development is to help people transform their negative thoughts into positive thoughts. But the truth is that negative thinking is also important. It causes a surge in activity in a critical information processing area of the brain. Also, our behaviors tend to be shaped more powerfully by bad news, experiences, and information.

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Don't put all your eggs in one basket -

This advice is not to focus all your efforts on one thing. And while you shouldn't depend on one person or organization, that single effort is what makes them the best in the world.

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Winning is everything -

Winning is worth it only when the costs of winning aren’t excessive. Also, winning isn't enough if you haven’t carefully considered the long-term negatives.

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Go on a diet if you want to lose weight -

Most medical professionals agree today that diets don’t work, as they're potentially dangerous. If you want to lose weight, talk to an actual professional.

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Money can't buy you happiness -

This advice is both inaccurate and misses the point. Of course, money doesn't magically make you happy. But studies show that one’s happiness does increase with income. Imagine it: it's hard to be happy if you can't afford to eat or keep the lights on. With money, you can afford to take more risks, travel, and have unique experiences.

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Don’t procrastinate -

Procrastination isn't always bad. One of the positive aspects is that it gives you more time to think. This allows you to gather and process more relevant information and come up with ideas.

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Learn how to become successful by listening to successful people -

While you might get inspired, listening to successful people won't really be of much help. Firstly, they had different experiences, opportunities, and goals than you. And secondly, their tips will often be vague and generic.

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Take responsibility -

When you're angry at someone, it's natural to blame them. But you don’t have to immediately take responsibility to fix the situation. You might think that’s what the bigger person would do. But it’s often best not to act impulsively. Take some time to think, and let if flow naturally. 

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Practice makes perfect -

There’s no substitute for consistent effort. But there’s a big difference between effective and ineffective practice. Ineffective practice means repeating poor habits, which is something that should be avoided.

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All that matters is that you do your best -

Of course, you should always do your best in any effort. But thinking that doing your best is all that counts is one of life's biggest lies.

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Focus on your weakness -

If you focus only on your weaknesses, you'll always have plenty of 'problems' that need solving. It's a very demotivating mindset that can negatively impact your confidence.

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Stay together for the kids -

The truth is it's better for a child to live with a content single parent than with two chronically fighting parents.

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Laugh it out -

Even if laughter is good for you, watching a funny video is just distracting. Distractions work in the short term, but can build up emotional toxins. Listen and be aware of your emotions, but don't distract yourself.

See also: Love hurts: the ways in which heartbreak affects you physically

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