For those who have been through it, they will tell you that self improvement is a journey. It all depends on where one is starting from. But like the Chinese proverb: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step", the most important thing is getting that first step out of the way.
Self improvement comes with the fulfillment that comes from understanding yourself. It is through this understanding that you get to know your place in the universe and your role here. You get to understand that not everything has to be a struggle; you can be successful, rich and happy and fulfil your mission.
As I have studied self improvement over the years, I have picked out 7 self improvement tips that are a must for all of us to implement so that we can see ourselves started on the journey of personal growth.
1. Daily Journaling
Have you ever wondered how come the world today knows so much about past great achievers? True, people took time out to study them, but a lot of the stories and details that we know about them could only have come from themselves. They are a translation of their thoughts on to paper. They kept journals and recorded their observations and their feelings. For you, a journal is more than a map of your journey. It helps to clarify thought, to think more clearly and to actually see where your thinking may not be so good. You then want to improve. When you record something it becomes more than a fleeting thought. Tomorrow, you will look back and see how you felt, and you will compare with how you feel or think today and you can go ahead and make adjustments.
2. Meditation
This is the one that is most ignored by most people, but it also happens to be the most important of the 7 self improvement tips. Meditation is the best and most effective way of reducing stress and clearing out your system. You get rid of junk thoughts and best of all, you leave room in there for clean, clear thinking. It also has direct health benefits; you will slow down your heart beat and improve digestion just by meditating for a few minutes each day. You’ll sleep better and heal faster. Basically, mediation is the pillar of the 7 self improvement tips – it’s the one that makes all the others effective. It has nothing to do with religion or religious beliefs, it is just a technique to quiet the mind to gain clarity of thought! Try it you'll be surprised at the results!
3. Expecting to Win
Of the 7 self improvement tips, this one is the hardest to explain because some people just don’t seem to hear it. You need to change your thinking so that you tune yourself to expecting positive results. What is success other than what you think about? How can you get rich and be happy if every outcome you expect is negative? Some people are quick to argue this point, but what they don’t realize is that together with their positive thoughts are a lot of negative thoughts that affect outcomes.
Expectations are not about outcomes. They are about bold, right action and knowing that the results will be in your favour no matter what they will be.
4. Writing Goals and Plans of Action
A written goal is like a map. Let me challenge you right now to write down a small goal, something that’s inconsequential and to who’s outcome you’re not attached and stick it where you can see it every day. The moment you see your goal, you see plans of action about it start to form. You find yourself spurred into action to do the right thing. Go back after 30 days and see how far along your written goal you’ve come. Did it help to write it?
I will challenge you that every time you feel in a rut and like things aren’t working out for you, pull out your goal book and start by checking off how many of the last group you have achieved and then adding on new ones. You always come out with a clearer mind.
5. Be well Rounded
All areas of your life contribute to your self improvement. Your relationships, your health, your finances, will all affect any kind of personal growth you try to achieve if they are out of balance. Just one of them going bad can lead to all of them going bad. As you seek to start on personal development, work on all areas. – work on maintaining physical stamina, emotional fortitude, financial security and a good social support system to achieve personal growth.
6. Positive Affirmations
This has the power to change your inner dialogue, and it’s a powerful tool considering that much of the discontent in our lives is brought about by inner dialogue. What do you say to yourself? Start to write down an affirmation a day on all key areas of your life and rehearse it aloud twice daily. You are teaching you subconscious positive dialogue.
7. Teach to Learn
Of the 7 self improvement tips, this one is the one that will help you master self improvement the most. You learn something better when you teach it. As you teach, your inner mind opens so that you can be able to digest and transmit information. Whatever you were trying to teach will be sitting there in your mind forever. Teaching is also a way of holding yourself accountable
– there are certain standards expected of teachers so that students can follow in their steps. If you have no one to teach, write!
The journey to self improvement is a journey we must each make the decision to take. While there will be obstacles and pitfalls along the way, much like a modern highway, you will find "rest-areas" along the way if you stay focused. Refresh, revive, recharge then continue on the next leg until you get where you are going!
To successful self improvement!
Think, Grow. Live!
Roland N. Gilbert
Roland works one-on-one – via phone and face-to-face – and with MasterMind Groups. Through Couples Coaching Roland helps clients communicate better, find the love they want, and create relationships of significance. Contact Roland at 800-974-3692 or rgilbert@perennialgrowth.com to determine if coaching is right for you.
