I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for ways to improve myself (I even have a blog about it). And September is a great time to practice new ways of improving yourself because it’s Self-Improvement Month! Here are 10 ways to do so (from LifeHack.org):
- Read a book daily. Okay, maybe not daily, but often. Books are concentrated resources of wisdom, and the more books you read, the more wisdom you reveal to yourself. A few books that have really helped me: anything by Iyanla Vanzant, “Fabulosity: What It Is, How To Get It,” “Get Yours! How to Have Everything You Ever Dreamed of and More,” “Do You! 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success,” “Life is What you Make It” and “The Aladdin Factor.”
- Learn a new hobby. Sure you have your favorite hobbies, but maybe there’s something new you can try. It can be anything from a new sport to pottery to web design. Learning something new makes you stretch yourself in different areas whether it’s physically, emotionally or mentally.
- Overcome your fears. Our fears keep us in the same position, and they hinder us from growing. Acknowledging your fears indicate areas where you can grow. The author of this article, Celestine, says she thinks of fears as the compass for growth. “If I have a fear about something, it represents something I’ve yet to address, and addressing it helps me grow.”
- Write a letter to your future self. Ask yourself: Where do I see myself five years from now? Will I be the same? Different? What kind of person will I be? Write a letter to the future you one year from now, and seal it. Put a date in your calendar to open it a year from now. Begin working to become the person you want to open that letter.
- Step out of your comfort zone. Real growth comes from hard work; being too comfortable doesn’t help us grow– it makes us stagnate. What’s your comfort zone? Do you stay home a lot? Do you keep to your self when out with others? Change up your routine, and do something different. By exposing yourself to a new perspective, you’re literally growing as you learn to act in new situations.
- Learn from those who inspire you. Think about individuals you admire, and people who inspire you. They reflect certain qualities you want for yourself. Think about how you can obtain those qualities.
- Stay away from negative people. Jim Rohn says, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Wherever you go, there will be negative people around. However, don’t spend too much time around them if you feel they’re bringing you down.
- Meditate. Meditation helps you become more calm and conscious. If you can, meditate for as little as five-10 minutes before going to sleep and when waking up.
- Take a break. Another component of self-improvement is about realizing the need to take a break so you can keep going. Be sure to take some time off for yourself every week; relax, rejuvenate and recharge for what’s ahead.
- Let go of the past. If there are any grudges or negative things from the past you’re holding on to, let it go! Holding on to that stuff keeps you from moving on and being your best you. Let go, forgive yourself (and the other person, if necessary), and move on.
For more tips on improving yourself, check out my source: 42 Practical Ways To Improve Yourself.
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