Self-improvement is a valuable gift we can give ourselves. It's something we can benefit from at any age. It creates self-awareness, greater resilience and flexibility, a sense of direction, deeper, more meaningful relationships, the ability to identify and move in confidence toward our goals, and a happier, more fulfilled life.
Learning shouldn't take place only when we're in a school or educational setting. When we leave formal schooling, that's when we take it upon ourselves to continue to learn, grow, and improve ourselves.
Self-improvement allows us to identify what's resonates with us, pinpoint our innate strengths and outline opportunities for growth. It broadens our horizons and perspective, allowing us to (hopefully) see alternate viewpoints and ideas. It shines a light on who we are as a person, giving us a better understanding of what motivates us and frightens us. This personal understanding leads to a more meaningful relationship with ourself and, as a result, with others.
Personal development benefits us in our careers and workplaces, enabling us to communicate more clearly and in ways others can "hear" and understand. It can give us the skills to stand up for ourself and others, to take a risk, to explore possibilities, to have hard but open and honest conversations.
Wondering how you can embark on a journey of self-improvement? Here are seven ways to get started down the path of improving you.
1. Read
Find subjects that interest and intrigue you, or thing you don't know much about but would like to. It can be anything - cooking, art, social justice, history, writing, bird watching, gardening. Whatever the topic, there are sure to be many books from which to choose. For those who don't enjoy reading, most books are also available in an audio format.
Learning shouldn't take place only when we're in a school or educational setting. When we leave formal schooling, that's when we take it upon ourselves to continue to learn, grow, and improve ourselves.
Self-improvement allows us to identify what's resonates with us, pinpoint our innate strengths and outline opportunities for growth. It broadens our horizons and perspective, allowing us to (hopefully) see alternate viewpoints and ideas. It shines a light on who we are as a person, giving us a better understanding of what motivates us and frightens us. This personal understanding leads to a more meaningful relationship with ourself and, as a result, with others.
Personal development benefits us in our careers and workplaces, enabling us to communicate more clearly and in ways others can "hear" and understand. It can give us the skills to stand up for ourself and others, to take a risk, to explore possibilities, to have hard but open and honest conversations.
Wondering how you can embark on a journey of self-improvement? Here are seven ways to get started down the path of improving you.
1. Read
Find subjects that interest and intrigue you, or thing you don't know much about but would like to. It can be anything - cooking, art, social justice, history, writing, bird watching, gardening. Whatever the topic, there are sure to be many books from which to choose. For those who don't enjoy reading, most books are also available in an audio format.
2. Listen to Podcasts
Podcasts are a great source for recent information from a variety of source. Odds, are someone you admire hosts (or has been interviewed on) a regular podcast. Every subject under the sun is talked about on podcasts and they are a great "on the go" learning format. Listen while you exercise, commute, cook or clean the house, or even while you shower (thank you, Bluetooth speakers!) I recently was interviewed on the Younger podcast about gratitude and the role it's played in my life. I'd love it if you'd listen.)
3. Take a Class or Course
These days, you can learn just about anything online. Many companies offer free or low-cost courses that you can take at your own pace. Masterclass is a great example. LinkedInLearning.com also offers a variety of courses. Local community colleges and community centers also provide low-cost educational options.
Podcasts are a great source for recent information from a variety of source. Odds, are someone you admire hosts (or has been interviewed on) a regular podcast. Every subject under the sun is talked about on podcasts and they are a great "on the go" learning format. Listen while you exercise, commute, cook or clean the house, or even while you shower (thank you, Bluetooth speakers!) I recently was interviewed on the Younger podcast about gratitude and the role it's played in my life. I'd love it if you'd listen.)
3. Take a Class or Course
These days, you can learn just about anything online. Many companies offer free or low-cost courses that you can take at your own pace. Masterclass is a great example. LinkedInLearning.com also offers a variety of courses. Local community colleges and community centers also provide low-cost educational options.
4. Be Open to Change and New Ideas
A vital aspect of every self-improvement journey is to be open to change and to new ideas. Just because something "was" doesn't mean it will always be. Life is constantly changing and evolving. The world, even in our small communities-is filled with people who've had different experiences than we have. Be open to listening and learning. You might discover something profound, fascinating, or wonderful. And, if nothing else, you've created a space where others feel heard and accepted.
5. Seek and Accept Feedback
Sure, we all enjoy compliments, but those don't help us learn about ourselves. Constructive, honest feedback from people you trust and admire is a path to self-improvement. Quite often, our blindspots are things that others notice. Having an awareness of our blindspots brings them into view and enables us to work toward eliminating them. Ask those you trust to help you see yourself in a better light so you can take steps toward becoming a more rounded person.
6. Surround Yourself with Great People
We are the sum of the five people with who we spend the most time. Who does that make you? Are you spending time with people who have interesting hobbies, deep insights, profound abilities to communicate, strengths and gifts you admire? Find people that challenge you, that you can learn from and grow with.
7. Work Daily Towards a Goal
Daily practice will advance you. Make small commitments every day that get you closer to becoming a better you. Read ten pages a day, listen to 15 minutes of a podcast, spend 30 minutes learning something new or connecting with your community.
If you need help beginning or keeping yourself accountable on a self-improvement journey, coaching can help. Reach out to learn more or to schedule a complementary session.
A vital aspect of every self-improvement journey is to be open to change and to new ideas. Just because something "was" doesn't mean it will always be. Life is constantly changing and evolving. The world, even in our small communities-is filled with people who've had different experiences than we have. Be open to listening and learning. You might discover something profound, fascinating, or wonderful. And, if nothing else, you've created a space where others feel heard and accepted.
5. Seek and Accept Feedback
Sure, we all enjoy compliments, but those don't help us learn about ourselves. Constructive, honest feedback from people you trust and admire is a path to self-improvement. Quite often, our blindspots are things that others notice. Having an awareness of our blindspots brings them into view and enables us to work toward eliminating them. Ask those you trust to help you see yourself in a better light so you can take steps toward becoming a more rounded person.
6. Surround Yourself with Great People
We are the sum of the five people with who we spend the most time. Who does that make you? Are you spending time with people who have interesting hobbies, deep insights, profound abilities to communicate, strengths and gifts you admire? Find people that challenge you, that you can learn from and grow with.
7. Work Daily Towards a Goal
Daily practice will advance you. Make small commitments every day that get you closer to becoming a better you. Read ten pages a day, listen to 15 minutes of a podcast, spend 30 minutes learning something new or connecting with your community.
If you need help beginning or keeping yourself accountable on a self-improvement journey, coaching can help. Reach out to learn more or to schedule a complementary session.
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