Author: Gregg Gillies
Today’s world is extremely fast paced. Things are changing constantly. In order to stay ahead and reach our goals, many people are spending time and money on learning about self improvement.
While many people are doing this to stay ahead of these changes in the business world by focusing on skill development like business writing, technology, computer programming, and leadership, many are doing it for personal reasons such as relieving stress, developing a healthy lifestyle through exercise and nutrition, and improving their relationships with their family and friends.
People are looking to manage their time better, to balance work and personal lives and to get the most quality out of the time they have available. So how do you go about developing your own self improvement plan?
First, you can enroll yourself in various personal development classes or attend seminars. Choose classes that focus on skills that you wish to improve upon, whether it’s for your career, your home life, or both. This could include classes on business leadership, time management, nutritious cooking, or yoga.
Schedule alone time. This is a difficult one to do. We all seem to have such little time as it is with work and family, that scheduling time for ourselves seems impossible. That may be, but it’s also extremely important, not just to our well being but to our business and personal relationships as well.
Use this time to unwind and pursue something that you are passionate about, something you can do alone, whether it’s reading, building models, or just sitting in silence, reflecting on things that are important to you.
Develop relationships. Working hard to become successful career is important. It gives us a sense of purpose, and shouldn’t be viewed as a negative. But it shouldn’t be everything either. Personal relationships are an important part of who you are as a complete person.
There are many, many ways to pursue self improvement. You need to pick and choose the ways that fit your personality, your lifestyle, and your goals so that you can maximize your personal development and happiness, both at work and at home.
Author: Kristina Von Rosenvinge
Tip 1. Create physical energy
It takes energy to be fully engaged with life. You can increase your level of energy by eating nutritious meals, drinking plenty of water, having a regular time for going to bed and getting up. Incorporate an exercise plan that can be done at least three or four times a week.
Tip 2. Create emotional energy
Eliminate stress from your life. Handle stressful situations as soon as possible. Manage your emotions in a way that you are an actor and not a reactor. Allow your feelings to be whatever they are and think about how you want to handle the situation. Anchor your feelings and thinking. You need to use both to feel that you are in control of yourself.
Tip 3. Cultivate a positive attitude
We control our attitude. It is not genetically or environmentally determined. Each of us can decide what our attitude is going to be. We can choose to have a positive attitude about life.
Tip 4. Eliminate annoyances.
We all put up with things we really don’t have to tolerate. Identify some of the things in your life that are hanging over you especially when you already know that you will feel better if they were fixed, taken care of, eliminated, or resolved. Often these are little things - a thank you note not written, a button that needs to be sewn, a lamp that needs a new shade etc.
Tip 5. Build on your strength
Most of us are more aware of the traits we don’t like very much about ourselves then in fully appreciating our strength. It is through identifying and building on our strengths that we grow in taking leadership of our lives.
Tip 6. Trust your own voice
Listen to your inner voice because it will guide you. Value your own judgment over other peoples’ judgments. You are the only one who knows what is right for you. Listen to yourself and honor what you hear. It is important to care about others since it is one of the things that makes us human. Likewise, we need to give ourselves permission to also be our own best friend.
Tip 7. Live in the present
The present is the only place where you can truly be. Appreciate the present and be mindful of what goes on around you. If you find yourself in the past with regrets about paths not taken or in the future imagining how you would like things to be, pull yourself back into the present. You can learn from the past. Hold on to a vision for what you want for yourself in the future. By living fully in the present you can take steps that move you into the future in ways you may not even imagine. When you love and accept yourself in the present you will create a future that is right for you.