There are many ways to lose your sense of self-esteem despite of how trivial it could get. But whatever happens, we should all try not to lose our own sense of self.
Many times we have two options; either we choose to grow or circumstances force us to grow. Either way growth will happen. Obviously, the first option is better. This is where you now take control of your life.
To really have this control, isn’t a matter of luck, but requires that you follow steps that have been proven to work. Those steps that many of today’s successful individuals have followed, if rightly followed they can have a ripple effect. So what does it take to be a cut above the rest? Here are some of the things you can think and improve on.
1. Know your purpose
Are you wandering through life with little direction – hoping that you’ll find happiness, health and prosperity? Identify your life purpose or mission statement and you will have your own unique compass that will lead you to your truth north every time.
Knowing your purpose- the why of your existence- can help you be firm-footed. Many people achieve nothing of significance because like dead fish they just swim with the flowing stream. This may seem tricky at first when you see yourself to be in a tight or even dead end. But there’s always that little loophole to turn things around.
2. Know your values
What do you value most? Values have power to either build you or break you. Values guide your decision-making process. You become a person of substance. Your represent something.
Make a list of your top 5 values. Some examples are security, freedom, family, spiritual development, learning. As you set your goals for 2021 – check your goals against your values. If the goal doesn’t align with any of your top five values – you may want to reconsider it or revise it.
3. Know your needs
Unmet needs can keep you from living authentically. Know what needs some working and what will be needed in order to get the job done. In your journey or resolve to pursue self-improvement you must not know that we all have needs, which if unmet, can hamper any constructive efforts.
Take care of yourself. Do you have a need to be acknowledged, to be right, to be in control, to be loved? There are so many people who lived their lives without realizing their dreams and most of them end up being stressed or even depressed for that matter. List your top four needs and get them met before it’s too late!
4. Know your passions
You know who you are and what you truly enjoy in life. Obstacles like doubt and lack of enthusiasm will only hinder you, but will not derail your chance to become the person you ought to be.
Express yourself and honor the people who inspired you to become the very person you wanted to be. Your passion about self-improvement will help you to continue even when it hurts or costs you much.
5. Live from the inside out
Increase your awareness of your inner wisdom by regularly reflecting in silence. Commune with nature. Breathe deeply to quiet your distracted mind.
Even when results don’t come as quickly, having internal motivation will keep you going. Find motivation from within yourself
6. Honor your strengths
What are your positive traits? What special talents do you have? Be ready to appreciate your abilities. As you work on improving self, it is important to recognize and appreciate your strengths.
List three – if you get stuck, ask those closest to you to help identify these. Are you imaginative, witty, good with your hands? Find ways to express your authentic self through your strengths. You can increase your self-confidence when you can share what you know to others.
7. Serve others
When you live authentically, you may find that you develop an interconnected sense of being. When you are true to who you are, living your purpose and giving of your talents to the world around you, you give back in service what you came to share with others -your spirit – your essence.
Life well lived includes working for the good of others. So be deliberate about helping, in any way, those within your sphere of influence. The rewards for sharing your gift with those close to you is indeed rewarding, much more if it were to be the eyes of a stranger who can appreciate what you have done to them.
Conclusion
Self-improvement is indeed one type of work that is worth it. It requires some effort in order to make it work. Don’t make the mistake, like many, of neglecting the opportunities for growth.
It shouldn’t always be within the confines of an office building, or maybe in the four corners of your own room. The difference lies within ourselves and how much we want to change for the better.