Everywhere you look people are pursuing some elements of self-improvement. People look for mentors. People go to seminars and conferences. People read books, journals and magazines, all because somehow, all have come to appreciate the fact that there is need for change in their personal lives.
So in order to really succeed, because many throw in the towel, it is important to ask some foundational questions before engaging any amount of effort. These questions form a basis for some reflective thinking. Remember self-improvement isn’t like a flu shot. It requires some investing from your side in terms of energy, money and time.
So let’s look at some of these guiding questions:
1. What do I really want?
The question of the ages. The question will safeguard you from pursuing some things that are not in sync with your personal aspirations, particularly looking at the influences of friends or role models. So many things you want to do with your life and so little time to even go about during the day.
Finding something that you are good at can help you realize that small step towards improvement. Be very personal about your choices.
2. What’s the bright side in all of this?
Making changes in life will significantly affect many areas of your personal life. With so much happening around us, there seems to be no room for even considering that light at the end of the tunnel. We can still see it as something positive without undergoing so much scrutiny. And if it’s a train at the end of the tunnel, take it for a ride and see what makes the world go round!
3. Am I comfortable with what I’m doing?
There’s always the easy way and the right way when it comes to deciding what goes with which shoes, or purse, shirt and whatnot. It doesn’t take a genius to see yourself as someone unique, or else we’ll all be equally the same in everything we do. Variety brings in very interesting and exciting questions to be experimented.
4. Have I done enough for myself?
As you work on engaging on your aspired self-improvement, check whether you have already geared your life towards that direction. Have you, or is there something more you want to do? Discontentment in every aspect can be dangerous in large doses, but in small amounts you’ll be able to see and do stuff you could never imagine doing.
5. Am I happy at where I am today?
It’s an unfair question so let it be an answer! You love being a good and loving mom or dad to your kids, then take it up a notch! Your kids will love you forever. The same goes with everyday life! Many times people are forced into making change by uncomfortable situations. When you’re relaxed and enjoying your present status in life making changes may look uncalled for.
6. How much could I have?
I suppose in this case there is no such thing as having things too much or too little, but it’s more on how badly you really need it. I’d like to have lots of money, no denying that, but the question is that how much are you willing to work for it?
7. What motivates me?
What motivates you? It’s an answer you have to find out for yourself. There are so many things that can make everyone happy, but to choose one may be the hardest part. It’s not like you can’t have one serving of your favorite food in a buffet and that’s it. Just try it piece by piece.
8. What Really Makes You Tick?
So? What really makes you tick? You can be just about anything you always wanted to be, but to realize that attaining something that may seem very difficult is already giving up before you even start that journey. Always remember, that self-improvement is not just about the physical or philosophical change you have to undergo, but it’s something that you really want.