HOW TO IMPROVE YOURSELF: 10 PRACTICAL SELF-IMPROVEMENT TIPS

Why do you want to improve?

Maybe you want to learn new things, replace bad habits, become more productive, find emotional balance or improve your relationships?

Whatever it is, we've put together this guide to help. It contains 20 practical self-improvement ideas that you can use to develop yourself.

But remember that developing yourself takes time and commitment, so be kind to yourself.

It is not easy to change our habits, change our perception and learn new things. We must also find the courage to step into the emotional discomfort that arises when we step beyond our comfort zones.

So don't do too much at once and focus on the long haul.

Focus on daily, sustainable, small wins that add up over time. As Microsoft founder Bill Gates once said, “Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years.

Okay, let's get to it.

Grow by learning something new

First, we'll explore some self-development activities you can use to acquire new skills. Because, as writer Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Unless you try to do something beyond what you've already done, you'll never grow.

1. Take an online course

Taking an online course is a great way to learn new skills, expand your thinking and improve yourself.

Whether you want to learn digital marketing, photography or programming, there are so many amazing free online courses.

For example, you can learn how to start an online business with Shopify Compass, or check out online course platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and edX.

2. Learn the language

Learning a new language is a great way to work on yourself, explore another culture and change your worldview. Plus, learning a new language can open up new travel opportunities and introduce you to many new potential friends.

If that's not enough, you also get the perfect opportunity to practice valuable life skills such as patience, perseverance, dedication and hard work.

To get started, check out some free online language courses on Duolingo, edX, and Alison.

3. Learn to play a musical instrument

Like languages, music can open up a whole new world for you. Learning to play an instrument can be a fantastic way to join a dedicated community, find a healthy method of emotional expression, and develop a lifelong passion.

So if you've always wanted to play a musical instrument, there's no time like the present! Plus, there are plenty of free online tutorials to get you started. Go to YouTube and search for free lessons.

4. Start a business

Starting a business can provide many of the same benefits as learning a language or a tool. But there is a bonus benefit: you can also make money.

There are many different types of businesses you can start, such as freelancing, consulting, and online teaching. However, if you are just starting out in business, consider dropshipping. This business model allows you to start selling products online without any initial investment.

Work on yourself by improving your habits

It is vital to motivate yourself, but as entrepreneur and speaker Jim Rohn said, “Motivation is what gets you going. Habit is what keeps you going.” So let's explore some ways to improve your habits.

5. Read more

Wish you spent less time on social media, YouTube or Netflix? Reading is a great alternative.

Many of the most successful people in the world value reading as a way to improve themselves every day. For example, Bill Gates reads a whopping 50 books a year - that's almost one a week.

Don't know what to read? No problem. We've compiled a guide to the 40 most essential books of all time!

6. Stick to an exercise routine

There's a reason successful people exercise regularly. It strengthens our immune system, gives us more energy and can regulate our hormones and emotions, helping us stay focused and motivated.

If you want to start exercising regularly, consider downloading an exercise app, working out with a friend, or setting a daily goal, no matter how small.

7. Eat healthier

With so many unhealthy options, it can be challenging to eat healthy.

However, our diets have a huge impact on our happiness, well-being and success. What we consume can heal us or harm us.

An Indian Ayurvedic proverb says: “When the diet is bad, medicine is useless. When the diet is right, drugs are not needed.”

When trying to change a bad habit, start small and focus on consistency. For example, you can start by eating at least three servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day.

8. Watch and listen to positive media

The saying "you are what you eat" also applies to everything we consume, such as the things we listen to and watch.

Every podcast, movie, and social media post we consume affects our mental and emotional states.

In fact, a new study has shown that social media has negative effects on well-being and increases feelings of depression and loneliness.

Eek.

Consider your media habits. Is there anything you regularly consume that could be harming your mental or emotional health?

One of the best ways to improve yourself is to change what you listen to and watch. So switch it up and check out some motivational podcasts or watch some inspirational and educational TV.

9. Learn to rest deeply

There is so much to do these days: work, study, read books, watch TV, listen to podcasts, catch up on social media, write to friends, run errands, clean, travel, shop, cook, exercise…

It never stops, does it?

What's more, it's common to feel that some kinds of "doing" are "leisure" and others are "work." For example, working, studying and cleaning is "work". And traveling, social networking and messaging friends is "rest".

Besides, traveling, social media and messaging friends are tiring too!

Here's the thing: Sometimes we just don't need to do anything - literally nothing. Author and meditation teacher Sylvia Boorstein wrote, "Don't just do something, sit there!"

So try sitting still, watching the sunset and spending time in nature with your wonderful self.

Just be.

This can be incredibly uncomfortable at first. However, learning to be with yourself without distraction is an essential part of meaningful self-development.

Improve yourself by increasing your focus

Focus is a skill that allows you to direct your attention wherever you really want without being distracted by unpleasant emotions, external stimulation or bad habits.

As a result, increasing attention is an important aspect of personal improvement. So here are some self-improvement tips that can help you increase your focus.

10. Start meditating

According to some reputable scientific studies, meditation can help:

• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Promote emotional health
• Strengthen self-awareness
• Extend your attention span
• Reduce age-related memory loss
• Create kindness
• Help fight addictions
• Improve sleep
• Control the pain

sold? Amazing!