Self Improvement

A very short conversation with one of my colleagues led to initiating the discussion on self-development and achieving goals. As Madonna rightly said, “No matter who you are, no matter what you did, no matter where you've come from, you can always change, become a better version of yourself.”

Starting, however simple it might sound, can actually be quite daunting. What started as small talk might hopefully lead to bigger actions:

One of the first step would ideally be to recognise where you stand and how you can get further. Stop and think about yourself, reflect on the things you do and the way you do things. Can these be optimised? As we avoid the depths and barely scratch the surface, think about having more conversations with yourself, away from the distractions (mainly the screens) of daily life.

Identify your strength and weaknesses. As anybody else, we are all works in progress, yet we all have that one asset which makes us stand out from the crowd. Whether you are good at managing emotions, problem solving or making first class omelettes, maximise on your strengths. On the other hand, do not neglect your weaknesses (provided you admit to having any) and look at ways on improving. Set your goals and objectives to conquer and master theses weaknesses. For instance, if you are not very confident in the way you communicate or speak in public, start reading on these areas, listen to audio books, invest time in free courses or money in paid courses. And practice. Develop a process, which ultimately will become automated and allow you to turn these weaknesses into strengths.

Finally, the initiation starting with self-reflection can end in self-awareness. Breathe. Deep. Feel. Close your eyes and appreciate the quietness of the mind. Self-awareness leads to many realisations, such as the need for breaks, the need for activities outdoors and exercise, the need for good food, food for the body and food for the brain, and once you start feeding the brain, it gets hungrier and hungrier and better and better. Feed it. nurture it and watch yourself grow.

And finally, as a Rotarian, evenmore so as Club President this year, Give.

Life cannot happen just by breathing in, we have to breathe out as well. Be more of the Giver than the taker.

Be at the service of others.

A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Take yours today.