When you are on the path for self improvement you will find a lot of advice. Most people are trying to help, but others, while thinking they are helping are actually making it more difficult for you improve.
Like everything else, as you progress in your journey and learn more you will become more confident in yourself and in using your own judgment or ‘gut feeling’. To assist you I found a good post by Diggy of UpgradeReality.com. The article is called Top Ten Myths of Self Improvement. Here is my take on this great article.
Self Improvement Myths
- You are limited by your circumstances.
Where you were born, when you were born and to whom does not matter. It is your life. You and you alone determine your path. - You must make big changes – fast.
Self improvement is a journey. It is not a quick, one time fix. Small steps are easier and will provide more success then attempting to make a big change. While it could be argued that ‘stop smoking’ is a big change, I would suggest you break it into smaller steps. ‘I won’t have a cigarette right now’ is much easier then ‘I won’t ever smoke again.’ - You need money to make improvements.
There is a lot of free information available on the Internet and in books you can read for free at your library. You don’t need any money – to think otherwise is an excuse. - You must be a loser if you need improvement.
This is usually made by people who are losers. Reading, studying and trying to improve yourself is done everyday. If they don’t believe you, ask them how many people go to the local college or university. - It doesn’t work.
You have to do more than read a book, listen to an audio or watch a few ‘gurus’ on TV to make improvement. You have to take daily, consistent action. Remember it is a journey. - It is all about positive thinking.
Having positive thoughts is moving in the right direction, however you also need to take action. You will make mistakes but that is part of the learning process. - The motivation to improve can’t last.
It can if you set it up correctly. Make small goals that are easy to achieve when you first start. These wins will help you stay motivated. It is like building blocks, you need a strong foundation of success to continue. - It doesn’t work for everyone. It doesn’t work for me.
This usually means you either tried to make to big of a change and failed or you did not put in enough effort. It does work for everyone, you just need to find the way that it works for you. - Medication is the only way to improve.
This may or may not be true. I’m not a doctor. If you believe you need to see a doctor, then see a doctor. Keep an open mind and research your condition and see if there are ways you can reduce or eliminate your need for any medication. However, if you are under a Doctor’s care, also talk to them before you start. - It’s Boring.
I’ve read some boring books on self improvement. However, I’ve also read some really interesting books that others found boring. It all depends on you and your interests. If you find something boring, stop doing it and find something that interests you. Self improvement can be fun and exciting.
Self improvement is different for everyone, but I’m convinced it can be an enjoyable, exciting part of your life. Find what is interesting to you and start with small steps. You will soon notice the improvements and it will become a part of your life.