Crafting Your Own Path to Self-Improvement: A Personal Take
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Chapter 1: Rethinking Self-Improvement Strategies
Let’s get straight to the point: if a single routine worked for everyone, why aren’t we all thriving? Why aren’t we all living our best lives? The truth is, there isn't a universal formula for success or happiness. It's not a one-size-fits-all situation.
Having delved into self-help literature for years, I've experimented on myself to determine what truly works. Here’s a rundown of what hasn’t been effective for me and my alternative approaches.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.” — Socrates
Torturing My Sleep
If waking up at 5 am suits you, that’s fantastic. If it feels overwhelming at first, that’s normal; all habits require adjustment. However, if you genuinely dislike it and it negatively affects your personal life, it might be time to reconsider.
Scientifically, we are not all wired to be early risers. People perform best at various times throughout the day. Discover what suits you best, striking a balance between personal satisfaction and social commitments.
What I Do Instead
I choose to rise at 7:30 am because waking up at 5 am makes my evenings challenging.
Cold Showers
I prefer warm showers, even in India’s sweltering 45 degrees Celsius. Winters aren't my favorite, and I'm quite sensitive to cold. Cold showers indeed offer numerous advantages, such as enhancing alertness and boosting dopamine levels. It’s often recommended to finish with a cold rinse if you can't handle it entirely. But if you don't enjoy it, don't force it.
What I Do Instead
To elevate my dopamine and alertness, I engage in alternative activities. For the past two years, I've practiced AUM chanting, meditated for three years, and incorporated yoga into my routine since the pandemic began.
You do what feels right for you!
Journaling
While journaling is widely praised, I find it challenging to maintain consistently. I tried it intermittently, and even though it helped me vent frustration last night, I struggle to fit it into my busy schedule. I understand the importance of journaling, yet I’ve realized that I already partake in various self-help activities.
What I Do Instead
Instead of journaling daily, I engage in weekly reflections, which have significantly enhanced my self-awareness. Each Sunday, I ask myself:
- What went well this week?
- What didn't?
- What changes can I make?
- What are my goals for the upcoming week?
This practice allows me to review the past week, learn from it, and set a positive tone for the week ahead. Why not give it a try?
Binging on Self-Improvement
Since I was 16, I’ve adored self-improvement literature. However, consuming too much of it without action does not lead to growth. If you’re not implementing the lessons learned, what purpose does it serve?
To counteract this, I’ve started alternating my reading list between fiction and non-fiction. Overindulgence in self-help has led me to question my own productivity and choices.
What I Do Instead
I focus on reading about experiences, as they can genuinely inspire action. Understanding why someone undertook a certain path, how they did it, and what they gained from it can motivate you to pursue your goals. This approach has also taught me to be kinder to myself on lazy days, recognizing that sometimes, doing nothing is perfectly acceptable.
I have made self-awareness a priority, and self-improvement naturally follows.
“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” - Dolly Parton
Final Thoughts
Not every successful writer adheres to the same routine. Not all athletes utilize identical training methods. Each individual is unique. So, who are you trying to emulate, and why not embrace your own identity instead?
Learn from various sources, act on what resonates with you, and do so without being overly critical of yourself. In this journey, you will uncover your own rhythm—a path that is uniquely yours.
The first video titled "5 Self-Development Hacks To Improve Your Life" offers insightful strategies for enhancing your daily routine and achieving personal goals.
The second video, "Giving Up On Self Improvement? | 4 Truths Nobody Tells You About" sheds light on the often overlooked realities of personal growth and the importance of resilience.
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