Steps Towards Self-Improvement

Nothing in life occurs without a reason.

True, from our limited perspective, it can often be hard to see how a certain event fits into the grand scheme of things, or how we ourselves fit into the larger picture.

Some things seem senseless, pointless, and, of course, completely beyond our control.

So, none of us has a bird’s eye view on our life. We don’t know the true significance of any given event on any given day.

All the more reason, then, to live each day to the fullest—because, as even a little reflection will show, it is often the most seemingly insignificant events of our lives, the unplanned accidents, which end up leading to the greatest successes, or most meaningful relationships.

An important part of self-improvement and positive thinking involves the realization that the things we endure, even the ones that are the most unpleasant, may end up playing transformative roles in our lives. Famous examples of this abound in world culture.

Take the world-famous Russian novelist, Dostoevsky. While in his twenties, he was convicted of political conspiracy, and subjected to a mock execution. He was led to a scaffold, and prepared for a firing squad. He thought his life was to end in a matter of minutes, when a last-minute pardon arrived from the Russian emperor. He was sent for several years to a Siberian prison camp. Makes your setbacks seem pretty minor, huh?

In retrospect, these years of suffering forged his personality, his outlook on life, and his knowledge of human nature. With this experience, he returned from the prison, began his life anew, and became one of the greatest writers in all of world history. Not too shabby!

With this single example in mind (and there are lots more where that came from), here are a few pointers for you personally, as you embark on your self-improvement project.

1. You are not defeated.

Just because you suffer a defeat doesn’t mean you’re defeated. As we’ve seen already, you can’t even be sure it’s an actual defeat. Today’s setback could be the beginning of tomorrow’s triumphs—triumphs you wouldn’t dare to imagine in your wildest dreams.

2. Don’t feel sorry for yourself.

Some people fall into the habit of comparing themselves with other people, in terms of physical appearance or personality. Nonsense! Take some pride in yourself. You’re an absolutely unique, unrepeatable human being. You have things to offer that no one else can.

3. Pick up the people around you.

If your own setbacks have you feeling down, make a point of paying attention to someone else’s own problems. Find someone who’s in need, and make their day with some unexpected help. In the process, you’ll pick yourself up as well.

4. People learn from their mistakes.

OK, so you’ve just graduated the school of hard knocks. Congratulations! Mistakes and trials and setbacks teach us a lot more than unbridled success. Even defeat can be welcomed as a learning experience—and as a prelude to success.

5. Slow and steady wins the race.

Some people aren’t unrealistic about their goals, but rather about the achievement of those goals. When their dreams don’t come true overnight, they become discouraged. The longest journey begins with a single step.

6. Appreciate the effect you have on others.

We often underestimate just how big an impact we have on those around us. The slightest gesture of kindness or encouragement can be enough to turn someone’s day around. A negative comment or discouraging word, on the other hand, can push someone over the edge of despair.

Self-improvement is a question of perspective—developing a broad perspective on our lives, our actions, and our effects on others. Set bold goals for yourself, and pursue them energetically, with the knowledge that the route you take to reach those goals may be unexpected. Just enjoy the journey, no matter how circuitous!

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Photo by Light Knight