By: Stephanie Aanstoos, Account Executive
You may not have known, but September was National Self-Improvement Month, something we should all celebrate (or at least acknowledge). Although the month has passed, it doesn’t mean we can’t work on ourselves every month of the year. Sometimes we get so bogged down by our day-to-day tasks and short-term goals that we forget to look up and see where we are headed. Now is a great time to evaluate yourself, consider the path you’re on and where you want to be in the future.
If you have read the book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, you already know number seven: sharpen the saw. By this, Dr. Covey means, “having a balanced program for self-renewal in the four areas of your life: physical, social/emotional, mental, and spiritual.” To be effective in your work and lead a successful life, you must take time to work on yourself. Self-improvement month is all about taking the time to learn and grow as conscious human beings, something that should be a continuous part of our lives. Here are a few changes that will get you on your way to leading a more balanced life, creating personal growth and feeling renewed:
• Set a new goal. Where we see ourselves in the future evolves as time goes on. Think about when you were a kid. What did you want to be when you grew up? Most likely, that has changed and if you’re like me, that has changed a lot (from veterinarian, to landscape architect and everything in between). Whether you’ve met your goals or would like to change your goals, sit down and think about where you see yourself down the road and make at least one new goal.
• Learn something new. Learning is a never ending process. You don’t graduate school and suddenly know everything; you must take a proactive approach to ongoing enrichment. Pick something you have always wanted to learn and go for it! This may be learning a new language, a new sport or a new instrument. You name it! A couple years ago, I decided I wanted to complete a triathlon; now, training for and racing in triathlons are a part of who I am.
• Make a new friend. Lifelong friends are great, but sometimes we can get too comfortable with familiarity and put up a barrier to meeting new people. I challenge you to go out of your way to make a new friend. Interacting with others, especially those who are very different, may help you grow in ways you didn’t expect. It may even help you learn more about yourself. For starters, reach out to coworkers who you haven’t bonded with yet. You know you have at least one thing in common!
• Donate to a new cause. Whether you donate your money to charities all the time, or have never donated to anything in your life, research a new cause in your local community that you find worthy. Helping others is one of the best ways to feel good, learn about problems you may not have realized and help improve the community in which you live. If you don’t feel like you are capable of a monetary donation, donate your time and volunteer. If your not sure where to start, Volunteer Florida or your local Red Cross chapter are two places to get ideas.
• Go somewhere new. A great way to feel rejuvenated and gain a new perspective is to go somewhere new. Take a trip and visit a new city, or even just try a new social scene that is out of your comfort zone. You may be surprised by what you find. I have a friend who recently started ballroom dancing once a week with Tallahassee Swing. He had never taken lessons before, but he has a blast learning dance and meeting all kinds of new people. Now, that would definitely be out of my comfort zone, but maybe its time to give it a try.
Trying something new or doing things differently are ways to break bad habits and avoid burning yourself out. Making the commitment to self-improvement and personal development can help your professional development and work life. Make taking the time to improve yourself a habit, and you will see the benefits in all aspects of your life!
“If you wish to achieve worthwhile things in your personal and career life, you must become a worthwhile person in your own self-development.” – Brian Tracy