Self Improvement has been a continuously growing trend in todays society. With more possibilities and opportunities available, we have shifted our focus to engaging in activity we expect will make these achievements a fast tracked reality. In one way or another, most of us have experienced a period of which we spent endless time obsessing over the idea of reaching a sense of fulfillment, breaking glass ceilings, and in some cases becoming our own boss, to ultimately obtain financial independence. While having the desire and relentless drive to commit to a plan of self improvement, we become so fascinated with the ideal that we are willing to invest so much financial resources, time and energy, we don’t realize the underlying interest may be an obsession caused by the “Fear of Missing Out” (FOMO).
While self improvement seems to be the key to reaching self acceptance, feeling the need to constantly fix self inadequacies can lead to toxic overindulging and unecessary excessive consumption. This actually increases the risk of jeopardizing whats important to us; relationships, happiness, career advancement, acheivement and in some cases our health. So being cautious about our engagement in self-criticism and reflecting on the overall effects should be evaluated. While we’re questioning our abilities, self worth and appearance, we should be reassuring ourselves that making mistakes doesn’t come without having the confidence to take the risk and that we can do our best and still make an impact.
This doesn’t mean we should not be pursing our purpose or what we’ve defined to be important to us. I hands down support pursuing a life you desire, and admire any effort towards positive self change. However, everyone’s goals and idea of self-fulfillment look differently. If we understand this much, we’ll be better versions of ourselves without much effort at all. What your road to self-improvement looks like may not be the same for your friend, or colleague. You may not have the desire to progress into a role of management, thats’s ok, don’t feel the pressure to make this move if its not something you can’t feel completely confident about committing to. You are no less successful than someone else for turning down this opportunity. Find what fits for you.
A lot of our perceptions of what happiness looks like is formed around the false fantasies that a specific title and pay scale would finally provide us with the feeling of happiness we’ve fantasized. This is a false assumption and although we shouldn’t fall victim to this we do. Being content and happy with our current progress and achievements does not make us any less successful than someone else. This just means we have our own personal perspectives of what success and happiness is to us. The pressures of society weigh heavy on our ability to reach a place of contentment. Not feeling obligated to use our admiration of other’s success as as weapon of motivation to seek personal evolution is stressful. Finding a true balance of wanting to seek growth but do so at a pace thats comfortable is challenging with so much external influence encouraging your to seek immediate change to be able to live your best life now. So, how do you find balance in it all? Consider making a few adjustments with the suggestions below.
Change Is Inevitable
The beauty of life is that we are allowed to find new meanings, re-evaluate our passions and if it interests us, make a change to our purpose. Undeniably, change is inevitable, its constant and happens whether we approve or not. Some change is within our control however some is not. How well we adapt to change is whats important to maintaining a balance. As we encounter new experiences, we’ll discover new interests, develop new goals for ourselves and uncover new importances.
Entrepreneurship – To Be or Not To Be?
You can be just as happy and content in your career and in building a professional success path. Not everyone is equipped to build a self operating business or has the drive and desire to do so, let alone the resources and stamina to keep things running. It takes special individuals and dedication to set out to function as a sole proprietor. Don’t feel pressured by the world of entrepreneurship. There is so much that goes along with being a CEO. Like anything, there are both advantages and disadvantages to the realm of entrepreneurship. While it seems like an exhilarating lifestyle change, financial freedom, flexibility and control all being amongst the main reasons to pursue, also comes with overwhelming amounts of risk, responsibility and work. If your vision and resources are not optimal to your business approach you may find yourself spending more time than necessary trying to get remain on track.
Protect Your Self Confidence
How you choose to measure your success is up to you. We typically measure success by wealth, job status and title, personal aquisitions and what that looks like compared to our peers. Comparing where you are in your life to others can have a negative effect on your confidence. We look for validation that we’ve accomplished great things through the accomplishments of others and our peers’ perception of these. Practicing acceptance, recognizing mistakes do not define our capabilities but build resilience and the courage to continue to take risks can all help with maintaining the confidence we need to keep going. Having the right support is also crucial to the foundation of success and maintaining the self confidence that will help in reaching your desired level of self improvement.
Self Help or Self Sabotage?
With the desire to self improve, comes the search to investing in resources that aid in this pursuit. Podcasts, seminars, books and life coaches, are just a few items available. Though these resources can actually be inspiring and a help to you, the trick is not to become so obsessed and be manipulated enough to be willing to invest life savings and dedicate majority of your time in the false magic tips or what could be a simple solution not requiring an expensive investment. I do not wish to discourage you to refrain from buying and reading the book, attending the retreat or investing any time in listening to a relevant podcast, I am just cautioning you to be mindful of impulsive buys and their lack of assistance. Getting caught up in the how may keep us from action, deeming our investments insignificant.
Nonetheless, the ultimate goal should be to reach a point where self improvement is no longer a requirement. All inadequacies are accepted and the constant pursuit of fixing your life is no more.
Have you found yourself in a furious frenzy to change your life? What is your game plan to working towards accountability rather than absorbing knowledge?