Have you ever read a book that made you more overwhelmed than inspired?
I can’t remember the title of the book.
But I particularly remember how unnecessarily detailed the book felt.
If my vague memory serves me right, the book was about organising
The organising process described in the book was way too complex.
I felt exhausted by the system that I meant to build before attempting to organise anything at all.
After reading so many personal development blogs, I kind of became a cynic for a while.
Seriously, are they doing all those things they recommend?
These thoughts constantly plagued my mind.
It seemed entirely and humanly impossible to me.
I’m sure not all bloggers follow their own advice to a T.
Maybe that’s why some say you’ve got to be careful who you listen to.
Maybe that’s why I love and respect people like David Goggins and Seth Godin, who walk the talk.
Not long after, though, did I realise I was missing the point.
It’s not about who says what.
And personal development journey is very much individual.
We get to choose our own path at our own pace.
Some will give us practical pointers.
Some will motivate us to ponder our life choices by sharing their life experiences and lessons.
Each offers takeaways. What we do with them matters most.
Since I approached my personal growth journey this way, most resources I stumbled upon became valuable.
The journey has become more enjoyable and fulfilling.
All this is to say that I hope you too enjoy your journey at your own pace.
Here are 5 things I consciously do every day to achieve personal growth.
5 Things I Consciously Do Every Day to Achieve Personal Growth
1. Read a Non-Fiction Book for 30 Minutes
I’m currently reading “The Power of Your Subconscious Mind” by Joseph Murphy.
This is the kind of book that’ll potentially change your life forever for a fraction of the price of your daily cup of coffee!
Ever since I read this book (which definitely changed my life), I wanted to delve into my subconscious mind.
I’m immensely enjoying learning more about it right now.
Although I have always loved reading, this time I got better at it.
I’m not a passive reader any more.
I actively apply the things I learn from the book to my life.
My behaviours, beliefs, and habits are all working in my favour for personal growth.
♣ UPDATE: I’ve since finished the book, and you can read my review here.
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2. Exercise
Do you feel like exercise is a chore? Do you find yourself pushing hard to just get started?
I was very irregular with my exercise routine.
I found two reasons for this.
One: I saw exercise as an obligation. Two: I engaged in an exercise I didn’t enjoy.
No matter how wonderful yoga is supposed to be, if you don’t enjoy it and feel bored to death, exercise will become a chore for you.
It made a massive difference when I gave up following others and found an exercise routine that I enjoy doing.
Exercise plays a massive role in personal growth.
So it’s super important that you find the exercise you enjoy most and not get swayed by what others do.
My favourite exercise channel on YouTube is Billy Blanks Tae Bo.
And this Zumba is fun!
3. Stay Open-Minded
Instead of dismissing others’ experiences because of long-held preconceptions or because it didn’t work for me in the past, I’ve learned to keep an open mind and try it at least once.
Sometimes, more than once.
It gives me a learning opportunity. Keeps me to stay curious.
I become more appreciative of others’ experiences and understand them better.
It also quiets the critic in me.
Instead of looking for faults in others, I’ve learned to value patience and mutual respect.
Listen to others carefully with the assumption that they might actually know something I don’t.
A true form of personal growth is in the making. Ha!
4. Aim for Progress, Not Perfection
From a once very self-critical person’s point of view, this is huge.
We tend to seek an immediate result.
When it doesn’t happen, we become increasingly self-critical, feeling like massive failures.
I’ve learned that personal growth is a lifelong journey.
We find joy in the process and in the minuscule progress, not the result.
Be happy with being better today than yesterday. Anticipate a little better tomorrow than today.
Progress counts, not perfection.
5. Be Happy Now with What I Get to Do
Wherever you are and whatever you do, let me challenge you to find one thing that you can proclaim right now:
Am I not glad I get to do this?
For the past few days, that’s been the first thing I said to myself upon waking up.
I get to write my thoughts on my blog, which people read and share!
(Hopefully, you do share! ha)
I owe it to Seth Godin’s insightful daily email: The gap between “have to” and “get to.”
His message is sometimes so simple yet so powerful that it immediately penetrates my mind.
I applied the message straight to my life.
See how important it is what we feed our mind—people and the environment we surround ourselves with.
It’s a vital part of personal growth.
Final Thoughts
I may get sloppy in some aspects of my personal development journey.
But I don’t derail from these 5 things.
I consciously do all five every day to achieve personal growth and continuous improvement.
It’s highly unlikely that you’ll find a good reason not to.
Now it’s your turn.
Don’t feel pressured to follow others (including me!) but create your own path that satisfies you and your growth.
One that you’re intensely happy to stick with because you know (and feel) that they change you so much for the better.
That’s really what matters.
You Might Also Enjoy…
- Why Everyone can be a Life Coach
- This is How You Start Your Personal Development Journey
- 30 Questions to Get to Know Yourself Well
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