What I’ve learned about self improvement, at least for me and my life, really are quite important. Though there undoubtedly are a multitude of competing voices and impacts (and suggestions) on our attempts at self-improvement, the beginning is critical. Actually, the beginning is everything. We can think about and talk about improving, but the only way there will be success is… to start. Simple? No. Because in our decision to be a better person, this will require us to change some of the things we do and say. Or at least how we do and say. So – begin? If yes, then do your preparation first. I’m only going to consider two issues that will determine everything (in my estimation) about how we can improve our chances of improving.
1- The overriding impetus has to be personal. YOU have to want to improve but you also have to be willing to do those things that will mark the improvement leading to success. It always has to be more than just words… without your active involvement, any behavior change is transitory at best. And before you say, ‘of course I want to improve’, ask yourself – do you? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish (fill in the blank)? You never can improve from a ‘safe’ distance. Also you have to be honest with yourself… what are those issues, behaviors, that you really are willing to improve? And what does improvement look like? If you don’t know what it is you want to change, refine, correct then how do you know what you need to do to improve?
Another incredibly important component is that you should never take on too much all at once. Never try for self-improvement on multiple areas simultaneously – that only ensures defeat. Tackle those things one at a time. This may seem like an unimportant consideration – it isn’t. My belief is that frustration will be the order of the day if you are trying to make too many ‘changes’ on a variety of issues all at the same time. At some point most people will either give up or decide that they really aren’t all that bad or that they’ve completed enough ‘correction’ for the time being. All of that is leading to a return to who and what you were before starting. It is success in one area that proves to be supportive of taking on another area to improve.
We all need self-improvement. None of us has achieved a ‘perfect’ status/level. As long as we have breath we have the opportunity to become all that’s been prepared for us to be and do. Fortunately too, we aren’t in this alone. We have those who support us in our attempts to become a better person. It is folly to try and not include them in our plans. Also, the Lord is with us as we grow. I’ve always loved the phrase that the Lord isn’t finished with me yet. That realized hope is my impetus to continue my journey to improve.
