Happy Self-Improvement Month! Let’s have ourselves a check-in. How are things? What small steps can we make to change our minds, habits, and outlook for the better?
Some of us can delve right into a self-improvement kick by flipping a switch. Others need a little planning, encouragement, or a greater purpose. Whichever camp you’re in, you can 100% set yourself up for success by learning how to set goals for the future.
So How Do We Get Started?
- Pick a goal. What do you want to focus on this month? Do you want to improve your energy levels, start a fitness routine, or lower your stress? To succeed, you want to set up an achievable self-improvement goal that can be broken down into increments. These smaller, day-to-day self-improvement habits make it easier to achieve your goals in digestible bits.
- Start small! Say you want to join a 5k race in the next month. You can start where you are right now and build on top of that foundation. For example, start by running for a few minutes at a time, then increase your running and resting intervals. Ease into the larger goals as you grow; you can then prepare for a 10k, half marathon, or even a marathon further down the line.
- Keep track of your self-improvement progress. Finding a space to schedule and track your progress can help remind you that every day is a step forward. Use a diary, calendar, or whiteboard to visualize and jot down your process. You can even set daily alarms and reminders to kick those incremental goals into gear and create a daily routine. There are no rules when it comes to staying consistent, except to stay consistent.
- Tell someone about it! It’s great to have somebody who can cheer you on, or someone to talk to if today’s training was just so dang tough. Let a friend or colleague know that you’re setting a positive self-improvement goal this month. We’re all looking to encourage each other along the way.
- Join a group. Partnering up or joining a group will encourage you to stay on track and hold you accountable. Finding a social media group, an online forum, or a meetup in person takes pressure off and can be a great way to stay social and on task.
- Enjoy it. Have a ton of fun. Once you get going and start achieving these exciting things for yourself, you’ll be glad you got started. And don’t compare yourself to others! That can take the joy out of your journey. Plus, you’re spending your time, not theirs. Go for it and we’ll be cheering for you on the sidelines.
Ready? Let’s Do It!
Mindfulness techniques are one of the most effective ways to reduce the daily stress you might experience in your life. This includes exercise, too—which has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression! Add these simple and relaxing activities to your routine:
- Meditate. Your mind needs a rest too.
- Do a jigsaw or word puzzle once a day.
- Take time away from your phone.
- Set reminders on your phone to avoid any dehydration headaches.
- Schedule a self-date once a week to truly treat yourself.
- Take a daily 30-minute walk to break up your day and get some fresh air. Be sure to get plenty of hydration!
- Find a new jogging route in a different part of town.
Stay in It for the Long Haul
As you get started, give yourself some slack. If you’re trying to meditate for half an hour every day and you miss a day, forgive yourself and get back to it. Recognize where you are, how you’re feeling, and brush off your shoulders. No biggie.
And if you’ve noticed the progress you’re making has given you a new template to live by, take it and travel with it. Getting started is often the hardest part, and once you prove to yourself that you can set and attain goals, nothing can stop you from keeping that momentum.
