essay on self improvement

Essay on Self Improvement

Students are often asked to write an essay on Self Improvement in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Self Improvement

What is self improvement.

Self-improvement is when you make yourself better. You can do this in many different ways. It could be learning a new thing, changing a bad habit, or becoming kinder. It’s about making positive changes to yourself.

Why is Self Improvement Important?

Self-improvement is important because it helps us grow. It helps us become better people. When we improve ourselves, we feel happier and more confident. We can do more things and achieve our goals.

How to Start Self Improvement?

To start self-improvement, you need to think about what you want to change. You might want to learn a new skill or stop a bad habit. Then, you make a plan and start working on it.

Tips for Self Improvement

Here are some tips for self-improvement: set clear goals, be patient, and keep going even when it’s hard. Also, remember to reward yourself when you achieve your goals. This will keep you motivated.

In conclusion, self-improvement is a journey. It takes time and effort. But it’s worth it because you become a better person. So, start your self-improvement journey today!

Also check:

Speech on Self Improvement

250 Words Essay on Self Improvement

Self Improvement is the act of making yourself better. It’s about learning new things and getting rid of bad habits. It’s like planting a seed and taking care of it until it grows into a big, strong tree.

Self Improvement is important because it helps us grow and become better people. It’s like climbing a ladder. Each step we take brings us closer to the top. We learn new things, become better at what we do, and feel happier. It’s a journey that never ends.

Starting Self Improvement is easy. First, think about what you want to improve. It could be anything. Maybe you want to read more books, or learn a new skill, or be kinder to people. Then, make a plan. Write down what you want to do and how you will do it. And then, start doing it. It’s as simple as that.

Challenges in Self Improvement

Self Improvement can be hard. Sometimes, we might feel like giving up. But remember, every step counts. Even small changes can make a big difference. And if you keep going, you will get better. It’s like a journey. There might be bumps along the way, but in the end, you will reach your destination.

Self Improvement is a journey of learning and growing. It’s about becoming the best version of ourselves. It might be hard, but it’s worth it. So, let’s start our journey of Self Improvement today. Let’s plant our seeds and watch them grow into strong, beautiful trees.

500 Words Essay on Self Improvement

Understanding self-improvement.

Self-improvement is the process of making yourself a better person. It is about learning new things, developing new skills, and becoming a better version of yourself. It can include many things like learning a new language, improving your physical health, or becoming a better listener.

The Importance of Self-Improvement

Self-improvement is important for many reasons. It can help you achieve your goals, make you feel good about yourself, and improve your life in general. For example, if you want to become a better student, you might focus on improving your study habits. This could include things like setting aside more time for studying, learning new study techniques, or finding a study group to join.

Ways to Improve Yourself

There are many ways you can work on self-improvement. One way is to set goals for yourself. These goals should be things that you want to achieve or improve about yourself. They could be big goals like getting into a good college, or smaller goals like reading a new book every month.

Another way to improve yourself is to learn new skills. This could be anything from learning how to cook a new recipe, to learning how to play a musical instrument, to learning how to code. Learning new skills can be fun and rewarding, and it can also help you become a more well-rounded person.

Challenges in Self-Improvement

While self-improvement can be rewarding, it can also be challenging. Sometimes, it can be hard to stick to your goals, especially if they are big and take a long time to achieve. It can also be hard to find the time to work on self-improvement, especially if you have a busy schedule.

Despite these challenges, it’s important to remember that self-improvement is a journey, not a destination. It’s about making progress, not about being perfect. Even small steps towards your goals can make a big difference.

The Role of Patience in Self-Improvement

Patience plays a key role in self-improvement. It’s important to remember that change takes time. You won’t become a better person overnight. It takes time, effort, and patience. But with persistence, you can make progress and see improvements in yourself.

In conclusion, self-improvement is a lifelong journey. It’s about setting goals, learning new skills, and overcoming challenges. It’s about becoming a better version of yourself, one step at a time. So, keep moving forward, keep learning, and keep improving. The journey of self-improvement is a rewarding one, and it’s a journey that’s worth taking.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

The Importance of Self-Improvement

Top Self Improvement Essay Topics for Personal Growth

Self-improvement is a concept that holds immense value in our lives. It is an ongoing process of enhancing oneself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The importance of self-improvement lies in its ability to help us become the best version of ourselves, unlocking our true potential and achieving personal growth. Engaging in self-improvement activities allows us to identify our weaknesses and work towards overcoming them. By undertaking self-reflection and actively seeking ways to enhance our skills, knowledge, and mindset, we can strive for self-improvement. This journey enables us to become more resilient, adaptable, and capable individuals, equipped to face the challenges that life presents. With self-improvement, we can continuously learn, develop new skills, and evolve into better versions of ourselves, leading to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

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Choosing the Right Self Improvement Essay Topics

Choosing the right self-improvement essay topic is crucial in ensuring that you are able to effectively convey your thoughts and ideas. With a vast array of self-improvement topics to choose from, it can sometimes be overwhelming to narrow down your options. However, by considering your personal interests, areas of growth, and current challenges, you can select a topic that resonates with you and allows for meaningful reflection and exploration. When selecting a self-improvement essay topic, it is important to choose something that genuinely interests you. This will help you stay motivated and engaged throughout the writing process. Think about the aspects of your life that you are most passionate about and consider how you can incorporate them into your essay. Whether it’s personal relationships, health, and wellness, career advancement, or personal finance, choosing a self-improvement topic that aligns with your interests will make the writing process more enjoyable and authentic.

Personal Development and Growth in Essays

In the realm of personal development and growth, essays serve as powerful tools for self-reflection and exploration. These written pieces provide individuals with an opportunity to delve into their own experiences, beliefs, and values, fostering personal growth and transformation. By putting pen to paper and examining their thoughts and feelings, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world. Through the process of crafting an essay, individuals engage in a form of self-discovery. They are encouraged to examine their thoughts and emotions, explore their strengths and weaknesses, and reflect on their personal experiences. This introspective journey leads to personal development, as individuals gain a clearer sense of their values, goals, and aspirations. By articulating their thoughts and feelings through the written word, individuals are able to make sense of their experiences and make meaning out of their lives.

Self-Reflection and Self-Improvement Essays

Self-reflection and Self-Improvement Essays allow individuals to delve deep into their thoughts and experiences, providing an opportunity for personal growth and development. Through introspection and self-analysis, these essays encourage individuals to examine their beliefs, values, and behaviors, ultimately leading to self-awareness and improvement. In Self-Reflection and Self-Improvement Essays, individuals have the chance to explore their strengths and weaknesses and gain a better understanding of themselves. By reflecting on past experiences and analyzing their impact, individuals can identify areas where they have excelled and areas where they have room for growth. This self-reflection allows individuals to set realistic goals and develop strategies to enhance their personal development and overall well-being. Whether it’s examining their interpersonal skills, exploring their emotional intelligence, or evaluating their decision-making abilities, self-reflection serves as a catalyst for self-improvement. Writing a Self-Reflection and Self-Improvement Essay also enables individuals to assess their progress and track their growth over time. The process of documenting personal experiences and lessons learned enhances self-awareness and provides a roadmap for future development. By articulating their thoughts and feelings in written form, individuals can gain clarity and perspective, allowing them to make intentional choices and take deliberate actions toward their self-improvement journey.

How to Write an Effective Self-Improvement Essay

Writing an effective self-improvement essay can be a rewarding experience that allows you to reflect on your personal growth and inspire others to embark on their own journeys of self-improvement. However, it requires careful planning and execution to effectively convey your message and engage your readers. Firstly, it is important to choose a relevant and compelling topic for your self-improvement essay. Consider areas of your life where you have experienced significant growth or where you have overcome challenges. This will not only make your essay more relatable but also allow you to share valuable insights that can inspire and resonate with your readers. To make your self-improvement essay more impactful, incorporate personal anecdotes and real-life examples. By sharing your own experiences, you can create a connection with your audience and make your essay more relatable. Additionally, including specific details and examples will make your essay more interesting and persuasive, as it will demonstrate the practical application of your self-improvement journey.

Real-Life Examples of Self-Improvement Essays

When it comes to writing self-improvement essays, real-life examples can serve as powerful tools to inspire and guide readers on their own personal growth journeys. These examples can come from various areas of life, such as relationships, careers, health, and even spirituality. For instance, one could write an essay about their journey towards improving their communication skills, sharing specific experiences where they faced challenges in expressing themselves effectively and how they overcame those obstacles.

By showcasing tangible examples, readers can relate to the writer’s struggles and successes, drawing valuable insights and motivation for their own self-improvement endeavors. Another example could be an essay on health and fitness, where the writer shares their personal transformation journey. They could reflect on their initial struggles with unhealthy habits, the turning point that prompted them to prioritize their well-being, and the steps they took to adopt a healthier lifestyle. By narrating their experiences in a relatable manner, the writer can inspire readers who may be facing similar struggles to take action and make positive changes in their own lives.

Real-life examples not only make self-improvement essays more engaging and authentic but also highlight that personal growth is a continuous process that everyone can embark on.

Self-Improvement Essay Topics for Different Areas of Life

Self-improvement is a lifelong journey that encompasses various aspects of our lives. Whether it’s in our personal relationships, career, physical health, or emotional well-being, there are numerous essay topics that can help us delve into the different areas of life and explore ways to enhance and grow.

Self-Improvement Through Personal Relationships

One of the most common areas for self-improvement is personal relationships. Topics revolving around communication skills, conflict resolution, and building trust can be great starting points. For instance, you could write an essay exploring effective communication techniques for couples, discussing strategies to improve listening skills or empathetic responses. Another topic could focus on enhancing empathy in friendships and the impact it can have on our overall well-being.

Self-Improvement Through Careers

Another key area for self-improvement is our careers. Here, essay topics can revolve around professional development, goal setting, and strategies for success. For example, you could write an essay on setting achievable career goals, outlining steps to create a clear roadmap for professional growth. Alternatively, you could explore strategies for work-life balance and the importance of avoiding burnout in the workplace.

Maintaining Physical Health

Physical health is also a crucial aspect of self-improvement. Topics related to exercise, nutrition, and mental well-being can provide valuable insights and guidance. You could write an essay discussing the benefits of regular physical activity on mental health or explore the relationship between nutrition and energy levels. Additionally, topics such as mindfulness and stress management techniques can help readers find effective ways to improve their overall well-being.

Tips for Crafting a Compelling Self-Improvement Essay

Crafting a compelling self-improvement essay can be a challenging task, but with the right tips and techniques, you can create a piece that captivates readers and inspires personal growth. Here are some valuable insights to consider when writing your essay. 1. Start with a captivating introduction: Begin your essay with a compelling hook that grabs the reader’s attention. This could be a personal anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a striking statistic related to self-improvement. By starting on an engaging note, you set the tone for the rest of your essay, making readers eager to explore your ideas further. 2. Reflect on personal experiences: A self-improvement essay is most effective when it discusses genuine personal experiences and the lessons learned from them. Share stories of challenges you faced and how you overcame them, providing insights into the growth and development you experienced. This adds authenticity to your essay and allows readers to connect with your journey. Remember to weave your experiences throughout the essay, relating them to the broader theme of self-improvement.

What is self-improvement?

Self-improvement refers to the process of making positive changes in oneself, both mentally and physically, to achieve personal growth and development.

How can I choose the right self-improvement essay topic?

To choose the right self-improvement essay topic, consider your personal interests, goals, and areas of improvement. Think about what aspects of your life you want to focus on and what message you want to convey through your essay.

How can personal development and growth be reflected in essays?

Personal development and growth can be reflected in essays by sharing personal experiences, discussing lessons learned, and showcasing the progress made toward self-improvement goals.

How can self-reflection be incorporated into self-improvement essays?

Self-reflection can be incorporated into self-improvement essays by analyzing your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Reflect on past experiences, evaluate your progress, and consider future goals.

Can you provide some real-life examples of self-improvement essays?

Real-life examples of self-improvement essays may include stories of overcoming personal challenges, learning new skills, improving relationships, achieving career success, or adopting healthier habits.

What are some self-improvement essay topics for different areas of life?

Self-improvement essay topics for different areas of life may include personal growth, career development, relationships, health and wellness, time management, mindfulness, financial management, and goal setting.

In the pursuit of self-improvement, individuals embark on a transformative journey filled with self-discovery, growth, and empowerment. This journey is not bound by age, circumstance, or limitations; it is a lifelong expedition where each step brings us closer to becoming the best version of ourselves.

Self-improvement essay topics serve as the compass guiding us through the vast landscape of personal development. They encourage introspection, self-reflection, and the sharing of invaluable insights gained along the way. As we navigate the realm of self-improvement, it becomes evident that the importance of this journey lies not only in the destination but in the continuous process of self-discovery and growth.

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30 Mini Essays on Self-Improvement and Happiness in The Modern World

An exploration of productivity, technology, and personal thriving.

View these essays as notes to self.

I don't perfectly implement any of these ideas. They are aspirations; my advice to me.

Hopefully you find them useful!

Over the course of the month, I changed my views on a few topics, so please excuse any blatant contradictions in the essays.

The Reverse Wish List - February 10th, 2021

I'm assuming you know what a wish list is.

Either in our heads or in a notebook, most of us have a loosely organized idea of the stuff we want to have but don't immediately need or can't afford.

Over time, some stuff moves off the list. Amazon runs a special and you full send the AirPod Pros. Your old coffee setup 'breaks' and you justify the upgrade.

New stuff comes out, new stuff goes on the list.

This isn't necessarily a problem. While I'm drawn to minimalist ideals, I don't want to close the door to potential life-improving purchases. So what do I do?

Enter the reverse wish list.

The reverse wish list is as simple as the wish list. In your head or on paper, list the stuff you absolutely had to have that you now actually have.

This exercise has two benefits. The obvious first is gratitude. The reverse wish list will provide humbling perspective and remind you to appreciate the nice things you already have.

Second, it creates an opportunity to learn from your own consumption patterns. A running list of the desires that actually were gratified leads to interesting insights.

Using patterns from my own reverse wish list, I derived a questionnaire to help me understand what purchases were most rewarding long after the initial purchase.

Questionnaire -- ("yes" answers indicate a good purchase)

Will this solve a well-defined pain point?
Will this save me time from how I used to do things on an ongoing basis?
How often will I use this, at least 1x a week?
Will this facilitate learning a new skill?
Can this be seen as a business investment?
Will this improve my health and energy levels?

Countless proverbs tell the same story: human desire is infinite.

In the face of that idea, the reverse wish list creates a decent filter for tempering an inevitable craving for more stuff.

Try the reverse wish list yourself! Let me know what insights you make.

Fully Minimizing Regret - February 9th, 2021

In 10 years, Tal Gur completed 100 insane life goals.

The impressive list includes running an Ironman triathlon, achieving financial independence, experiencing long-term romance, learning English, becoming a proficient surfer, and traversing the outback.

Tal did it all. His book, The Art of Fully Livin g tells the story in full detail.

A few weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to interview Tal and discuss the biggest lessons from this wild journey. In our chat, Tal recommended an especially useful thought experiment worth sharing.

His tip? Regret minimization thinking across multiple timelines.

We've all been told to think back from our hypothetical deathbed and ask what we will regret having not done in our short time on Earth. While this is useful, Tal argues it is an incomplete thought exercise.

Instead of just popping the question from a (hopefully) remote and distant deathbed, Tal suggests working through the question across multiple intervals.

Five years from now, what would you regret not having tried? What about ten years from now? What about just three months from now?

What opportunities are completely unique to your current situation?

Each variant of the question will prompt different ideas. Each tweak brings your attention to a new area to find ways to live more fully.

While I sincerely hope that our generation is the one that manages to cheat death through technology, I can't count on it.

I'm still playing the game as if life is finite, so I want to live it fully.

If you found value in this idea, you'll really enjoy the full chat with Tal! Search for The Louis and Kyle Show on Apple or Spotify to listen now.

Watch Your Own Podcast - February 8th, 2021

Last fall, I asked 30 podcasters why they started their shows.

A common answer went something like this, "I was having awesome conversations and thought to myself damn I should be recording this."

I started my show for the exact same reason. The people I was talking to were blowing my mind, and I desperately wanted the ability to pause, rewind, and replay the very best moments.

11 months and 53 episodes later, I asked the questions, "How many times have I actually done that? How often do I watch my own show?"

Outside of audio editing, not often. I'm now realizing that's a mistake.

If the goal of starting was to learn from conversations, repeat listening is an essential part of the equation. In hindsight, this is obvious. We respect repetition in the gym, but ignore it for self-education.

The truth is muscles, skills, and knowledge all atrophy if neglected.

While we may be able to grasp an idea the first time, very rarely can we retain it after only one exposure. Relistening to your own content will surprise you with how often you repeat your 'aha moments'.

Beyond learning, the best reason to listen to your own show is to be able to improve it.

This is a big mistake a lot of beginner creators make. When your show is new and your audience is small, you lack a critical ingredient for improvement: feedback.

Until your audience grows, it's on you to find room for improvement. It's on you to notice and correct annoying speech patterns. It's on you to listen to your own voice and realize what you could do better.

If you are making content, remember why you started. Take some time to consume your own content. Relearn the lessons. Make it better.

A War Against Being Tired - February 7th, 2021

Being tired sucks.

When I'm tired, everything is harder. Everything that should be easy becomes an act of willpower. Getting out of bed at the first alarm is unlikely. Cooking breakfast is a chore. Brushing my teeth for 2-minutes becomes as challenging as a 2 minute plank.

An hour into the day, 90% of my willpower is sapped.

How then am I'm supposed to sit down, study and do work?

It's not going to happen. Deadlines pile up. Progress isn't made. It's a disaster.

Living that way sucks.

Because of how deeply I can't stand days that follow that trajectory, I've invested a lot of time and effort into preventing that from happening. I've tweaked every area of my life searching for an answer. More sleep. Better diet. Different habits. More exercise.

While these all helped marginally, I still felt tired far too often. What the heck was going on?

It was during a study abroad that I finally cracked the code.

This might be hard to believe, but I found a 100% correlation between lower energy levels and alcohol consumption. After finally making this (extremely obvious) connection, I decided to see how not drinking would impact my energy.

I tested it for a year. From November 2019 to December 2020, I didn't drink, and it worked wonders for my energy. For most of the year, I woke up and flew through my morning routine. I was energized by it. I enjoyed cleaning my teeth. I tasted my food. I treated making coffee liking making art. Things were clearly better.

When the year of sobriety concluded, I decided to "go have fun again" and let alcohol back into the picture. Within a few weeks, I'm right back where I started.

Sunday morning. No energy. Everything is unnecessarily hard again.

The only difference this time, however, is that I know the cause. I haven't successfully found a way to drink that doesn't terrorize my energy and alertness. Even practicing moderation, I end up having a bad day every day that follows a day of drinking.

After a year, I had taken high energy for granted. I got used to feeling alert throughout the day and forgot what it took to achieve that. It's okay to relearn lessons.

I had to revisit the low to remember the high. Now it's time to climb back up.

Finding a Mentor In 5 Steps - February 5th, 2021

In Episode 30 of Danny Miranda's Podcast, Nicolas Cole explained the process of finding a mentor in a dead simple formula.

How to find a mentor in five steps:

Find someone further along than you are in what you are learning.
Ask them a specific question about how to improve and progress.
Follow their recommendation. Do the work.
Report back with your results. Ask them another specific question.
Repeat steps 2-4.

Eventually, a mentor-mentee relationship will form organically.

Don't overcomplicate this process.

Don't send DMs asking for ongoing mentorship.

Don't go looking for mentors for its own sake.

Ask for specific advice, follow it, repeat.

Summarized Echo Chambers - February 4th, 2021

Like it or not, we exist in personalized digital echo chambers.

Internet companies are too good at knowing what we want, so we are constantly bombarded with the same types of information.

Based on my past browsing decisions, my personal echo chamber is dominated by success content.

Every suggested book on Amazon, search on Google, video on YouTube, or account on Twitter is about success.

Even on brand new platforms, my patterns re-emerge. Within 3 days of using Clubhouse, I'm right back where I started: success content. But my digital world is the not same as everyone else's.

My idea of a household name is not the same as my real world community's. The biggest names in the success space, Grant Cardone, for example, are complete unknowns to my parents or roommates.

Despite this new disconnect about who is and isn't a celebrity, there are some benefits to being confined to a narrow echo-chamber. The strongest of which is constant repetition. Because of this, observing and internalizing patterns and principles is an inevitability.

So for those of you existing in different digital realities, Here's a broad summary of the constantly repeated lessons and advice I've observed from being trapped in the eye of the internet-success hurricane.

Write your goals down daily. It's not a goal unless you write it down.
Solve the problem in front of you. Focus on winning the day.
Find a mentor and hire coaches. Learn from the best in the world.
You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.
Follow proven recipes. Don't reinvent unnecessarily.
Develop a passion for the process. Don't fixate on outcomes.
Build good habits. Break bad habits.
Be consistent.

What echo-chamber are you in? What have you learned from it?

Ship30for30 ish? - February 3rd, 2021

Today marks the final day of January's Ship30for30 challenge. For the unfamiliar, the goal of the challenge is to publish 30 of these "screenshot" sized essays in 30 days.

As expected for the final day, celebratory 'Ten Lessons from Ship30' threads dominated my Twitter feed this morning. Rightfully so, challenge finishers spent the day sharing their achievements across the internet.

So where's my victory post? Why isn't this essay about that? Where's my hard-earned reflection?

It's coming, but it won't be here for another week or two. Why?

I failed Ship30 on day 10. I had a cross country flight. I needed to buy groceries. I was tired. I was hungry enough to eat an encyclopedia but too drained to write a 200-word essay.

100$ spent. 10 days later. 9 essays shipped. Game over, right?

Not at all. I took some time to refuel and rest, but got back to work within a few days. Sure, I might miss the deadline, but I'm still going to finish Ship30.

With the ubiquity of the internet challenge, I've come to an important realization. Too often, we start to care more about completing an arbitrary challenge than we do about achieving the result that motivated us to take on the challenge in the first place. We fix our egos on badges and completely lose sight of the bigger picture.

Why did I start the challenge? Why did I treat a well-intentioned internet stranger to his next 10 chipotle visits? Because I wanted to grow as a writer.

I wanted a motivating reason to be 30 essays further ahead in my writing career than where I started on January first.

Two weeks late or not, that's still the goal. I'd rather cross the line eventually than never cross it. Don't get hung up in the details. Do the work.

It's not all or nothing. It hardly ever is. Keep going.

The Mindset Fountain - February 2nd, 2021

Certain problems are easy to solve.

If you are thirsty, you take a drink. If you are hungry, you grab some peanut-butter (or least I do).

By now, most of us have learned how to handle these common biological signals. But what about some more complicated ones.

What do you do when you are bored? Unmotivated? Burning out? How well do you handle these emotions and triggers.

Just like keeping NyQuil on hand in-case you catch a cold, I propose proactively setting aside helpful resources for the major negative emotional states that inevitably crop-up.

I call this system the mindset fountain. Like a fast-food soda machine, you can pull whatever tap you want based on your mood.

Here's what mine looks like.

When I'm falling back into unproductive rhythms, I reread Cal Newport's books and listen to his podcast.
When my calisthenics progress flatlines, I rewatch Matthew Smith's Journey from Zero to Holding One-Arm Handstands.
When my general motivation fades, I listen to the JRE with David Goggins. By the end, I am ready to run through a brick wall.
When my social life dries up, I watch YES Theory to get inspired.
When I'm over-cluttered, I watch Matt D'Avella to make space.
When I lack enthusiasm for my projects, I turn to Jack Butcher's feed.

Rather than being thrown off by these states, I know ahead of time where I should turn and what content to consume.

Proactively stock your pantry like it's the start of the pandemic all over again. Make sure the taps of your mindset fountain are full.

The internet is here to help you. Use it!

Study Routine - February 1st, 2021

I face an avalanche of resistance anytime I try to sit and study.

Interesting material or not, I'm just not eager to glue myself to a chair and work through textbooks, notes, or lecture slides.

I'd much rather cook, clean, stretch, and pleasure-read. Despite these deep inclinations toward anything other than hitting the books, studying must happen if I want to pass my classes.

In an attempt to make it less painful to start and less tempting to quit once I actually get the ball rolling, I devised an unnecessarily complicated routine to reduce the friction to getting started. The major steps are outlined below.

Take care of your biology. Being too hungry is too distracting. Being really thirsty is a distraction. Needing to use the restroom is distracting. Get this taken care of before starting.

Mise en place. Set everything up. Take care of the space around you. Reduce clutter physically and digitally. Close unrelated browser tabs. Clear your study surface.

Control your ears. Find silence or your preferred work playlists. Trust the state change will change your mood.

Kill the possibility of distraction. Phone off completely. Use free software to block distracting websites. This should be irreversible for a fixed interval until your things are done.

Last, handwrite an in-order list of what you are going to work on. Set a focus timer. Commit to how long you are going to concentrate and then how long of a break you will take.

That's it. Use the power of routine in your favor.

Go! Do The Work!

Permissionless Experience - January 31st, 2021

For many students, COVID has made it more difficult to find internships.

Many worry that this is going to trap them in the Catch-22 of hiring: to get hired somewhere, you need to have relevant experience, and to get relevant experience, you need to get hired somewhere... or do you?

As difficult as this situation may seem, it could be a blessing for a student with the right mindset.

Why? The needs of a given business don't always correspond to projects with the greatest degree of learning. On the other hand, self-designed projects can be custom-tailored to teach exactly what you hope to learn.

Inspired by Jack Butcher's idea of the Permissionless Apprentice, I encourage students to consider what I call Permissionless Experience. Gate-keepers be damned. If you can't find an internship it is not game over. It's game on. The only permission you need to learn and grow is your own.

Ask yourself the following questions. What skills were you hoping to learn from an internship? What relationships were you hoping to make?

Is an internship necessary to achieve those same goals? Not quite.

The internet has made it easier than ever to build compelling self-designed learning projects and to connect with anyone via Zoom and DMs.

Consider trying any of the following Permissionless Experiences 👇👇👇

Design your own 'internship' by learning a skill and completing projects.
Create and publish content about your passions, hobbies, or industry.
Volunteer your time somewhere and build your 'life-resume.'
Take free online courses (and take them seriously).
Pitch yourself as an intern to relevant companies.
Consider opportunities outside of your major.

Don't give up hope if you don't get hired. Take ownership of your education.

If you found this helpful, I seriously recommend these two books: Ultralearning by Scott Young and The Third Door by Alex Banayan.

Low-Cost Experiments - January 30th, 2021

We severely undervalue the low-cost experiment.

To our detriment, we assume things are permanent.

Binary. Yes or no. Black and white. Never or forever.

That's not always helpful.

I was a painfully annoying vegetarian for 6-years. Now, 80% of my calories come from steak and eggs. I still have the same friends. My family didn't abandon me. I made a U-Turn. I'm okay.

You don't have to decide your entire life all at once. Tasting. Test drives. These are the antidotes.

Gates and Zuckerberg never "dropped out of college."

They each took a leave of absence to run with projects with traction. Because they saw success, they never needed to re-enroll, but that wasn't decided upfront.

How should you test? What makes a good experiment?

Low cost doesn't mean zero cost. Set clear boundaries at the beginning.

Trying a new sport? 1 day at Jiu-Jitsu isn't a fair chance.

Give it a month, minimum.

World travel? You don't need to commit to 14-months as a Nomad.

Start smaller and then decide if you want to keep going.

Set a minimum goal, achieve it, and then re-evaluate.

Set clear success criteria. Give yourself permission to change course.

Democratizing Manifestation - January 29th, 2021

The internet has democratized manifestation.

It has NEVER been easier (literally, never) to take an idea from your head and bring it into the real world.

Rapid-prototyping. Arduino. 3D Printers. Python. YouTube. Google.

This is just the beginning.

Any knowledge is accessible.
Any collaborator is accessible.
Any customer is accessible.

Instantly. Anything you could possibly need. Literally right now.

How we don't appreciate this on a daily basis blows my mind.

About 2 weeks in to running my podcast, I was watching college Jeopardy with my parents. I marveled as Nibir Sarma demolished everybody. I thought, "damn it would be cool to talk to him."

A few DMs and Zooms later, we published an episode with Nibir.

My idea became reality within a week.

This might be a trivia example but the implications aren't trivial.

Now, more than ever, anything is possible.

Mainstream society celebrates consumption.

That will get you nowhere.

Opportunities come to creators. To producers. Builders of stuff!

Stop waiting. You have the tools. Bring your ideas to life.

Measuring Discomfort - January 28th, 2021

"Successful people get good at doing hard things."

I first encountered this idea on Cal Newport's podcast, and it stuck with me.

Whether it's waking up early, taking cold showers, or writing for a few extra hours, a great deal of success comes down to winning inflection points: moments where you either execute the plans you've made for yourself or give in to resistance and snooze your plans for an indefinite 'later'.

From having tried to build all of these habits, I'm no stranger to battling with the resistance. Because of that, I'm always in the hunt for helpful tactics to win these battles. Recently, an unexpected strategy came to me from cold-showers.

Bringing my stopwatch into the shower like an absolute lunatic, I'd smash the start button after dialing the water down from cozy to cold. After a sufficient session of panicked deep breaths, my body would adjust to the water.

Settled in, I would then check my stopwatch to see how much time had elapsed & how much remains. Day 1, 1 minute & 10 seconds. Day 2, 1 minute & 10 seconds. Day 3, 1 minute & 10 seconds. Day 4, 1 minute & 10 seconds.

Everyday, it took precisely 70 seconds to calm down and settle in. This was an empowering realization. All of a sudden, a 5-minute cold shower was reduced to only 70 seconds of discomfort followed by 4 minutes of normal showering.

After noticing the pattern in the shower, I started looking for it everywhere.

Anytime I wake up to an alarm, I slide out of bed angry and grumpy. How long does that last? To find out, l measured my morning moods for a week. Like the showers, my state improved after a remarkably predictable interval: 12 minutes.

Now, my first priority in the morning is to make those 12 minutes pass as easily as possible. Make coffee, put away dishes, brush my teeth. I just bumble around for 12-minutes confident that alertness is just around the corner.

From observing the boundaries of discomfort, I reduced the difficulty of building good habits. What I learned by accident, I'm now purposely applying in new areas.

How long does it take to find flow when writing? What about ignoring a craving? At what mile-marker does my heart-rate settle down?

By measuring discomfort, I've made doing hard things easier. Resistance becomes predictable and manageable. Pay close attention when you are doing hard things.

Often, starting might just be the hardest part.

Productivity and Fun - January 26th, 2021

The Pareto principle states that for many outcomes roughly 80% of consequences come from 20% of the causes.

Most productivity advice is wildly ignorant of this natural phenomenon.

You are bombarded with tactics and widgets: pomodoro timers, complex planning systems, nootropics, to-do lists, and focus music.

While these are useful, and I actually recommend most of them, they are trivial in the big picture. They are the 80% of causes that earn only 20% of the results.

The truly impactful variables come from the context of your life outside of work. Circumstance exhibits a much greater impact on your productivity than whatever systems and tools you try to incorporate.

You hopefully know the importance of sleep, diet, and exercise, so I won't bore you with repeating those. Loving what you do also makes a huge difference, but what really matters is excitement.

Are there things outside of work that excite you? How often? Are there things that excite you outside of work on a daily basis?

As a countermeasure to letting work bleed into the evening, I've tried imposing a hard stop to my workday. I set the intention of finishing everything by 5pm but pretty much always end up working past 5pm.

Why? I didn't have anything compelling planned for after 5. I'd cook dinner, call a friend on the phone, and maybe read a book? I 'like' all of that, but it's not nearly a strong enough pull to work harder all day.

To stop working at 5, you need to really look forward to what you are going to do after 5. Otherwise, why be productive? Why finish early?

Being quarantined and locked-down has stripped a lot of excitement from daily life. Concerts, social venues, group fitness, and travel are either closed completely or are lacking the vibe they used to create.

It's up to you to find new forms of fun and new ways to interject excitement into daily life. Your productivity depends on it.

Context Versus Effort - January 24th, 2021

My Sunday was off to a fantastic start. I slept 10 blissful hours. I brewed my generic Target brand three-region coffee. The sun was shining through the window illuminating the pages of one of my favorite books. I was at peace.

Sipping my expertly-prepared generic coffee, I flipped through the pages of Gary Keller and Jay Papasan's masterpiece, The ONE Thing, for my second pass.

Then this quote slapped me in the face.

"Most people struggle to realize how many things don't need to be done, if they would just start with the right thing" — The ONE Thing

My serene morning came to an abrupt stop. Implications and illustrations of the quote rushed to my awareness.

Where am I making life unnecessarily difficult by not applying this idea?

Where can changing context overpower changing effort? I thought about ice.

On a hot day in Vegas, ice sells without effort. In Alaska, our same ice salesman fails. In response, maybe he'd start reading sales books to 'understand' what he's doing wrong. He might even hire a sales-team and bring in consultants.

When you are selling what people want, marketing is just positioning and communication. It's only when there's a mismatch that any tactics and persuasion are needed.
When you start with the right thing, you just need to show up.
When you start with the wrong thing, you have to bring in consultants.

If you hate your work, you'll constantly have to drag yourself to do it. You'll clock-stare and caffeinate to make it bearable. Inner war becomes the norm.

If your work aligns with your interests and strengths, you'll be like a child at play and look forward to each day.

Think clearly about your goals and what changes would change everything.

Ask "What is The ONE Thing I can do today such that by doing it, everything else would become easier or unnecessary?"

Do what matters most. ONE Thing at a time.

Zombies Are Everywhere - January 23rd, 2021

When you are out and about, keep your head up. Look around.

Try it everywhere you go. You'll notice the same thing.

Everyone else is a zombie.

Their faces are smothered by screens. Their ears are plugged, covered, or closed. The sounds of nature are overpowered by numbing entertainment of their choosing.

They are held hostage by their custom virtual universes.

They are all zombies. All of them.

All of them, except you. Keep your head up. Look around. Choose to see the world. Remember how to experience it. Allow thoughts to wander.

Observe as the zombies passively go about their days. Watch the measures they'll take to avoid even a glimpse of solitude.

Solitude is a superpower: sustained concentration, bouncing creative insights, and time for the thinking brain to recharge.

When you are out and about, keep your head up. Look around. You'll find friends. A group of others that have warded off the pandemic of the mind. A secret fraternity of people aware of awareness.

Others that look up. Others that plug into the world not the machine.

They are at peace with themselves, at peace with their thoughts, and at peace with the moment.

They've cured themselves of the pandemic of the mind.

The cure requires a mild dose of boredom and a mild dose of solitude.

A small price to pay to not be a zombie.

Quit Daily News - January 22nd, 2021

The daily "news" is outrage porn.

It's engineered to scare you, piss you off, and induce panic.

People consume the daily news for noble reasons. To stay informed. To be the first to know new information. To understand what's going on in the world.

The daily news is the worst way to achieve these goals.

Even without intentional bias, the daily news gets a lot wrong. Reporting on stories as they happen is nearly guaranteed to have errors. There isn't enough time to verify details. There isn't enough time to let the dust settle.

I propose checking on a fixed interval: once per week—at most.

Why? Time is the ultimate filter for relevancy.

Most stories won't make it to the end of the week. If it's irrelevant within a few days, it's not worth knowing at all.

For the new stories that do last a full week, the end-of-week summary will be orders of magnitude more accurate than what is first reported.

Whether you consume daily, weekly, or monthly, the same stuff happened. The facts are unchanged by how often you are glued to your screen.

Anytime I can achieve the same result will less time, effort, and emotional investment, I take the opportunity with enthusiasm.

I'm always tuned for making small changes that lead to outsized results. Quitting the daily news is one of them.

Delete Digital Illusions - January 21st, 2021

"We are kept from our goal, not by obstacles but by a clearer path to a lesser goal" - Robert Brault

Tinder and Duolingo have a lot in common: they suck and should be deleted immediately. We tried these apps for good reasons. We wanted to learn languages. We wanted to improve our dating lives.

We've been deceived.

As cleverly as these apps are marketed, they are awful for realizing our goals. Reality has an inconceivable amount of detail, and swiping, texting, and multiple choice quizzes are shallow and incomplete models of the real world.

These bright and colorful apps have mastered a very dark art. After months we feel like we've made progress, but we've barely passed start.

Badges, matches, awards, and levels make it feel like we are going somewhere, but it's all an illusion. It's an extremely clear path that leads nowhere.

We overcomplicate our goals to avoid discomfort. Dating and language learning are simple goals with simple answers. The highest leverage actions are obvious. Socialize with a lot of people. Fumble through conversations with native speakers.

There are no substitutes for these approaches. The shortcut is to stop taking shortcuts. Unappealing or scary, our opinion of the facts doesn't change them.

Don't put more value in the illusion of progress than actual progress.

The best way to do something is to do it. Increase your bench press by bench pressing. Not by reading about it. Not by playing mobile games.

Only by lifting the weight.

Ditch the apps. Get out of your comfort zone. Talk to people. Do the work.

Managing Infinity - January 20th, 2021

Things used to be finite.

Cigarettes burned out.

Piles of mail only grew so high.

TV shows aired one episode at a time.

It used to be dramatically harder to satisfy your cravings for more.

Smoking inside was frowned upon. You had to wait for more.

The mail only arrived once a day. You had to wait for more.

TV shows only came on at a set time. You had to wait for more.

But things aren't like that anymore. There's no limit to how often you can hit a vape, refresh email, or binge watch an entire TV show.

We consume far beyond what's recommended or healthy.

There were benefits to the simplicity of finite things. But things aren't so simple.

Vaping is probably better than smoking, email has advantages over snail mail, and Netflix is fun. As all do, these innovations came with good and bad.

The problem lies in the unrestrained nature of these new inventions.

Effortless abundance. Low friction access to infinity.

Endless potential... for things to go wrong.

To retain sanity, balance, and health in an age of easy excess, the habit of self-imposing arbitrary constraints is an absolute must.

Fence in your vices. Set rules. Fix limits. Follow them.

Avoid Competing Goals - January 19th, 2021

Some goals don't work together very well.

Consider trying to bulk-up while training for a marathon.

Bulking plans prescribe lifting heavy weight a few times per week and eating a significant daily caloric surplus.

Most marathon plans recommend 30+ miles of running per week.

Running will reduce your rest between sets, and lifting will make you faster. Of course there are some overlapping benefits between these goals, but you aren't going to gain weight and run 30 miles per week.

Pursuing both goals leads to worse results than chasing just one.

Some would stop here. They'd conclude to focus on one goal at a time. They would be wrong.

Some goals overlap well and can be mutually reinforcing.

The goals of reading more books and producing more writing align extremely well. Reading fills writing with ideas and stories. Writing inspires reading to fill knowledge gaps only revealed by writing.

Pursuing both goals leads to better results than chasing just one.

Put high-level consideration into your goals and what is involved in achieving them. Are they compatible? Do they support each other?

If the answer is no, drop one goal. Pick and stick. Work sequentially.

For compulsive high achievers, it is a greater achievement to forgo the pursuit of some goals to make it possible to achieve others.

Standing Out Is Easy - January 18th, 2021

Standing out in 2021 is surprisingly easy.

Terrible habits are the rule & healthy habits are the exception.

People are out of shape, constantly tired, addicted to distraction (cheap dopamine from social media, texts, emails), and stressed.

I'm not celebrating this bleak depiction of society, but I don't feel any guilt capitalizing on the opportunity it presents for individuals.

Neither should you.

How do you stand out? Adopt four habits in service of two goals. Improve your energy levels. Improve your ability to concentrate.

Energy is a force multiplier for everything that you do. Everything is easier when you have high energy. It feels good to feel good.

Concentration is the key ingredient to success in knowledge work. Knowledge work has two parts: learning complicated information and producing valuable assets. Both require concentration.

These four habits improve your energy and concentration capacity.

Sleep with your phone off in another room. Buy an alarm clock.
Exercise at a moderate difficulty outside every day.
Only eat one ingredient foods. Beans. Eggs. Broccoli.
Batch Distractions. Check email once per day then close it until the next day. Do the same on social media.

Try all four habits for a week.

Don't celebrate mediocrity.

Don't laugh about your bad habits. Break them.

Tools, Toys, and The 2007 Test - January 15th, 2021

The only way to "make more time" is to use your time more effectively. A prime candidate for achieving this is reducing the time spent with your screens, more specifically, your phone.

To do this, I recommend judging all of your apps and use cases for your phone through what I call the "2007 test."

"Is this something I could have performed on the original iPhone?"

Steve Jobs' vision for the iPhone at MacWorld 2007 was a digital Swiss Army knife: a revolutionary user interface that combined audio entertainment, web-browsers, calls/texts, and useful utilities like notes, calculator, and a camera.

The original iPhone was a tool, not a toy.

14 years later, everyone is addicted to their digital multi-tools.

The iPhone was not intended to take over our lives. It wasn't supposed to be consulted at the slightest hint of boredom. It wasn't supposed to be on the dinner table face up. It wasn't supposed to be checked every few minutes. It wasn't supposed to be used 4+ hours of the day.

Go through your apps. Ask "is this a tool or a toy?" Ask "could I have done this in 2007?" Delete apps accordingly. Be ruthless.

There are a few obvious exceptions. The 2007 iPhone did not have a front camera, but I would generally consider FaceTime to be a good use of your device. The first iPhone didn't have a proper GPS, but I would definitely advise navigation if you are lost.

The 2007 test is not perfect, but it's a starting point for critical thinking.

Delete useless apps. Delete distracting apps. Live your life.

Should You Build in Public? - January 14th, 2021

(Update: March 5th, 2021, I have returned to Twitter since writing this essay)

A few months ago, I heard the term "build in public" for the first time.

If you are working on cool stuff, talk about it online. Let people try your early versions. Publish what mistakes you are making so others can learn from them proactively. Share glimpses of success to inspire other builders.

There are great benefits to this approach.

Acquire and learn from real users
Potential to "go viral" with the right retweet or share
Increase your odds for serendipitous, positive events to occur

I tried buying into this strategy in 2020, but ran into a big problem: I got too caught up in the documenting. Using Twitter to share what I was building lead to more time on Twitter and less time building.

I started building in public prematurely. My "builder" habits were not nearly developed enough to overcome the addictive draw of Twitter.

On the times that I saw benefits from building in public, like high engagement with a tweet, things only got worse. I started to crave the attention and validation (quick & cheap dopamine). I started to care more about making good tweets than making good work.

So I quit Twitter.

I'm now taking the extra time to learn skills and produce work. I'm betting more of my chips on quality instead of hoping for retweets and hoping for likes.

If building in public is getting in the way of your building, take a step back and remind yourself why you are building in the first place.

Don't let building in public get in the way of building.

No Room for Social Media - January 11th, 2021

Last week, I deleted all of my social media accounts.

My decision came from a three step framework I learned from studying minimalism and intentional living.

Step 1: Identify your most important values

Step 2: Identify the most important activities that support your most important values

Step 3: Prioritize those activities above less important activities. Don't let what matters least take away from what matters most.

With my last semester of college coming up, I went through the exercise to make sure my activities matched my values. Here's my thinking...

Values: my work (learning), relationships (real world), and my health and happiness (fitness, energy levels, and emotions).

Prioritized Activities: studying, exercising, sleeping well, and having an in-person social-life.

With this established, I asked if there was room for social media in the picture. Would it be supportive or detrimental?

Social media is harmful to overall concentration and time management.

It doesn't make me fit or happy. Constant comparison is not helpful.

It doesn't amplify my real world social interactions.

Seems like a simple decision to me.

Find what matters most. Make sure your actions support it.

(since writing this, I rejoined Twitter :/ -- It is extremely useful for finding podcast guests)

Think With A Different Box - January 9th, 2021

Being told to "think outside the box" is unhelpful.

Once you "leave the box," where do you go? How do ideas interact? What do you hold on to?

The expression approaches creative thinking all-wrong. You still need frameworks (boxes) to make sense of the world. The goal isn't to discard structured-thought all-together. The goal is to challenge your base assumptions and think through situations with different frameworks.

The solution? Think with a different box.

Mental models are general thinking concepts that usefully model real-world situations. Many systems and situations follow predictable patterns. The more mental models you are familiar with, the more likely you'll think with an appropriate and helpful box to model your situation.

Your library of mental models can be expanded in a few ways.

Studying contrarian thinkers.
Studying disciplines such as: math, economics, computer science, natural sciences, anthropology, and game-theory.
Directly reading about mental models.

If you approach problems with the same boxes as everyone else, you won't stand out. Your ideas will be predictable and uninspiring.

Instead, if you want to build a reputation for developing unique ideas, finding missed patterns, considering alternate explanations, and an ability to change people's perspectives, study mental models.

What gets measured gets improved. Focused effort to enhance your thinking can lead to thinking better.

Want to dig deeper? Start here: https://fs.blog/mental-models/

You Need a Sleep Checklist - January 8th, 2021

I hate lying awake in bed.

If I don't fall asleep within 10-15 minutes, the feedback loop from hell kicks in. Stress about not being able to fall asleep. Stress about not getting enough sleep. Not sleeping because of the stress from not sleeping.

More than being endlessly frustrated in the moment, the quality of my sleep determines my happiness, self-confidence, long term optimism, and demeanor on a day-to-day basis.

Knowing these critical factors are at the mercy of my sleep, I studied my patterns to learn how to avoid sleepless evenings.

I observed three rules that form the basis of my "sleep checklist."

Did I drink caffeine too late in the day? (within 8 hours of bed)
Did I nap for too long or too late in the day?
Did I exercise (moderate intensity) for at least 30 minutes?

With all three correct, I sleep like a child. If not, I run the risk of another frustrating evening and an entire day off-balance.

Now, I take every precaution to avoid breaking a rule. I'd prefer to "waste" two hours in the afternoon binging YouTube to not throw off my sleep schedule with a nap. It's worth forgoing two productive hours to save an entire day.

Benjamin Franklin is credited with saying that "fatigue is the best pillow.” My checklist lead me to the same conclusion: the most important factor for falling asleep is being tired.

Everyone needs a sleep checklist. Look for patterns. Document what works. Tweak, experiment, and optimize the right variables.

Don’t Snooze, Win The Day - January 7th, 2021

With James Clear’s personal email list crossing 1-million subscribers, there’s no denying that the discussion of habits has gone mainstream.

After the fundamental habits are dialed in (smoking, drinking, healthy eating, and exercise), the snooze button should be the next target for habit-change.

Successful people focus on winning the day. Skills are acquired by stacking days of practice, books are written by stacking days of writing, and bodies are sculpted by stacking days of training.

If you snooze, you don’t win the day.

Yiddish culture has a proverb for this: Lose an hour in the morning, chase after it all day. Just as the height of a pyramid is governed by its base, the effectiveness of your day is governed by your morning.

Start your day with a mini-victory. Wake up at the first alarm.

How to break the snoozing habit?

Change beliefs — Deeply believe that snoozing is losing
Add consequences — Venmo a friend $50 every-time you snooze
Plan your first 20 minutes—Brush your teeth, drink coffee, go for a walk. Know exactly how you want to spend the first 20-minutes
Celebrate victory—Put "no snooze" on a ToDo list and cross it off

Yiddish culture has one more proverb that might persuade you: If you want your dreams to come true, don’t oversleep.

Get up and get after it.

Happiness is really simple - January 6th, 2021

Don't try to guess what will make you happy this year.

Don't set new resolutions. Conduct a detailed 2020 review instead. This 10-minute exercise changed my outlook for the coming year.

Get a blank sheet of paper, draw a line down the middle to make two columns, name one positive, the other negative.

Flip your calendar to January 2020 and relive the year, week by week. As you do, jot down the good and bad in the appropriate columns. If you journal, flip through that as well.

After completing this exercise, I was dumbfounded by how a few simple variables constituted 90% of my well-being.

My best days: outdoor cardio, proper sleep, frequent reading and writing, frequent playtime (racketball, frisbee, deep conversations), cold showers, and active in-person socialization (family, friends and dating life).

With all of those variables in place, I felt happy, motivated, and grateful to be alive.

My worst days: stress & overwhelm, unnecessary busyness, poor sleep, canola oil, obsessive number checking (stocks, bitcoin, website traffic, podcast downloads), and unrestricted social media use.

Those weeks sucked.

From this basic exercise, I know what to prioritize this year and what to avoid. Use the past year's worth of data to derive your own personal happiness equation!

Don't try to guess what makes you happy. All the info you need is right in front of you.

Don't Confuse Viable with Mandatory - January 5th, 2021

I'm graduating college four months from now.

This "deadline" to figure out my life is inducing a lot of stress, and I finally identified why.

After binging a few dozen entrepreneurship books my sophomore year, I've taken deliberate steps to convince myself that "entrepreneurship is viable immediately after graduating."

What were those deliberate actions?

Input Immersion: Obsessively consuming content that promoted this belief — books, podcasts, even personal conversations.

Affirmations: Literally repeating the statement "entrepreneurship is viable immediately after graduating" on a near daily basis

Actions: Learning and developing "entrepreneurial skills" & starting side projects

The problem? That formula worked way too well. I fully convinced myself of my intended belief, but did not anticipate the wave of unintended side-beliefs that would come with it.

By convincing myself that entrepreneurship is viable immediately, I accidentally convinced myself that it was mandatory. Anything else was failure. Taking a job, no matter how good the opportunity, the pay, or how much I would enjoy the work constituted losing in my distorted & self-imposed game.

The reward for expanding your sense of possibility should be confidence--not stress. Finishing your first marathon does not mean you HAVE to graduate into Iron-Mans just because you now think they are possible.

Don't confuse what's now possible as being mandatory.

Write everyday for 30 days? Leverage and Understanding - January 4th, 2021

When I rejoined Twitter in February, David Perell's account popped up in my feed. Over and over, he repeated variants of the following idea: writing online is a super power.

When I started listening to podcasts, Naval Ravikant's "How to Get Rich without Getting Lucky" popped up in my feed. Over and over, he repeated variants of the following idea: accumulate permission-less leverage.

Learn to build, learn to sell. Permission-less leverage comes from media and engineering. Learn to code, learn to write. I'm already taking care of the coding with my bachelors degree, so I figured my spare time should go to the writing.

Insert Dickie Bush. Dickie's an up-and-coming writer who created a 30-day-challenge to help maximize the leverage of writing efforts. Ship a screenshot sized "atomic-essay" everyday for 30 days. This has a few key benefits.

Public accountability. Announcing that you are publishing daily for month means there are consequences for failing: looking bad and not upholding your word with however many people you told about the challenge.

Iteration. Quantity drives Quality. It takes 50 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of syrup. You'll learn something each essay that improves your writing.

Develop a workflow. Build positive habits. Publishing daily becomes doable only through rituals and routines. This improves efficiency as a writer.

Low-cost feedback from low-cost experiments. Some essays will pop-off while others will flop. I'd prefer to know which after 300 words rather than 3000.

Thinking has two parts: processing input and outputs. The learning comes from the transformation of one into the other.

Input: hear an idea in the classroom, read an idea in a book, observe something in the world. Chew on it. Output: make it communicable to others, write about it, make a presentation, make an infographic.

Explanation is the only objective test of understanding. Reading 25 books is far less impactful than understanding and summarizing 10.

Over the past few years, I've encountered so many life changing ideas that I wish to better communicate. This challenge forces me to crystallize my thinking on at least 30 of those topics.

Be sure to follow me on Twitter to see what comes next!

Don't Move Your Goal Posts - January 3rd, 2021

My first goal in 2021 was to re-introduce a bad habit. Why?

In November 2019 I committed to quit alcohol for at least one year.

I was 'studying' in Bangkok as a part of an insane two months of fun, parlaying 10 days at Burning Man straight into a knuckle-head tour of Southeast Asia: Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia in a few short weeks. I had countless amazing experiences and instagram moments but felt a nagging sense of stagnation.

My long term goals in entrepreneurship and fitness were no closer in November than they were in August, and I couldn't shake the negative feeling of standing still.

Journaling on the problem, I identified drinking as the key habit interfering with my growth in the gym, day-to-day energy, and barrier to productive use of downtime.

For something to change, something had to change. Drinking had to go.

For 13 months, I didn't drink a sip of alcohol, and it was amazing. 2020 was an unreasonably productive year. I ran my first marathon, learned how to hold 45 second handstands and do the splits, started a podcast and recorded over 70 interviews, completed two college semesters, and did the 75HARD.

When 2020 wrapped up, I looked to my journal yet again. Where will my next area of growth come from? Will it come from another year of sobriety and hyper-focused productivity? Of setting another 12 months worth of goals and systematically achieving them?

That's what I've been doing, so I might as well keep it up... right?

Not quite. I needed to get back in touch with my why. Why was I sober? What did I hope to achieve by taking a year off of drinking?

In that reflection process, I realized that I achieved my reasons for testing sobriety. I spent a year focused on discipline, entrepreneurial projects, and personal growth.

I learned what I set out to learn.

Ironically, what I need now is to learn how to have fun again... to let loose and be spontaneous.

New Years came around, which meant it had been well over 1 year without alcohol.

I made it across my finish line, and I gave myself the freedom to celebrate.

Don't move your goal posts.

Published on Mar 05, 2021

You might also enjoy, the power of mindset, who is cal newport, take control of your education, rules for distraction free work, the torah and deep work.

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What does it mean to improve yourself? Growth

The important of bettering and improving yourself every day

15 ways to better yourself and improve your life, learn how to better yourself and improve your quality of life.

Do you feel stuck in a rut?

It can feel frustrating to be stuck in the same place and feel like nothing is changing. When you’re languishing , it feels like you’re not moving forward toward your goals. One of the ways to break this rut is to take action. Making a conscious decision to better yourself can be empowering and motivating.

But self-improvement sometimes gets a bad rap, and for good reason. Our desire to improve ourselves has spawned an industry full of bad hacks that can leave you feeling more frustrated than before. Or, that feel good but don't move you forward.

Working to improve yourself can positively impact your own well-being and your relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Let’s explore 15 things you can try that will move you forward — get involved in your own well-being and learn how to work on yourself .

What does it mean to improve yourself? Growth

For some people, the idea of improving yourself is motivating. For others, it can be more helpful to think about it as growth. Growth is positive and not always a straight line.

Improving yourself is a very personal journey, and the specifics can change from person to person. It requires putting in the work and being willing to experience discomfort.

Change is uncomfortable. Growth requires stretching past what you know. But every step you take is part of the process toward becoming the best version of yourself.

Behavior change can be a long process, but it doesn’t have to be grueling. In his talk, Atomic Habits , James Clear talks about the power of improving just 1% every day. Improving yourself can be a series of small habit changes, like taking five minutes in your day to be more mindful . Or it can be a more involved process, like overcoming fears .

However, bettering yourself doesn’t mean changing the core of who you are. For example, if you’re an introvert, you shouldn’t aim to become an extrovert.

On the other hand, if you have social anxiety, you can practice learning techniques to get past your discomfort. Eventually you may fully conquer your social anxiety so that you can navigate social settings with more ease.

There are several reasons to keep improving yourself every day.

Every time you improve in one aspect of your life, you can feel more fulfilled as you start achieving your goals . And bettering yourself can help you in every aspect of life.

For instance, bettering yourself at work can help you improve your work performance , find more meaning in your work , and even get promoted .

Bettering yourself can also help you improve your personal relationships, improve your ability to set boundaries , and form closer bonds with the ones you love. Acting to improve yourself is a form of self-care , and if you look after yourself better, you’re more likely to have more to give to others.

Plus, you can develop improvement goals alongside your loved ones. Having their support improves your chances of success, and working together to achieve similar goals can help you bring you closer.

Finally, learning how to improve yourself is a valuable capability to have in a world where you must constantly adapt. Knowing that you have the capacity for change can make you more confident about the future and less afraid of discomfort.

You've been there before. You already have a history of successfully growing and improving yourself — you can do it again.

Want to learn how to improve yourself and feel better? Here are 15 tips you can implement in your life right away to become your best self.

1. Make time for rest

Before you learn how to be better, it’s important to start with the basics. You need to have your basic needs met before you move on to self-improvement. Part of that is to make time for rest and self-care.

There are many different types of rest . Are there moments in your schedule where you have the opportunity to do nothing and take a break? Those quiet moments of rest can help you decompress and process what happened in your day.

That’s why making time for rest can do wonders for your well-being. Plus, when you’re well-rested, you’ll have more bandwidth to work on the other ways you can better yourself.

2. Read more books

There are books on virtually everything. So, reading more books can help you explore your current interests, but also develop new ones. You can even learn a new skill with a book.

Some books are written specifically to help you start working on self-improvement and personal growth . You can also read to improve your leadership skills .

But even getting deeply engrossed in a fiction novel can do wonders for you. The bottom line is that whatever passions you may have (or be curious about), carve out some time to read about them.

woman-reading-book-at-table-how-to-better-yourself

3. Start a gratitude practice

One way to learn how to be a better person is by being grateful for what you have.

Practicing gratitude for your current situation can help you avoid feeling bitter about what you don’t have.

You don’t have to feel grateful about huge things, either. Try to notice the small things that make you happy and make you feel grateful.

You can fine-tune your gratitude practice over time . With practice, it gets easier to naturally think of what you’re grateful for. This new perception can change your life for the better.

4. Learn a new language

It’s never too late to learn a new language. Learning how to speak another language helps you think differently and see things around you in a new light. It can also open up doors for you.

You’ll get to immerse yourself in another culture as you learn how another language operates differently from English. Plus, you can travel to places where people speak the language you’re learning.

Learning a second language can do more than help you out during your travels abroad. It can even help you with your career opportunities.

More and more employers in the US are looking for bilingual talent. Currently, surveys show that US employers are struggling to find enough employees who speak languages other than English .

56% of employers report that their needs for foreign languages in the workplace have increased over the past five years. And 1/3 of employers currently don’t meet those needs with their current workforce.

Some of the languages that are high in demand include Spanish, Chinese, and French.

5. Try meditation

Meditation provides you with a great way to slow down in a fast-paced world. Even just a few minutes a day of meditation can help you better yourself and improve your mental health.

A recent study has shown that meditation can improve anxiety, depression, and pain scores , especially during times of crisis.

You’ll also become more aware of your thought patterns. This mindfulness means you can learn more about yourself over time. It can help you spot bad habits that are making a negative impact on your mood and your life.

Meditation can also help you practice mindful breathing and improve your self-awareness.

woman-meditating-at-home-how-to-better-yourself

6. Write in a journal

Journaling is a great way to complement your meditation and gratitude practices. It also makes a great new hobby.

You can write about the things you’re grateful for in your journal. You can also practice how to become more aware of your own thoughts.

Plus, research shows that journaling can improve your well-being and reduce mental distress . The same research shows that participants had increased their resilience after the first two months of continuous journaling.

When you start writing in your journal , do your best not to censor yourself. Write what comes to mind, and don’t judge what comes out.

7. Nourish yourself with healthy foods

It’s easier to live your best life when you feel energized and well-fueled. What you eat has a huge influence on how you feel .

Start watching what you put in your body. Eat a variety of different foods in different colors across all food groups.

Try to eat fresh foods whenever you can. If you don’t have time to cook healthy meals at home, look for other alternatives, like meal kit subscriptions or healthy catering services.

8. Add more movement to your life

While nutrition plays a huge part in how you feel, movement and exercise also have a role to play .

There’s a variety of ways to start moving more. For instance, you can start a new sport and even have a friend join you to spend quality time with them.

If you’re not interested in picking up a sport or joining a gym, you can still find other ways to add movement to your life. For example, you can start taking daily walks.

You can also start an exercise routine from the comfort of your own home. Many free workout routines are available online , which means there’s always something new for you to do if you get bored.

woman-running-on-outside-track-how-to-better-yourself

9. Practice kindness toward others

Kindness is one of the best ways to become a better you.

First, it’s free. It doesn’t require much effort to be kind instead of indifferent or unkind.

Second, it can help you feel much better about yourself.

Third, it can improve other people’s lives as well. Showing kindness requires you to become more aware of those around you. By doing so, you’ll notice more of what people need, even when they don’t say it.

For example, you may notice a work colleague is struggling with something you can help with. Or you may see a stranger struggling to open a door with a baby stroller.

Make it a goal to do one random act of kindness every day. If you’ve started journaling, note how it made you feel and how the other person reacted.

10. Spend more time outdoors

If you work in an office ( and even if you work remotely ), chances are you don’t get to spend a lot of time outside during the day.

Find opportunities in your schedule to spend more time outdoors. If you have access to areas of nature, consider spending time there.

A recent study shows that even a short 15-minute walk in the forest can decrease negative moods like anxiety, fatigue, anger, and depression . In the study, forest walks were more effective than city walks.

They were also more effective in participants who had higher anxiety levels.

With the right clothing, you can take advantage of the outdoors even when the weather isn’t perfect. Consider saving some money to invest in robust outdoor clothing that can protect you in any weather.

If you take up an outdoor activity, make sure you’re well equipped for it. For example, make sure you have good hiking shoes if you begin hiking.

11. Develop a list of goals

If you want to better yourself over time, it’s important to start setting goals .

When you write down specific goals, you can start tracking your progress over time. This is another thing you can journal about.

For example, you can set a goal to walk every day for 30 minutes by the end of the year. You can work up to your goal incrementally.

For instance, if you currently take no walks, you can start with short 10-minute walks three times a week. Every week, you can increase the length of your walks.

And every few weeks, you can add a new walk to your schedule until you reach your daily walking goal.

12. Work to improve your fear of failure

Fear of failure can stop you from taking steps forward to achieve your goals and working on your self-development.

To better yourself, it’s important to find ways to do the difficult things, even when fear is holding you back. That’s why it’s important to work on your fear of failure and ease out of your comfort zone.

To improve this fear, you can start with small things and work your way up to bigger fears. This means you don’t have to start by conquering your fear of public speaking by signing up to give a seminar at work.

Instead, you can work up to that in small increments.

For example, practice public speaking in a private setting to people close to you whom you trust, like your family or spouse.

Over time, you can start practicing in front of more and more people. Every time you speak in front of someone new, you’ll prove to yourself that you can conquer your fear of failure.

Remember that failure will still happen, and that’s okay. Resist the urge to beat yourself up when you fail. Embrace the failure and see it as a necessary stepping stone toward reaching your goals.

woman-doing-a-presentation-in-auditorium-how-to-better-yourself

13. Limit activities that drain you

Are you noticing that spending too much time scrolling through social media is sapping away at your good mood ?

Have you found that spending too much time around negative people chips away at your energy?

Try to notice what fulfills you and what drains you throughout the day. Some activities that drain you may be unavoidable, like updating your budget or grocery shopping.

But there are other factors that you have much more control over.

For example, try deleting social media apps on your phone if you find yourself in a sour mood after too much scrolling. Or try to limit how much time you spend with people who are constantly negative around you.

14. Practice saying no to assert your boundaries

It can be easy to say yes to everyone and everything, even when you don’t feel comfortable. This can be true at work and in your personal life.

Some family members invite you to their home the day you set aside for you-time? You’re allowed to say no and keep that day to yourself.

Your manager asks you to take a look at something while you’re on vacation? You can also choose to say no.

15. Inner work®

Inner work happens when you explore your inner experiences.

It involves all of the processes, values, and mental models that you use to navigate the world. Some examples include decision-making , spiritual wellness , and self-awareness .

Inner work can be even more effective when you combine it with support from a coach and trusted inner circle who can help you reflect and take action.

Bonus tip: Work with a coach

One of the best ways to grow and improve is to get support. By working with a coach, you get someone who can help you see yourself more clearly and who is there to help you succeed. You deserve to have someone in your corner.

Coaches at BetterUp know how to help you unlock your personal and professional growth . They can also help you develop the practice of inner work so that you never stop growing.

A coach can give you a new perspective on self-improvement that you wouldn’t have on your own.

They can also help you with other specific aspects of improvement that can help you thrive in life, like improving your diet and increasing your resilience.

Self-improvement is unique for every person. It’s a highly personal process.

That’s why working one-on-one with a BetterUp coach can help you set specific goals that work for you. See how BetterUp can help you on your journey to better yourself.

Transform your life

Make meaningful changes and become the best version of yourself. BetterUp's professional Coaches are here to support your personal growth journey.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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Unlocking your full potential: A guide to self-improvement

In the pursuit of a fulfilling and meaningful life, embarking on a journey of self-improvement is a testament to the innate human desire for progress and enhancement. Whether you’re seeking to bolster your self-confidence, cultivate new skills, or overcome life’s obstacles, self-improvement can serve as a compass guiding you toward becoming the best version of yourself.

In this article, we help you to explore self-improvement, its significance in your life, and practical strategies for achieving personal growth and well-being. And if you’re looking for a guide or shoulder to lean upon along your journey, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with one of our therapists.

Black man reading book in his living room

What Is Self-Improvement?

Self-improvement refers to the deliberate and conscious effort to enhance and develop one’s personal qualities, skills, knowledge, and overall well-being. It is a lifelong process of striving for self-growth and self-actualization. Self-improvement can encompass various aspects of a person’s life, including:

Personal development : This involves improving aspects of one’s character, mindset, and emotional intelligence. It may include building self-confidence, enhancing self-awareness , and developing better communication skills.
Education and learning : Self-improvement often involves acquiring new knowledge and skills. This can be through formal education, reading, attending workshops, or taking online courses.
Health and wellness : Maintaining physical and mental health is a crucial component of self-improvement. This can involve adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques.
Career and professional development : Self-improvement in the workplace may involve acquiring new job-related skills, seeking career advancement, or even changing careers to align with personal goals and interests.
Relationships : Improving one’s ability to build and maintain healthy relationships is another aspect of self-improvement. This can include improving communication skills , empathy , and conflict resolution abilities.
Financial well-being : Managing finances, budgeting, and investing wisely are important areas for self-improvement in terms of achieving financial stability and security.
Goal setting and time management : Setting clear goals and developing effective time management habits can help individuals become more productive and achieve their objectives.
Emotional and mental well-being : Self-improvement can also involve managing and improving mental health, coping with stress, and developing resilience.
Hobbies and interests : Pursuing hobbies, interests, and passions can contribute to personal fulfillment and self-improvement by providing opportunities for creativity and personal expression.
Values and beliefs : Reflecting on one’s values and beliefs and aligning one’s actions with them is another aspect of self-improvement related to personal growth and authenticity.

Self-improvement is a highly individualized journey that focuses on personal development, and what it entails can vary greatly from person to person. Additionally, self-improvement may involve seeking guidance from mentors, coaches, or therapists, continually assessing progress, and adjusting strategies as needed.

Ultimately, self-improvement aims to lead a more fulfilling, purposeful, and meaningful life.

Why Is Self-Improvement Important?

Several reasons highlight the importance of self-improvement:

Improved self-esteem and confidence levels
A greater sense of accomplishment
An amplified sense of self-worth and self-confidence
Increased adaptability in a rapidly changing world
Improved communication skills
Elevated levels of empathy and emotional intimacy

People who invest in personal development are better equipped to cope with setbacks and overcome challenges, as they possess a growth mindset that embraces failure as a stepping stone to success.

What Are Some Helpful Self-Improvement Techniques?

Self-improvement is a personal journey, and the techniques that work best can vary from person to person. Here are some helpful self-improvement techniques that you can consider incorporating into your life:

Set clear goals : Define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for different areas of your life. Having clear objectives can give you direction and motivation.
Prioritize self-care : Take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress.
Develop a growth mindset : Embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth. Cultivate a mindset that believes in your ability to improve over time.
Practice continuous learning : Never stop learning. Read books, take courses, and seek out new experiences to expand your knowledge and skills.
Use time management : Learn to manage your time effectively. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to stay focused and productive.
Use mindfulness and meditation : Practice mindfulness to stay present and reduce stress. Meditation can help you improve focus and emotional regulation.
Start journaling : Keep a journal to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This can help you gain insights into your behavior and make positive changes.
Practice positive affirmations : Use positive affirmations to boost your self-esteem and overcome self-doubt. Repeating positive statements about yourself can rewire your thinking.
Start networking : Build a strong social network of supportive and like-minded individuals. Surrounding yourself with positive influences can help you grow.
Seek feedback : Be open to constructive feedback from others. It can provide valuable insights into areas where you can improve.
Take risks : Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Taking calculated risks can lead to personal and professional growth.
Use financial management tools : Learn how to manage your finances wisely. Budgeting, saving, and investing can help you secure your financial future.
Volunteer and give back : Helping others can be a fulfilling way to improve yourself. Volunteering and acts of kindness can boost your sense of purpose.
Form healthy habits : Work on building positive habits and breaking bad ones. Small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements over time.
Use visualization : Use visualization techniques to imagine your success and work towards it. Visualizing your goals can increase motivation and confidence.
Develop conflict resolution skills : Develop effective communication and conflict resolution skills to improve your relationships with others.
Practice gratitude : Cultivate a sense of gratitude by reflecting on the things you’re thankful for. It can improve your overall well-being.
Attend therapy or counseling : If you’re dealing with deep-seated issues, consider seeking professional help. Therapy or counseling can provide valuable guidance and support.

Remember that self-improvement is a continuous process, and it’s okay to take small steps toward your goals. It’s important to be patient with yourself and stay committed to your personal growth journey. You can also adapt and customize these techniques to fit your unique needs and circumstances.

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How Do You Set Meaningful Goals for Self-Improvement?

You can set meaningful goals for self-improvement by:

Identifying your values and priorities . Reflect on what truly matters to you, whether it’s personal growth, health, career, or relationships. These values will guide your goal-setting.
Making your goals specific and measurable . Instead of a vague goal like “be healthier,” specify it as “exercise for 30 minutes daily” or “consume five servings of vegetables daily.” This clarity helps track progress.
Ensuring your goals are realistic and attainable . Ambitious goals are great, but they should be achievable given your current circumstances and resources. Break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps to prevent overwhelm.
Setting a timeline or deadline for your goals . Regularly review and adjust your goals. Life changes, and so should your objectives.
Staying adaptable and open to modification when needed . Life will throw curve balls your way, and you must be prepared to adjust your sights when necessary.
Staying motivated by connecting your goals to your intrinsic motivations and rewards . Understand why achieving these goals matters deeply to you.
Seeking support and accountability . Share your goals with a friend, mentor, or therapist who can provide encouragement and guidance.

By following these principles, you can set and achieve meaningful goals for self-improvement.

How Can You Build Self-Confidence?

You can build self-confidence by:

Accepting failure as part of the process : Understand that failure is a natural part of learning and growth. Embrace your mistakes as opportunities for improvement rather than seeing them as setbacks.
Developing skills that you lack : Identify areas where you feel less confident and work on improving your skills in those areas. Continuous learning and skill development can boost your self-assurance.
Practicing self-compassion : Be kind and forgiving to yourself. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding you would offer a friend when facing challenges or setbacks.
Using visualization : Imagine yourself succeeding and feeling confident in various situations. Visualization can help you create a mental picture of your success, making it more likely to become a reality.
Paying attention to your body language : Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and use confident gestures. Your outward appearance can influence your internal feelings.
Celebrating your achievements : Acknowledge and celebrate even small accomplishments. Recognizing your successes reinforces your confidence and motivates you to keep going.

Building self-confidence takes time and effort, and it’s essential to be patient with yourself throughout the process. Remember that self-confidence is not a destination but a lifelong journey. Continue to work on yourself, and over time, you’ll see significant improvements in your self-confidence.

How Can You Build Resilience?

Below are some strategies to help you build resilience. Be sure to:

Practice optimism : Maintain a positive outlook, even when facing setbacks. Focus on solutions and opportunities rather than dwelling on problems.
Develop problem-solving skills : Break challenges into smaller, manageable steps. Brainstorm solutions and take action to address problems.
Enhance emotional regulation : Learn to manage your emotions effectively. Practice techniques like mindfulness and deep breathing to stay calm under pressure.
Set realistic goals : Establish achievable objectives that give you a sense of purpose. Break long-term goals into smaller milestones to track progress.
Maintain physical health : Eat a balanced diet and get regular exercise to support overall well-being. Prioritize sleep to ensure you’re well-rested.
Practice adaptability : Be open to change and willing to adjust your plans when necessary. Develop flexibility in your thinking and actions.
Build self-esteem : Develop a positive self-image and self-worth. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small.
Seek professional help when needed : If you’re struggling with overwhelming stress, anxiety, or depression, don’t hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional.
Develop coping strategies : Identify healthy coping mechanisms, such as journaling, meditation, or engaging in hobbies. Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse.

Building resilience is an ongoing process that takes time and practice. It’s important to remember that resilience doesn’t mean you won’t face challenges; it means you’ll be better equipped to navigate them effectively.

What Are Effective Time Management Techniques?

Effective time management is essential for productivity and achieving your goals. Here are some proven time management techniques to help you make the most of your time:

Set clear goals : Start by defining your short-term and long-term goals. Having a clear sense of what you want to accomplish will help you prioritize your tasks effectively.
Prioritize tasks : Use methods like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks as urgent/important, important/not urgent, urgent/not important, or neither. Focus on the important tasks that align with your goals.
Create a to-do list : Make a daily or weekly to-do list, prioritizing tasks based on their importance. Consider using task management tools or apps to help you organize your list.
Use time blocking : Allocate specific time blocks for different tasks or categories of work. This helps you stay focused on one thing at a time and prevents multitasking.
Use the Pomodoro Technique : Work in short, focused intervals (typically 25 minutes) followed by a short break. After four intervals, take a longer break. This technique can improve concentration and prevent burnout.
Eliminate distractions : Identify common distractions in your work environment (e.g., social media, smartphone notifications) and take steps to minimize them. Consider using website blockers and app limiters if needed.
Set deadlines : Establish deadlines for tasks, even if they are self-imposed. This creates a sense of urgency and can increase your motivation to complete the work.
Batch similar tasks : Group similar tasks together and complete them in one go. For example, answer emails, make phone calls, or do research during specific time blocks.
Delegate : If possible, delegate tasks that can be done by others. Delegation frees up your time for more important responsibilities.
Learn to say no and set boundaries : Avoid overcommitting yourself by politely declining tasks or projects that don’t align with your goals or will overwhelm you.
Use technology wisely : Leverage productivity tools and apps, such as calendar apps, task management software, and project management tools, to help you stay organized.
Set realistic expectations : Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day. Don’t overload your schedule with too many tasks, as this can lead to stress and burnout.
Review and reflect : Regularly evaluate your progress and adjust your time management strategies as needed. Learn from your successes and failures to continually improve.
Take care of yourself : Prioritize self-care, including getting enough sleep, eating healthily, and exercising. A healthy body and mind are essential for effective time management.
Seek help and training : If you struggle with time management, consider seeking guidance from a mentor or taking a time management course. Learning from others can provide valuable insights.

Remember that everyone’s work style and preferences are different, so it may take some experimentation to find the time management techniques that work best for you. Additionally, adapt your strategies as your goals and priorities change over time.

What Online Courses Might Be Helpful for Personal Development?

There are numerous online courses available that can be helpful for personal development, including platforms like:

LinkedIn Learning
Khan Academy

These platforms offer a wide range of courses in these areas. Before enrolling, it’s essential to research course reviews, check instructors’ credentials, and ensure that the course aligns with your personal development goals.

Additionally, consider your learning style and whether you prefer structured courses, self-paced learning, or a combination of both. The specific courses you should consider will depend on your goals and interests, but some popular categories include mindfulness meditation, emotional intelligence, effective communication, leadership development, personal finances and investing, and language learning.

Are There Any Self-Improvement Books and Tools That You’d Recommend?

There are many self-improvement books and tools, including the following recommendations:

Self-Improvement Books :

“The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg: This book explores the science of habit formation and provides insights on how to change and develop positive habits.
“Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck: It discusses the concept of a growth mindset and how having the right mindset can lead to success and personal growth.
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear: This book offers practical advice on how to build and maintain good habits while breaking bad ones, with a focus on small, incremental changes.
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey: A classic in the self-help genre, it provides a framework for personal and professional effectiveness.
“Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth: Duckworth explores the importance of grit, which she defines as a combination of passion and persistence, in achieving long-term goals.
“Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown: Brown discusses vulnerability and the importance of embracing it to lead a more authentic and fulfilling life.
“The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson: This book challenges conventional self-help advice and encourages readers to focus on what truly matters.

Self-Improvement Tools :

Goal-setting apps like Todoist, Trello, or Notion can help you set and track your goals, making it easier to stay organized and motivated.
Meditation and mindfulness apps like Headspace, Calm, or Insight Timer can help you practice mindfulness and reduce stress.
Fitness and health-tracking apps like MyFitnessPal or Fitbit can help you track your physical activity, diet, and overall health.
Journaling apps like Day One or Journey can assist in maintaining a journal, which can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth.
Learning platforms like Coursera, edX, or Khan Academy offer a wide range of courses that can help you acquire new skills and knowledge.
Productivity tools like Evernote, Microsoft OneNote, or Notion can help you organize your tasks and ideas more efficiently.
Time management techniques like the Pomodoro Technique can be helpful for improving your time management skills.
Financial management apps like Mint or YNAB (You Need a Budget) can assist in managing your finances and working toward your financial goals.

Remember that the effectiveness of these books and tools can vary from person to person. It’s important to choose those that align with your specific goals and preferences. Additionally, consistent effort and a willingness to apply what you learn are key to achieving self-improvement.

How Can You Continue to Learn for Your Own Personal Growth?

Continuing to learn for personal growth is an ongoing commitment that involves several key principles:

Establish a routine for learning to help ensure consistency , whether it’s dedicating daily or weekly time. Ask questions, explore new topics, and embrace uncertainty.
Embrace failure and use it as a valuable learning tool . Mistakes are stepping stones to growth. Individuals should network with others who share their interests, engage in discussions, and join communities to further enrich their learning experience.
Leverage technology, practice self-reflection, and stay informed about developments in your areas of interest are all vital components of an adaptable learning strategy.
Step outside your comfort zone by tackling unfamiliar subjects or activities . This often leads to innovative insights and personal development.

By adhering to these principles, individuals can cultivate a lifelong commitment to learning and continuously evolve as individuals.

Thriveworks Self-Improvement Resources

Thriveworks offers a range of self-improvement resources and therapy services including the following:

Individual therapy : Thriveworks provides individual therapy sessions where licensed therapists work one-on-one with clients to address various personal and mental health issues. Therapists can assist with self-improvement goals by helping clients gain insight into their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, and by providing tools and strategies for personal growth and change.
Couples and marriage counseling : For individuals looking to improve their relationships or marriages, Thriveworks offers couples counseling. Therapists can help couples communicate more effectively, resolve conflicts, and work on personal growth within the context of the relationship.
Teletherapy : Thriveworks offers online counseling services , allowing individuals to access therapy and self-improvement resources from the comfort of their own homes.
Psychiatric services : Thriveworks offers services with psychiatrists or nurse practitioners who can provide medication management and support for individuals dealing with mental health conditions.
Life coaching : While not a form of therapy, some Thriveworks locations may offer life coaching services. Life coaches can help individuals set and achieve personal and professional goals, develop better habits, and improve their overall quality of life.
Online resources : Thriveworks also offers online resources such as articles , videos, and self-help guides that address a wide range of self-improvement topics.

To benefit from these self-improvement resources at Thriveworks, individuals typically start by scheduling an appointment online or over the phone. After a few initial sessions to establish what your goals are, one of our therapists will work collaboratively with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your self-improvement objectives.

Check with the Thriveworks office nearest to you online or give us a call to get started on your path to self-improvement today.

Published Oct 8, 2023

Features 2 cited research articles.

Our clinical and medical experts , ranging from licensed therapists and counselors to psychiatric nurse practitioners, author our content, in partnership with our editorial team. In addition, we only use authoritative, trusted, and current sources. This ensures we provide valuable resources to our readers. Read our editorial policy for more information.

Thriveworks was established in 2008, with the ultimate goal of helping people live happy and successful lives. We are clinician-founded and clinician-led. In addition to providing exceptional clinical care and customer service, we accomplish our mission by offering important information about mental health and self-improvement.

We are dedicated to providing you with valuable resources that educate and empower you to live better. First, our content is authored by the experts — our editorial team co-writes our content with mental health professionals at Thriveworks, including therapists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and more.

We also enforce a tiered review process in which at least three individuals — two or more being licensed clinical experts — review, edit, and approve each piece of content before it is published. Finally, we frequently update old content to reflect the most up-to-date information.

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Theresa Lupcho, LPC

Theresa Lupcho is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a passion for providing the utmost quality of services to individuals and couples struggling with relationship issues, depression, anxiety, abuse, ADHD, stress, family conflict, life transitions, grief, and more.

Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC

Kate Hanselman is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She specializes in family conflict, transgender issues, grief, sexual orientation issues, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, behavioral issues, and women’s issues.

Jason Crosby

Jason Crosby is a Senior Copywriter at Thriveworks. He received his BA in English Writing from Montana State University with a minor in English Literature. Previously, Jason was a freelance writer for publications based in Seattle, WA, and Austin, TX.

We only use authoritative, trusted, and current sources in our articles. Read our editorial policy to learn more about our efforts to deliver factual, trustworthy information.

Burton, L. D. (2016, July 22). Can a Tomato Increase Your Productivity? Taylors & Francis Online. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10656219.2016.1191926

Cheema, A., Et al. (2011, March 1). The Effect of Goal Visualization on Goal Pursuit: Implications for Consumers and Managers . Sage Journals. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1509/jm.75.2.109

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Self-Improvement in Education

An individual’s personal skills are based on their determination to develop and learn new information. The close connection between the amount of knowledge and the way it is used brings about positive results.

Often, it is very tempting to use someone else’s work as your own and people will change the wording or structure of the information in the hope to pass it as their own. This must be avoided as it does not provide an individual with any knowledge and becomes impractical in the long run.

The vast amount of information in the libraries, online and books purchased outside of educational institutions create a helpful tool to determine the future career choices and goals of an individual. It is much easier to focus and structurize the work and information load when short term goals are specific and immediate. Sometimes, a study abroad is also an option. The most direct experience that a person gets while studying abroad is the understanding of the business world and economics.

As the world is getting smaller and businesses are taking their activity internationally, it is crucial for any business to know the local culture of a given country or region, so that proper communication and cooperation could be established. The simple fact of knowing the language will predispose the local population much faster, and this is an undeniable advantage over those companies that do not have such benefit.

Academic clubs will provide a schedule and the return to the original plan will determine the progression of work. The recording of information and setting up a framework of practical usages will help guide an individual through the achievement of long term goals. Internships will teach time management, as it is one of the most important aspects of both short term and long term educational and career plans.

As soon as a task is received a person must familiarize themselves with it. The longer someone has to think over the task, the better prepared they will be and the more thoughts they can develop. If everything is left to the last moment, the understanding of concepts will be limited and the person will not be able to see the overall picture.

All the systems and different parts of the brain are connected and studies have shown that learning variety will help the brain “to cooperate” with itself better.

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IvyPanda. (2023, November 21). Self-Improvement in Education. https://ivypanda.com/essays/self-improvement/

"Self-Improvement in Education." IvyPanda , 21 Nov. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/self-improvement/.

IvyPanda . (2023) 'Self-Improvement in Education'. 21 November.

IvyPanda . 2023. "Self-Improvement in Education." November 21, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/self-improvement/.

1. IvyPanda . "Self-Improvement in Education." November 21, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/self-improvement/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Self-Improvement in Education." November 21, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/self-improvement/.

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Self-Improvement: An Essay in Kantian Ethics

Robert N. Johnson, Self-Improvement: An Essay in Kantian Ethics , Oxford University Press, 2011, 174pp., $55.00 (hbk), ISBN 9780199599349.

Reviewed by Sorin Baiasu, Keele University

The project of Robert Johnson's book is very specific: to defend a non-derivative duty to develop oneself in non-moral respects. More exactly, the project aims to defend the claim that a human being owes it to himself to cultivate his natural powers. Whereas the topic is the moral development of oneself, this does not necessarily mean the development of one's moral self, of one's moral capacities; the project defends a non-derivative duty to develop oneself in non-moral respects.

As Johnson acknowledges, his main claim (that a human being owes it to himself to cultivate his natural powers) was properly defended by Kant. But he takes what Kant says only as a starting point, and he aims to develop certain aspects beyond that. Although there is no claim that Kant would have developed this project in the same way, the 'Kantian ethics' in the subtitle of the book does suggest that the account developed stays close to Kant's approach.

'Kantian' is taken to refer to an opposition to attempts to ground notions of 'right' or 'obligation' or 'virtue' in value. In fact, Johnson maintains that a plausible argument can be formulated in support of a duty of self-development precisely because of this feature of the Kantian approach. Thus, for Johnson, it is this Kantian feature of the account that makes the imperfect duty of self-development action-guiding. An implication of this Kantian account is that several criticisms of Kant's ethics fail, in particular those that regard it as hostile to the importance of self-concern and as reducible to a moralistic message of self-mortification and rational austerity.

Duties to oneself have been discussed either in general or, when in particular, mainly with specific focus on wronging oneself. These discussions have mainly been concerned with a presentation of Kant's position and arguments; Johnson, by contrast, aims to focus on the construction of a defensible position, grounded in a broadly Kantian ethical theory, but not primarily concerned with Kantian scholarship.

In terms of the challenges the book responds to, the project aims to overcome the difficulty of accounting for why we owe it to ourselves, not to others, to develop ourselves, and why we do not have an obligation to perfect others. Moreover, the clarification of this duty to ourselves throws light on how we come to have duties toward anyone at all.

One reason for the Kantian character of the theory is that it puts Johnson's account at an initial advantage over consequentialist, perfectionist and virtue ethicist accounts. Self-development for the consequentialist will only be justified if it leads to the overall good, and this is an empirical issue; moreover, the overall good may require that I contribute to the development of another person's capacities, rather than to my own.

For the perfectionist, self-development is the ground of morality, which means that concern for others becomes secondary and, moreover, any self- and other-regarding obligations will have to be forms of self-perfection, although they usually are not. Finally, the virtue ethicist would be able to defend an obligation to develop our capacities, if a fully virtuous and, hence, a fully developed person would be disposed to do so in virtue of her character; but, obviously, a fully developed person would not be disposed to develop her capacities.

To avoid problematic implications, Johnson makes a few clarifications. First, his argument does not imply that poverty and the resulting failures of self-improvement are due to a moral failing in the poor. Nor does it suggest that failures of self-improvement are more important than injustices that prevent many from enjoying moral improvement or at least those forms that are demanding in terms of time and means. Moreover, the argument does not suggest that poverty is never the result of a moral failing. Finally, there is no suggestion that those who have less are relieved of any obligation to make what they can of themselves.

Having presented the project, its Kantian features, the contribution it aims to make, some of its attractive features, and some of the problematic implications it can avoid, I will now focus on the book's argument. The first chapter aims to explore the nature and extent of the Kantian duty to develop natural capacities. This is offered as a background for the discussions, in the following chapters, of the justification of the duty of self-improvement. Since it is meant to present also the extent of this duty, the first chapter concludes with a description of five ways, in which we can fail ourselves, that is, of five ways in which we can overstep this obligation.

The second chapter makes a first attempt to justify self-improvement. The justificatory ground is given by the first formulation of the Categorical Imperative, the Formula of Universal Law (FUL). As most commentators acknowledge, Kant's Groundwork suggests that this formulation is able to justify the duty of self-improvement by rejecting a maxim of non-self-improvement or of letting your abilities rust; however, Johnson argues, on Rawls's interpretation of how the FUL is supposed to test maxims, the argument for imperfect duties implies a false claim. So, a justification on the basis of the first formulation of the Categorical Imperative fails. I will come back to this shortly.

Before trying two other justifications, on the basis of the other two most discussed formulations of the Categorical Imperative, Johnson needs to clarify another issue: how is it possible for the Kantian obligation to improve oneself to be owed to oneself? The main problem is that, on Kant's account, duties and rights are reciprocal; hence, the person to whom I owe a duty usually has a right to my performance and perhaps also a liberty not to exercise that right; if I owe that duty to myself and I do not perform it, then, since I can waive my right to my self-improvement, I can no longer claim I owe anything. This is the problem tackled by chapter 4.

The sense in which we can talk about the Kantian duty of self-improvement as owed to ourselves, according to Johnson, is the following. We can talk about an imperfect duty to others in promoting their happiness without any person in particular acquiring in this way a right to any of my possible particular performances. The right holders can be those who need my help, but this right will not be that of a particular person and to a particular performance I can make; it will be the right of the group to some of my possible actions. The crucial implication, therefore, is that no particular person can waive this right.

Let me now move on to the duty of self-improvement: according to Johnson, as imperfect, this Kantian duty will require that I adopt my improvement as a goal, so no particular action will be owed to me. I owe it to myself to develop at least one or another capacity at least at some or other time and to some extent. Hence, my right is not to a particular action and cannot be waived. One could think that I can perhaps waive the obligation to develop any capacity at any point and to any extent, but this would simply mean to waive the obligation to adopt the development of my capacities as a goal; this, however, I cannot do, since to adopt this goal is a morally required end.

One way to make this clearer is offered by Johnson in terms of competency requirements -- assuming there is a minimum competency requirement on having obligations, there is probably also a minimum competency requirement on having a corresponding liberty right, and waiving a right against someone. If the former is less demanding than the latter, then I may have obligations to myself, but I may not be sufficiently competent to waive them and to release myself from those obligations.

I do not choose to enter into an obligation of self-improvement; since I must use my rational nature, I inevitably come under an obligation not to use it as a mere means, and this includes a duty of self-improvement. Moreover, I use my rational nature when I use also the others' rational natures. Hence, in clarifying this duty I have to myself, Johnson's project also clarifies the duties I have to anyone else.

Chapters 5 and 6 justify the duty of self-improvement on the basis of the second and third formulations of the Categorical Imperative, the Formula of Humanity or of the Ends in Themselves (FH), and the Formula of the Kingdom of Ends (FKE). Chapter 7 explains why, according to Kant, we have a duty of self-improvement, as a duty to improve ourselves, but not one to improve others. Finally, if we have an obligation that we owe to ourselves to develop a range of abilities, then the implication is that abilities are things we can improve and we can monitor their development. The final chapter of the book argues this is the case by focusing on the notion of an ability and providing an account of abilities. The claim is that abilities are essentially improvable into praiseworthy skills to realise some ends. Hence we can improve and monitor the development of our abilities.

Of course, here, I cannot do justice to this fine book, but I can focus on what seems to be a very important argument; thus, as I have said, I would like to return to Johnson's claim that the Kantian duty of self-improvement cannot be justified on the basis of the FUL. This, I think, is a very important claim, since it is one clear instance where Johnson's argument parts ways with Kant's account. That we can offer a justification of the Kantian duty on the basis of the other two, very often discussed, formulations of the Categorical Imperative (FH and FKE) is not surprising. In fact, according to Kant's famous assertion, these three formulations "are at bottom merely so many formulations of precisely the same law "; moreover, the differences between them are "subjectively rather than objectively practical" [1] ( GMS 4: 436) This suggests that, as far as guidance concerning the moral validity of particular maxims is concerned, any of the three formulations can be employed. The differences between the three formulations do not affect their objectivity, but the extent to which they are actually accepted by moral agents. Hence, their differences are subjectively practical and lead to different degrees of intuitive plausibility.

A claim which is rarely quoted in discussions of the formulations of the Categorical Imperative and of their ability to offer moral guidance follows shortly after the claim above. After presenting the differences between the three formulations, Kant says:

It is, however, better if in moral judgement we proceed always in accordance with the strict method and take as our basis the universal formula of the categorical imperative: ' Act on the maxim which can at the same time be made a universal law '. ( GMS 4: 436-7)

In this sense, it is surprising to read Johnson's claims that the FUL fails to justify the duty of self-improvement, whereas the other two formulations succeed. From a different point of view, however, this is less surprising, given recent developments in Kantian literature. Thus, following multiple attempts to interpret this version of the Categorical Imperative so that it would provide a genuine test for maxims, commentators repeatedly left themselves open to criticism that such interpretations of the FUL either exclude maxims that are intuitively permissible or allow as permissible maxims that are intuitively impermissible.

As a result, some commentators began to think that there was something fundamentally wrong with the attempt to test maxims with the help of the FUL, rather than with the particular way in which it was developed. One conclusion was that the first formulation had a different function than the second and third. For instance, according to Mark Timmons, the first formulation tests motivation, rather than the moral permissibility of the maxims; the second tests the morality of maxims and can be used as a moral criterion. (Timmons 2006)

Of course, such alternative approaches go against some of Kant's claims, for instance, those I have just quoted above concerning the normative equivalence of the three formulations or the importance of the FUL. [2] Hence, they indicate clearly ways in which accounts of moral validity (Johnson's included) depart from Kant's. [3] What is Johnson's argument against the FUL?

As I have just mentioned, the first formulation sets a condition on the maxims of action. Johnson starts, in the first section of the chapter, with a discussion of maxims. He understands maxims as plans of action. In its general form, a maxim can be expressed as follows: (I will) A in C in order to achieve E, where A is the act description, C is the circumstances description, and E the end description. Maxims should be neither too general nor too specific, since, as plans of action, they need to be able to guide action.

Two aspects are the focus of Johnson's critical attention. First, on some accounts, a plan of action is a maxim only when one makes it one's principle to act on that plan. In contrast to this account, Johnson regards maxims as principles or plans which actually guide action, whether or not the person who so acts has also made it her principle to act on those maxims. I think this is a correct observation: for Kant, maxims are subjective principles of action, and our plans of action are such subjective plans whether or not we have made it our principle to act on them.

Secondly, Johnson is unhappy about Kant's reference to laws of nature -- for him, it is irrational to will for a maxim to become a universal law. Only God can reasonably will something like this. He suggests that, instead of regarding the first formulation as testing whether we can will for our maxim to become a universal law of nature, we can look at it as testing whether we can will that the maxim be universally accepted and acted upon. I find this suggestion much less convincing than the first. It seems there is little difference between willing for a maxim to become a universal law and willing for a maxim to be universally accepted and acted upon. If there are differences (and I think there are), these are not in terms of being more feasible for us (as human beings and not as God) to bring it about that our maxims be universally adopted and acted upon. There is no morally relevant point in willing for the law of driving on the left to become a universal law (although there is no contradiction in so willing), although there is a point for the law of non-mendacity.

In the second section of this chapter, the claim defended is that the irrationality that is presupposed by the attempt to act on a morally impermissible maxim is not simply that of acting ineffectively and inefficiently in achieving one's ends, nor in ignorance of facts about one's circumstances or the likely consequences of one's actions. The inconsistency in the attempt to act on a morally impermissible maxim is displayed by deliberative procedures introduced by the FUL.

The third section spells out these procedures. The account adopted is Rawls's and the claim is that a perfect duty is obtained when the universalisation of the contradictory maxim is not conceivable, since a world in which everybody adopted that plan of action could not exist. An imperfect duty is obtained when a world in which everybody adopted the contradictory maxim could exist, but I could not consistently will that such a world come about. I could not consistently will that such a world come about because I have happiness as a necessary end, and, if I am rational, I must will the necessary means to my happiness, which is contradicted by willing a world in which everybody adopted the contradictory maxim.

The final section applies the test to the duty of self-improvement. The claim is that such a test cannot justify the maxim of self-improvement as an imperfect duty. This is because, even in a world in which nobody develops their abilities on purpose (in contradiction to the maxim of self-improvement), people may still develop their abilities in order to achieve one end or another. It might be necessary that, as a necessary means to my happiness, I will that others develop their abilities, but not that we will others adopt their perfection as an end. Yet, according to Johnson, what we need for the duty of self-improvement is that others adopt their perfection as an end, and this is something that cannot be derived from the FUL. Moreover:

That is what is lacking in those who we find to be selling themselves short, letting themselves go, not making anything of themselves when they should be. It is not that in fact they have no developed capacities; the moral failure is in not taking themselves seriously enough. (64)

I find this argument puzzling mainly for two reasons. First, according to Johnson, Kant needs as part of the duty of self-improvement, that those who act to fulfill it make their perfection an end. If the FUL cannot show that the maxim of self-improvement includes the feature that perfection be adopted as an end, then the FUL fails to justify an important part of the duty of self-improvement. Yet, this form of moral failure is not among the five ways in which a person may fail herself by acting without concern for this duty.

Secondly and crucially, to show we cannot derive the imperfect duty of self-improvement with the help of the FUL, Johnson uses the same argument he formulates against the derivation from the FUL of the imperfect duty to help others promote their permissible ends. Yet, I do not think the argument is in fact working. Thus, what we would need for the derivation of the duty of helpfulness would be to show that, as rational beings, we must will that someone, sometime, assist us in some way, to some extent in our pursuit of happiness. We can will this, since, (1) happiness is a necessary end for us, (2) help from others is a necessary means to this and (3), as rational, we will the "necessary and available" means to our ends. (58)

The problem with this argument, Johnson says, is the following:

First, . . . it is enough that in the usual course of events, our ends are interlocking, such that even if I do not adopt the wellbeing of others as one of my own ends, in fact I will help them because it is necessary to my own selfish plans. Second, this argument also falls short of establishing an obligatory end of the sort that Kant argues for in the Metaphysics of Morals , namely, "the happiness of other human beings, whose (permitted) end I thus make my own end as well ". For what follows, again, from the three propositions in the prior paragraph is not that it is necessary that anyone make my ends their own , but only that they offer help in the pursuit of mine, whether they have made them their own as well or not. (59)

I think this does not work because, although happiness for Kant is indeed a necessary end, it is an end which cannot be determined for us limited rational beings. ( GMS 4: 418) I am not going to insist, since Johnson acknowledges this, but I will mention that this is the result of the fact that what makes us happy (in the Kantian sense) is almost entirely an empirical matter. If my happiness and the happiness of the other limited rational beings are indeterminate, then there is no way in which we can know whether our ends are indeed interlocking and, hence, whether I will help anybody by pursuing my own selfish plans. Moreover, if my happiness is indeterminate, then the only way I can rely on the help from others, given that I cannot be sure what will constitute happiness for me, is if they make my ends their own as a matter of principle. Hence, not only should I will that they be willing to offer help to me in pursuit of their own ends, which is a necessary means; I should also will that they offer help by making my ends their own, which makes the necessary means available to me. That the means I will must be necessary and available is explicitly formulated by Johnson himself (58), as I have just made clear above.

It is certainly sufficient for my happiness that someone, sometime, help me in some way and to a certain extent; but, if I do not specify that this is the result of the fact that someone does this by adopting my ends as their own, then the principle we can derive with the help of the FUL will only be: someone, sometime, help me in some way and to a certain extent, if it so happens . This, however, leads at least to this problem: if duties are to be selected from among maxims with the help of the tests offered by the FUL, then they need to be action-guiding in the way in which Johnson says all maxims should be; but, 'help in an indeterminate way, if it so happens' is not action-guiding.

This is, of course, not to suggest that the Rawlsian interpretation of the FUL, which Johnson employs, is more or less accurate than others. I have only attempted to challenge the suggestion that, unlike the FH and FKE, the FUL cannot justify a duty of self-improvement. As this seems to be one clear point where Johnson's account departs from Kant, the departure seems less radical than initially thought.

The book attempts to carry out a valuable project and many of the issues it raises are tackled in a convincing way. The account of the duty of self-improvement that it develops and defends may be closer to Kant's than initially expected, but the book is well-argued and presents an excellent contribution to both ethics and Kantian studies.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Baiasu, S. (2011) "Metaphysics and Moral Judgement", in S. Baiasu, S. Pihlstrom and H. Williams (eds) Politics and Metaphysics in Kant . Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

Herman, H. (1993) The Practice of Moral Judgement . Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Kant, I. (1900-) Kants gesammelte Schriften . Ed. by the Königlich Preußischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, subsequently Deutsche, now Berlin-Brandenburg Akademie der Wissenschaften (originally under the editorship of Wilhelm Dilthey). Berlin: Georg Reimer, subsequently Walter de Gruyter.

Kant, I. (1996) Practical Philosophy . Tr. and ed. Mary J. Gregor. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Timmons, M. (2006) "The Categorical Imperative and Universalisability (GMS, 421 -- 424)", in C. Horn and D. Schönecker (eds), Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals . Berlin and New York: de Gruyter.

[1] In referencing Kant, I use the following abbreviation GMS : Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals ( Grundlegung zur Metaphysik der Sitten (1785)), in Kant (1996). Pagination references in the text and footnotes are to the volume and page number in the German edition of Kant's works (1900-). Unaccompanied page references are to the reviewed book.

[2] According to Barbara Herman (1993), the FUL (of what she calls the "CI procedure") should not be expected to apply to maxims and to result in derivation of duties; rather, it applies to "generic maxims" and issues in "deliberative presumptions". (132-58) These are then supplemented by the value of rational agency and result in deliberation.

[3] I do not think that necessarily all such alternative accounts will mark a departure from Kant. In fact, I attempt such an alternative precisely as a better account of Kant. (2011)

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Self Improvement Essay Examples

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Topic: Life , Family , Children , Confidence , Development , My Life , Control , Trying

Published: 03/30/2023

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Self Improment

Introduction It is every parent's dream to provide a good life for his or her children. Being a 35-year-old single father of three children with a salary of 50,000 dollars per year, life is not easy. I am trying to save for my children’s college, save for retirement, and pay my bills. There are many challenges in life that require me to find a better paying job. However, I have realized that for me to achieve the objectives I have in life, I must develop the right mindset. As such, I developed the plan below to improve my life, which mostly involves developing a positive mindset. Improving my life would include relinquishing and letting go of things I cannot control. The main point here would be to empower myself to change the things I can manage to change and ignore the rest. It would be a bad idea to expend energy trying to control other things. In letting go of things I cannot control, I can develop a positive visualization of my life and children that would increase the possibilities of achieving a good and successful life. Human beings create their realities through their intentions and thoughts. As such, it would be important to note the objectives and goals that can help in improving our lives. The moment after divorce is always challenging to both men and women. Since I am taking care of my children and trying to save for retirement, there are high chances that I will develop stress within the way. According to Dan Gardner, nobody knows what the future holds. Despite hoping for the best, the chances are that the situation can get worse (Gardner, 2011). As such, it would be important for me to get connected with how and why things will happen. Connecting with the two will help increase my energy level, overcome setbacks and adversity, and think more clearly. Getting connected with one’s why helps in discovering their life’s purpose, which changes their lives for the better. The situation would also require me to have mental discipline, which can be achieved through meditation and mindfulness. Having a mental discipline will play a great role in guiding me in the right things to do in the challenging times. It will be important for me to be aware of my emotions, react with empathy and compassion, and slow down my heart rate and activities through presenting the present moment. Meditation will be important since it will help lower the risk of depression, and at the same time help me develop better stress management. The main reason behind this is to avoid chronic anxiety. In Emotional Intelligence, Goleman says how divorce can lead to depression and sadness to individuals (Goleman, 1995). Since I have the responsibility of taking care and providing for my children, I will put efforts towards fighting long periods of pessimism and sadness. Meditation will help me focus on the positive things in life, rather than showing incessant hostility and unremitting tension to the children. The low finances will be required to do the important things in our lives. As such, taking part in meditation will help me avoid the risk of getting chronic anxiety diseases such as peptic ulcers and heart diseases that will use a lot of money. I will move towards a better life by showing confidence in all the things that I will be doing. Confidence is a very important aspect of the human lives. However, many people struggle to find confidence, with the lack of confidence making it difficult for many people to become successful. It will be important to note that my children will be looking up at me. Being confident will also inspire confidence in them, which will help them in realizing that things are under control. Gaining the confidence of these children will help me find success. It will be important for me to know how to show confidence to my children, which can be done through body language, behavior, how one speaks, and what one says. I will improve my life by learning how to open up. The sad thing is that despite many men going through problems, they are always unwilling to open up or articulate their emotions. It is always important for one to learn how to share and verbalize their doubts. As a divorced father who is trying to improve his life and that of his children, articulating my problems to professional counselors will play a great and important role towards improving my life. Sharing my insecurities, worries and doubts will be the first step towards achieving a better life.

In conclusion, improving my life will require me to have a positive mindset, which will be achieved by learning how to maintain a positive outlook by filtering the negative. Filtering the negative messages, including those found in the media and social media, can change everything. It will be important to tell myself a better story, which will help me in picking the correct message.

Gardner, D. (2011). Future babble: Why expert predictions fail and why we believe them anyway. London: Virgin Books. Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence. New York: Bantam Books. New York : Bantam Books

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