Self Improvement: a Life-long Goal

Copyright (c) 2008 Soaring Eagle Companies LLC

Sometimes, when we get all wrapped up in our doubts, fears and insecurities, we always come up with the idea of "I wish I was somebody else." More often than not, we think and believe that someone or rather, most people are better off than we are. The fact is, most people are even more messed up and more insecure than we are!

You spot a very attractive girl sitting by herself at a party, casually sipping on a glass of wine. You think to yourself, "She looks so perfectly calm and confident." But if you could read her mind, you might just be amazed at what she's thinking. Things like "Why I am sitting here all alone? Why don't guys find me attractive? I don't like my ankles, they look too skinny. I wish I were smarter."

We look at a young successful business entrepreneur and say "Wow, he's already made it. What's he going to do now?" But he has issues just like everyone else. He thinks to himself "I wonder why my friends won't talk to me. Why is it so hard to find a girl that understands business?"

Isn't it funny? We look at other people envy their looks, their finances, and their confidence. We think they are perfect and wish we could trade places with them. They look at us and think how they wish their life were simpler and easier. It is so easy to become so busy thinking about ourselves and how bad things are that we lose hope in ever becoming better. Letting ourselves get this far down is dangerous and counter-productive. Thinking about ourselves also prevents us from helping others. Everyone, no matter how successful, can always find ways to improve.

One key to self improvement is to LISTEN and TALK to a trusted friend. Find someone you are comfortable with and start evaluating your communication skills with each other. Ask questions like "do you think I am ill-mannered?" "Do I always sound so argumentative?" "Do I talk too loud?" "Does my breath smell?" "Do I ever bore you when were together?" This is one way to work on improving your communication skills. The other person will obviously know that you are interested in improving. Be open to suggestions and be careful not to become defensive. Keep an open mind.

Before telling other people some ways on how to improve themselves, let them see that you constantly work on improving yourself. You should also emphasize how important you think it is to always be looking for ways to improve. Self improvement helps makes us more confident. When we are confident, it is much easier to inspire others to follow in the same path.

We all have our insecurities, but it is important to remember that nobody is perfect. There will always be ways to improve our lives, but life does not need to be perfect for us to be happy with ourselves. You can love yourself and acknowledge that there are things you could do better. When we begin to improve ourselves, we then begin to feel contented and happy.