Achieving self-growth can be a difficult task to tackle. It requires continuously challenging yourself to get out of your own comfort zone each and every day. Here are some ideas that you can try in order to push the envelope and develop the skills to become a more confident and self-reflective person!
Start keeping a journal
Getting all of your thoughts, feelings, and questions down on paper is an extremely freeing experience. You can free-write by just allowing everything to flow from your brain to your pen. Or if you’d prefer a topic for inspiration, you can always find writing prompts online or in a guided journal. There’s no right way to journal but it has been proven to promote creativity, lessen anxiety, and improve your mood.
Invest in your hygiene
Your mental well-being is greatly impacted by how well you take care of your physical health. When you practice good hygiene, you’re not only improving the way in which others perceive you but how you perceive yourself. If you have a negative self-image, it can hold you back from accomplishing important milestones in your life. It’s a good idea to start by focusing on your hair, skin, and nails as these are some of the biggest things we notice about ourselves. We can achieve this by taking biotin vitamins and by using products that are compatible with our specific skin and hair types. Feeling good on the outside can aid in boosting your confidence and self-growth on the inside.
Practice mindfulness
For so many of us, it’s very difficult to remain present. We can get hung up on past events or become consumed with planning the future. The practice of mindfulness involves consciously focusing on the present and accepting it for what it is. It can be a hard lifestyle to get into initially, but over time, the more you practice mindfulness, the more you’ll learn to appreciate the moment. To learn ways to be mindful during everyday tasks, go here!
Speak positive affirmations into existence
Starting this challenge can be a little awkward at first. You may be saying to yourself, “Speaking what I want into existence, what will that do?” An affirmation is a statement you’re making either internally or verbally. For many of us, the way we speak and think about ourselves is typically on the negative side. When you speak a positive affirmation, it’s promoting the habit of positive self-talk as well as allowing you to create your life experiences through active awareness.
Be an advocate for an organization
One of the best ways to encourage self-growth is by contributing to an effort or cause that you believe in. If you don’t have the monetary means to donate, you can donate your time and voice instead. There are so many organizations out there doing amazing things and making a difference. Being a part of that change will help you better understand yourself while giving you a feeling of fulfillment.
Stop using social media as a means of comparison
In today’s world, it seems like everyone else is always doing something more exciting than we are. However, we only see their world through their social media account. What happens after the Snapchat is taken? Were they actually laughing in that picture? How many filters did they use? Social media isn’t an accurate avenue of evaluating someone’s life and it is by no means a tool you should use to compare yourself. Take a break from social media if you need it, but it’s important to realize that things aren’t always as perfect as they seem online.
Clean out your space
They weren’t wrong when they said a cluttered space is a cluttered mind. Having clutter in your space is actually ruining your life. It increases levels of stress, decreases productivity, and it can trigger health issues. Challenge yourself by cleaning your space little by little, whether it’s your home, office, or car. Separate piles into what you absolutely need from what you can donate. Anything else not on either of these lists can go in the trash. To determine how to achieve this process, read Marie Kondo’s book on tidying up.
Read more than you watch TV
Picture this: a Sunday afternoon spent watching your favorite series as you’re buried in a blanket with the perfect display of snacks at an arm’s reach. Sounds perfect, right? In doses, this can be a great mental break. However, in today’s age, many of us watch more TV than pick up a book. Taking the time to read books instead of turning on your favorite show can improve your vocabulary, develops your ability to focus, and promotes self-discovery.
