Self-Improvement Month

September is Self-Improvement month and I think it is the perfect time for it! If you’re a parent, the kids are back in school and the craziness of summer is finally over. It’s also early enough that the obligations that come with the holiday season haven’t started yet. It gives us a perfect opportunity to reflect and take time to focus on ourselves.

It’s an opportunity for us to assess how satisfied we are with ourselves and our current life trajectory. Then of course take the necessary steps to become who we aspire to be. As a mother and a woman, we so often give all of our energy and attention to our families that we forget about number one; ourselves. Of course our children, spouses, extended family, and friends are incredibly important, but if we are not constantly striving to be the best we can be, we will fall short in all aspects of our lives. We all have dreams and goals and we need to make sure we periodically check in with those goals to make sure we are still working toward them, and make adjustments as needed.

I need to note that the self-improvement industry is worth over $11 billion in the U.S. annually. It’s no secret that the self-improvement industry is booming. There is an endless sea of books and other products intended to improve personal, mental, and physical health. Make sure you aren’t falling for marketing tricks and are actually doing what’s best for you.

Below are some ideas you can use to jump-start your self-improvement month. But I challenge you to keep it going even after September ends!

• Learn Something New
  The best way to improve yourself is to increase your knowledge. In this day and age that is a very easy thing to do. Of course there is Google, but their are also education sites like Udemy and Skillshare. The things you can learn are endless! What is something you have always wanted to try? Or what is a skill that if you learned would help you improve something you are already doing? Look around some of these sites and I guarantee you will find something worth learning.
• Try Positive Affirmations
  Affirmations feel uncomfortable and silly, I know. There is evidence that they help though. Create affirmations that are specifically designed for you and your needs. Go deeper than the surface and really evaluate what mindset needs a more positive outlook. This small change in your daily routine can have a huge impact on how you think and feel about yourself.
• Set or Revise Some Goals
  If you are looking to improve yourself and your life the first step is to set some goals. You need to visualize what you want so you can align your decisions and actions in that direction. Once you set goals, keep them visible to keep them in mind. Reevaluate your goals periodically and make adjustments to keep them relevant to what you want for your life.
• Get Inspired
  If you are struggling to come up with goals or self-improvement ideas get inspired! There is a huge range of books out there waiting to do just that. There are endless free YouTube videos and podcasts if books aren’t your thing as well. You could also pick and choose by creating your own vision board.
• Start a New Hobby
  Take learning something new a step further and do something new. Making something yourself or creating something new is a fantastic way to work on your self-improvement. Not only will it teach you a new skill, it will also give you a sense of pride and accomplishment. Challenge yourself to start a hobby you aren’t already an expert at.
• Focus on Your Physical Health
  Something I am constantly trying to improve is my physical health. Try a new kind of workout, recommit yourself to healthy choices, or evaluate your current lifestyle and make even small changes to improve your health. I recently made an appointment with my doctor for a general physical. Take a hard look at your health and make improvements!
• Find or Become Mentor
  If you need help with self-improvement I suggest you find a mentor. There are coaches you can hire in person or online. You can also find someone in your live that is willing to do this for you for free. Who in your life seems to have it together? Who’s life do you admire? Reach out and see if they would be willing to guide you on your journey.
• Cook a New Recipe
  Something I like to do constantly is try a new recipe! If you are looking for an easy way to start your self-improvement month calibration, try cooking a recipe form a culture you have never tried before. Don’t just cook the recipe, look into the history, origins and culture and really immerse yourself in the new experience.

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