1. Self improvement is natural to human beings. Otherwise we would never get out of the cradle! We have an innate programming that allows us to expand and grow. Just because we reach physical and legal maturity, it does not mean that we should sit back and just drift. There is always more to discover and more potential to develop. It helps everybody for each person to achieve more of their potential.
2 Pain and Pleasure are both great motivators. Find which one works best for you. If you are too keen on comfort, this will prevent you being willing to change and take action. So if you don't change, what will be the result? Face this question and it may allow you to feel enough pain to decide to take action now. Or you be realize that you want to achieve something so much that you will push through your resistance.
3. Make friends with your fear. It is a good friend, but a poor master. Personal development without fear is impossible. Very few people have died of fear! Yet many people avoid it as if it is their worst enemy. That is one reason that people walk on hot coals. They learn that if they go through to the other side of fear, they can achieve great things. You can't do a firewalk every day, but it is great to do at least one thing that takes you out of your comfort zone.
4. Notice what you are interested in. Schools teach us that we have to learn a range of subjects whether we are interested in them or not. This has left many people in a state of passivity, and not respecting themselves. It is OK not to be interested in something...what matters is not being a mediocre all rounder, but find what fascinates you, as you probably have a gift for it as well. That is how the world works.
5. Be kind to yourself. Even if you have a gift in something, you won't always be good at it right away. Have patience. Say encouraging things to yourself, use affirmations, even a simple one like "It is OK to make mistakes." Allow yourself time to relax and have fun, even when in the middle of a major challenge.
6. Remember your brain has two sides and just for fun, make sure you use them both! You may be naturally right brained, creative and intuitive, but without some logic and structure, eg making lists and planning a task, you will become overwhelmed, confused and discouraged. But with only lists and plans, the spark and the creativity can be squeezed out of your life. Remember how a child learns by play.
7. Celebrate and reward yourself. Self improvement is work, although it is often fun and fulfilling as well. Noticing your progress and taking the time to acknowledge it will give you encouragement to keep going or to start something new. Without reward or self recognition, you could just burn out too soon.
