We are off and running in 2020 and the mere thought of personal growth is enough to make many of us feel discouraged. It’s challenging to make meaningful changes. But if you want to make a difference in the world, or even just your own life this year, you’ll have to try something new. Remember it’s insanity to keep on doing the same things year after year and expect to receive different results.
Live your life to the fullest and make the most of your time and energy with these seven personal growth strategies.
Key #1 Spend time with a new group of people. Although there is value in spending time with like-minded friends consistently, however when you spend time with the same group of people all of the time, you aren’t exposed to new thoughts, ideas, or conversations. Get a fresh perspective by interacting with a new group.
Key #2 Read. There’s more information available than you’re likely to ever need. Why reinvent the wheel when someone else has probably already walked the path that interests you. Investigate what’s available to you and learn from those that have already been successful. Try reading a book a month this year.
Key #3 Learn to embrace discomfort. One of the characteristics of successful people is they don’t allow discomfort to derail their efforts. On the other hand, underachievers are easily discouraged by discomfort. We all face it, but the key is what you do with the discomfort when confronted by it.
Key #4 Write. In my course on authenticity, I talk about the importance of journaling. You experience a different perspective when you write your thoughts. It also makes a greater impression on your brain. If you want to do something, think
Key #5. Wake Pray Train and Rise Slay Eat. Garbage in – garbage out. Give yourself effective fuel for your efforts. Your body and mind run better when you eat healthy foods. Your brain also functions better if you get some exercise each day. Without exercise, your brain falls into a rut. Use your muscles and get your heart beating for at least 20 minutes each day.
Key #6 Evaluate each day. At the end of the day, take a few minutes and write down what you did well and what you could have done better. Over time, you’ll find yourself taking more effective actions and fewer actions that don’t support you.
Key #7 Set a few goals and review them each day. Write down your goals and read them a couple of times each day. Ask yourself at the end of the day what you’ve done to move
Bonus Key: Prepare to tackle your year using 3 distinct words. For me this year is broken down into Alleviate. Addition. Achievement. As I thought about how I wanted to attack my goals, I thought it was best to Alleviate (distractions, non-essentials, etc), Add to my life valuable things, and a daily step towards my goal and if these are done effectively, I will be on my way towards Achievement.
Life is easier if you learn something new each day and avoid repeating your mistakes.
If your life hasn’t changed for the better over the last few years, that might be a sign that you could use some more effective strategies.
Personal growth is challenging. In fact, any change is challenging. But you can overcome the challenge and step onto a path that takes you where you want to go.
A new level of personal growth is around the corner. Use these tips as a way to get started on your quest to grow yourself and enrich your life.