Self-development
The road to self-development begins with concrete steps we take on a daily basis, and there’s no better time than the present to make a change. We live in a rapidly evolving world that’s full of uncertainties, but the challenges we face can be opportunities to improve. It’s up to us to create a positive impact in the lives of ourselves and others.
Here’s a list of things you can start doing for your wellbeing today:
- Adopt a mindful attitude. Take a few deep breaths and notice the sensations throughout your body. Do you feel lighter in your limbs? Be present, with the goal of observing and accepting any thoughts or feelings that come up. Embrace the now as you’re experiencing it, and if your thoughts begin to drift away, guide yourself back to the present moment with compassion.
- Cultivate awareness. What are your beliefs and values? Are your actions in alignment with value-based goals? With a clear understanding of who you are, it becomes easier to bring thinking, emotion and behavior into a harmonious balance. Reconcile if necessary.
- Challenge preconceived biases. Did you know that many predictors of success and happiness are non-cognitive? Motivation, personality and discipline all have major impacts on the conscious mind. Although we can’t directly reflect on them, they are traceable in cognitive and behavioral patterns. Uncover the sources of your strengths and look out for unhelpful presumptions that can interfere with new experience and learning.
- Practice. Motivational speaker Charlie Smith visited the WonderSeed family and reminded us that optimism was about identifying solutions instead of dwelling on problems. Experiment with the steps mentioned above and see what works best for you as you move forward. Add moderate exercise to your daily routine. Eat a balanced diet. Keep introspecting.
- Stay socially active. A large body of research shows that consistent socialization can significantly improve physical health and well-being. As interaction goes online amid the pandemic, it’s essential to keep sharpening your social skills. There is limitless potential to uncover, so be open to exploring beyond your comfort zone. Make discomfort your new friend — feeling nervous is often a sign that you’ve reached the outer edge of your zone.
