Why Personal Growth Matters

 

How much time have you dedicated to your personal development in the past year? Six months? Week?

 

Unfortunately, society trains us to put other things first, like education and careers. We’re not downplaying their value in life. We just want to point out the importance of taking the time to invest in our self-improvement.

 

Today, we’re talking about all the reasons why personal growth matters. As you’ll find out below, it makes up a huge chunk of your life as a whole, no matter how old you are.

So, let’s get started.

 

What Is Personal Growth?

 

Working on accomplishing things in life, setting goals, and achieving them—that’s personal growth. It starts with the drive to do and be better.

 

Even before that, you have to start with a positive mindset. That helps boost your resilience and keeps you going, even when things don’t go your way.

 

The beauty of personal growth is that it’s subjective. It’s different for everyone, like success.

 

Some people define being successful as having a happy, healthy family. Others define it as having a career, maybe having more money than they know what to do with.

 

Even though personal growth is a bit more elusive, it’s all improving as an individual. This can be polishing up your education or refining your temperament. Whatever it is you’re seeking out in life, that’s your personal growth journey.

 

Because it’s so diverse and covers so many aspects, it goes by several names, including:

 

• Self-improvement
• Personal development
• Self-growth
• Self-help

 

Why Does Personal Growth Matter?

 

Now that we understand what personal growth is, you can see how it can have a positive effect on someone. Then, without even trying, that person will motivate others to work harder and do better.

 

So, personal growth isn’t a solitary journey. Yes, you do the hard work. Yet, you reap so many rewards that you quickly realize it was all worth it.

 

Working on developing you as a person will help you in various aspects of your life. You’ll shine at work and you’ll notice people will start to praise your accomplishments.

You’ll also grow into a more compassionate and loving person. Listening and being attentive will come naturally. You’ll feel good about yourself, and you’ll make others feel good as well.

 

How to Start Your Personal Growth Journey

 

Empathy and positive thinking are two traits we seem to lose over the years. Personal growth can help you regain them back.

Here are some of the things you can do to begin achieving personal growth.

 

Set Short-Term Goals

 

One of the first steps towards personal growth is setting and achieving short-term goals. When creating goals, keep the following in mind:

 

• Make your goals realistic
• Divide long-term goals into several short-term ones
• Write each goal on a Post-It and hang it on your desk or bathroom mirror
• Recognize and accept your strengths and weaknesses
• Treat yourself to something nice every time you complete one of your goals

 

Keep Learning

 

We’re never too old to learn. Keep an open mind and take a step out of your comfort zone, and you’ll find fascinating things to learn about.

 

Ask any entrepreneur, and they’ll tell you they never stop learning. Their fascination with the world is what keeps them a step ahead of everyone else.

 

The trick is to find something that piques your interest. In this day and age where everything is evolving so quickly, there’s no shortage of that!

 

Find Your Purpose

 

What makes you happy? Find what makes you giddy with happiness, aka your purpose in life.

 

Each one of us has something that drives them and sets them apart from everyone else. Just find what you want and go after it.

 

Even if you don’t know much about it, you can always learn. Thanks to modern-day technology, there are plenty of options to choose from.

 

Wake Up Early

 

Having healthy sleep patterns will regulate your physical, emotional, and mental states. You’ll feel more energized and ready to tackle the day that lies ahead.

 

Studies show that people who make a habit of waking up early are healthier, happier, and more productive. It may take some time to get used to, but, once you do, you’ll never go back!

 

Read More

 

Many of us have given up on reading, thanks to our ever-present smartphones. You have to start the habit of reading each day, even if you read one blog a day.

 

Acquiring knowledge is extremely satisfying. You feel competent and just plain good. In a nutshell, reading is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to boost your self-confidence and enhance your personal growth.

 

Practice Self-Acceptance

 

Knowing what your talents and skills are, is a vital part of self-acceptance. It’s also just as important to recognize the areas where you’re not as strong.

 

Be confident in what you’ve accomplished and forgive yourself for any past mistakes. That’s the first step to accepting who you are and fully realizing your true worth.

We’re all here for a reason. Take the time to find out what yours is.

 

A Final Note

 

Understanding why personal growth matters is like understanding the secret of the universe. It can mean the difference between being happy, hopeful, and feeling dejected and lost.

 

Well, of course no one wakes up saying, “I want to be miserable.” It requires hard work and dedication.

 

You have to have a positive outlook and accept yourself for who you truly are. Only then can you unlock your true potential, which I have no doubt, will be amazing!

5 Ways To Appreciate Yourself More

It's often more challenging to see what we're doing right than what we're doing wrong. Even reflecting on our admirable characteristics makes some of us nervous. 

Appreciation and compliments can make us uncomfortable, and we sometimes don't know how to react without appearing self-conscious. 

 

So, how can we positively appreciate our great traits? I suppose the key is self-compassion, which entails treating oneself with compassion, a feeling of shared humanity, and consciousness when we evaluate our apparent shortcomings – but differently. I prefer to refer to it as "self-appreciation."

 

According to LifeHack, "To love yourself is to experience freedom – freedom from doubt, self-hate, and oppression created by you. To love yourself is no longer holding yourself back from what you deserve. To love yourself is to grow and enjoy your life. Self-love is a necessity if you want to live a comfortable life. Self-love is a choice, a commitment to yourself that you will love yourself, despite all the social and biological obstacles in your path. It is not found in a place, person, or item." 

 

5 Ways To Appreciate Yourself More

1. Decide To Do It

 

Self-appreciation is a decision you have to make yourself; it is not bestowed upon you. It is not found in another person or an item. You get self-appreciation by choosing what you desire. It would be best if you decided to let go of this toxic thinking after a lifetime of loathing yourself for not being enough.

 

Say no to all of your internal self-hatred and tell yourself the truth: you are not perfect, and that is good. Begin by giving yourself license to appreciate yourself more. Even if you convince yourself otherwise, you are deserving of more appreciation. 

 

Take time to tell yourself this and permit yourself to enjoy yourself. This is the first step in acknowledging the reality that you can appreciate yourself.

2. Check Your Negative Beliefs

 

Disrupt mental patterns that are solely focused on failures and defects. When it comes to self-esteem, our subconscious is not always on our side. 

 

It takes time and effort to educate your mind into healthy habits, but the first step is to recognize the falsehoods it tells you:

 

●   Recognize that feeling like a loser does not imply that you are a failure.

●   Examine the evidence to support your findings. Even though the negative thought spiral makes it feel that way, a friend not replying to your text does not indicate they dislike you.

●   Recognize that good happening merit your attention as well. One negative comment should not deter you from appreciating positive feedback.

3. Compassionately React To Your Blunders And Setbacks

 

You don't have to berate yourself for every blunder. According to research, reacting to your own mistakes with compassion boosts your self-esteem and makes you a more competent and resourceful individual. Fight back against the inner critic who distorts reality:

 

●   There are hardly any things in life that are "all or nothing." Even if things did not go as planned, it does not imply that nothing good came from it.

●   One setback does not define you for the rest of your life.

●   Call that feeling of pessimism into question by reminding yourself, "Things didn't go my way, but that doesn't indicate they always will. I can't foresee the future."

 

4. Let Go Of The Perfection Ideology

 

You will never be flawless; no person will ever be. Don't allow this to prevent you from appreciating yourself. It's easy to despise oneself for not being perfect or sufficient. 

 

However, this leads to self-hatred since you focus on what you do not have rather than what you do have—self-appreciation blossoms in a great attitude, which requires you to appreciate what you have. In a worldview founded in perfection, dubbed "never good enough," your ability to understand yourself suffers, fades, and dies.

5. Learn To Say No

 

Instead of overcommitting, prioritize your personal needs. Respect your boundaries and learn to decline obligations that aren't worth the stress. The unthinking "yes" in answering any request is a sort of "people-pleasing" action that prioritizes everyone else's interests before your own.

5 Signs You’re In An Abusive Relationship

 

There’s a common misconception about anyone in an abusive relationship. People think that it’s easy for the abused to know they’re in a bad situation. People assume it’s easy to move away from the abuser and start a whole new life.

 

Sadly, that’s far from the truth. Before we begin our article, there’s something important you have to remember. Abuse is all about manipulation and power.

 

Read on to find out whether or not you’re in an abusive relationship.

 

Signs You’re in an Abusive Relationship

 

Abusers are known for placing the blame on their victims. They create confusion and guilt, which they hide behind things like ‘protection’ or ‘playfulness.’

 

Does this feel like something you, or someone you love, are experiencing? If you answered yes, you have to realize this isn’t how a normal relationship should be.

Read the signs below. If you recognize any of them, it’s time to take action.

 

5. You Feel Pressured to Do Things

 

We all know the age-old love story of two people seeing each other’s eyes from a distance. Somehow, they know they’re meant for one another, and they can’t wait for their relationship to start.

 

An abusive relationship has traits very similar to that of this whirlwind romance. In the beginning, you’ll notice that an abusive partner is sweet and considerate. They’ll have plenty of nice things to say that make you feel like you’re special and truly in love.

 

You may feel that the words are nice, but they usually have a concealed urgency. This urgency is their way of gaining control over you as quickly as possible.

 

Do you feel like you’re getting pressured to start a relationship, get married, or have children? This can be a telltale sign you’re in an abusive relationship.

 

4. You’re Always in the Center of Their Impulsive Mood Swings

 

Mood swings are natural. We all have them for one reason or another.

 

What’s not normal is having to endure abrupt mood swings that come out of nowhere. Your partner may be sitting there all calm and nice. Then something triggers them off. They become insulting and furious for no reason.

 

After a few minutes, they return to their calm self. Not only that but they’re apologetic and swear to you they were only joking. These minute-to-minute changes in behavior create confusion and guilt.

 

There are two things to remember when you’re in a similar situation. One, this isn’t normal behavior. Two, this isn’t your fault in any way.

 

It’s important that you’re aware early on that this is dangerous territory. This is the time to take a step back and evaluate whether you want to continue with this person or not.

 

3. You Constantly Get Blamed for

 

Abusers accuse their victims of anything and everything that doesn’t go their way. They usually throw out accusations and blame without any thought or planning. As a victim, you get used to hearing these accusations on a regular basis. Soon, you begin believing it to be true.

 

Take note of whether this happens to you in your relationship. If you notice it happening often, you have to put an end to it.

 

Another thing you have to pay attention to is whether your partner keeps tabs on you. Do they want to know you are at every moment of the day? While it’s nice to have that kind of harmless attention, it’s a dangerous pothole to fall into.

 

2. You’re Made to Feel Isolated

 

One type of control abusers have is to keep you away from your family and friends. They give excuses like, “They’re meddlers” or “They’re trying to break us up.”

 

The whole point of doing this is that they want to make you feel isolated. They want you to feel dependent on them and only them.

 

Another way they isolate you is by gaining control of your credit cards or bank accounts. Or maybe you can’t go where you want without their permission.

 

All these force you to rely only on your partner. This gives them more and more power over you while making you feel less and less in control of your life.

 

Isolation in all its forms is dangerous and should be dealt with promptly.

 

1. You’re in a Constant State of Fear

 

Abusers will rely on intimidation tactics to frighten you. This keeps abuse victims are always in a state of dread and uneasiness. You’re scared of upsetting your partner, or that could insult you, or even humiliated in public. Then, there’s the fear of being physically assaulted.

 

Fear comes in varying degrees. It can even take a toll on your physical and mental health simply by eating away at your self-confidence.

 

It’s worth noting that even if your partner hasn’t physically abused you in any way, just being fearful is a bad sign. Fear shouldn’t be part of any healthy.

 

A Final Note

 

It’s not uncommon for abuse victims to play down the severity of the situation they’re in. Their abusive partners have drilled into their subconscious that they’re powerless and worthless. They wear down their self-esteem, until they truly believe everything is their fault.

 

If these five signs sound familiar, tell yourself that this behavior isn’t acceptable. You don’t have to put up with any of it.

 

That’s the first step. The second step is to try and salvage the relationship. Give your partner a chance to own up to their negative behavior. They could have it in them to change for the better.

 

If they fail to do so, it’s time to walk away. That may sound easier said than done, which is why reaching out to friends or professionals for support can help you make this transition more smoothly. By getting the right advice and having a reliable plan, you can feel safer about finding a way out.

 

Reasons You Should Actively Seek to Improve Your Mood

There are many reasons why you should actively seek to improve your mood. The most obvious is to feel good about yourself.

 

Other reasons are probably not as obvious to you. Although, they’re pretty obvious to your mental and physical health.

 

Let’s talk about some of these reasons and how they can influence everything that goes on in our lives.

Improve Your Mental Health

 

Your mental wellness affects your thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It helps reduce stress, as well as help you cope with challenges and setbacks.

 

Having strong mental health doesn’t mean the absence of anxiety, fears, and worries. Going through difficult times is a natural part of living.

 

Yet, when you’re in good shape mentally and emotionally, you bounce back faster. You have the tools needed to face all these things head-on with confidence and resilience.

 

Being resilient means you stay flexible and focused when life throws you a curveball. You have confidence in your abilities to deal with whatever the future has in store.

 

Here are some extra perks that come when you boost your mental wellbeing and improve your mood.

 

• You have a sense of contentment with life in general
• You maintain a hearty dose of confidence and self-esteem
• You see opportunities where others see none
• You enjoy living and can laugh at yourself
• You balance work and play
• You build healthy relationships

 

Polish Up on Your Social Skills

 

We’re social creatures. We thrive when we feel connected to others.

 

This doesn’t mean we have to be surrounded by people all the time every day. It just means that our brains crave companionship in varying degrees.

 

Yes, you can always call or text. They certainly have their place and time in our busy, hectic lives.

 

Still, nothing beats the mood-boosting power of sitting down with family or friends. That quality face-to-face time is priceless.

 

You sit, you talk, and you listen — pretty basic right? But for your brain, it’s revolutionary!

 

Here’s why: studies show that our brains are wired for connectivity. Certain areas of our brains light up when we do volunteer work or spend some time with a friend.

 

Not only that, but the brain rewards us for being socially outgoing. It does so by signaling the release of two happy hormones, oxytocin, and serotonin. So, by being out with your partner, friends, or even colleagues, you’re actively seeking ways to improve your mood.

 

You should also make the most of those fleeting encounters you have with strangers each day. Make a point of looking your neighbor in the eye as you wish them a good day.

 

Look up from what you’re doing and take a couple of seconds to thank the barista or the cashier. You can even add a smile to go with it.

 

Despite taking mere seconds out of your day, those little acts of kindness are terrific mood boosters. They’ll do wonders for your day and theirs!

 

Stay Fit

 

The link between the mind and body is complementary. When you take care of your physical health, you’re nourishing your mental well-being.

 

Anytime you exercise for at least 20 minutes, your brain releases endorphins. These are one of the four happy chemicals that help stabilize your mood and boost energy levels.

 

Regular physical activity also has a big impact on your memory and concentration. Plus, it relieves stress and promotes better sleep.

 

The trick is to find an activity you like and do it several times a week. Take a walk, cycle, throw a Frisbee with your dog—the point is to enjoy what you’re doing.

 

Better still, find a group of friends and be active in a group. This will hold you accountable, boost your motivation, and improve your mood.

 

Regulate Stress Levels

 

Almost everyone on the planet knows by now that stress is a major problem. It affects our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

 

We also know that stress can’t be avoided, especially in this busy day and age. However, certain stress management strategies can help regulate stress in your life.

 

These tactics allow you to cope with life’s ups and downs. They allow you to improve your mood and feel good about yourself.

 

Here are some things you can do to reduce your stress:

 

• Enhance the quality of your sleep
• Eat mood-enhancing foods, such as fresh fruits, fatty fish, nuts, avocados, and beans
• Practice relaxation techniques, like mindful meditation, yoga, and deep breathing
• Make time for yourself and do something you enjoy
• Find somewhere to sit at a local park and soak in some sunshine
• Laugh more