Self Improvement for Beginners
Basic Information
Let's define Self Improvement.
People often think of self improvement at going to the gym to get a good looking physique or get more money and live a good life. Of course, there are a lot of definitions out there, but for me, that is not the case.
Self Improvement to me is similar to the concept of Mamba Mentality by Kobe Bryant: "A constant quest to be the best version of yourself".
If you're trying to draw better, you're self improving. If you're trying to play sports better, you're also self improving. Whatever niche that you're in, it isn't something to be tied with physique and money!
This page is designed for beginners but also for masters.
The purpose of this page alone is to single out the programs and paths that are the best for the newcomers to start out, however, these programs can of great use to the masters as well! It is a matter of organization.
1. Let's Begin!
The best first step for someone to start Self Improvement
I have analyzed a lot of course of actions and came to the conclusion that there are 2 best first steps to take:
1a. Role Model Step: To choose yourself (a) person(s) that you look up to.
1b. Imagination Step: To have a detailed envisionment of your own future.
1a. Role Model Step
To have a person that you particularly want to follow the footsteps of inspire you on your self improvement journey.
Part of the reason why a lot of people fail is that they don't have a mental image of what the future turns out to be. Successful, but how successful? Successful in what industry? Successful can be defined how?
The reason for this step is that it gives you an idea of what kind of future you would want to be your reality & the person that you would have to be to achieve such thing (which will be mentioned in the next step).
A little note, "Admiration is not submissive", a lot of people don't look up to others because they think it is desperate and submissive. What I think is being inspired by someone is both an act of respect and something that bring great power.
Instructions: Find (a) role model(s) that have accomplish something that is similar to the future that you want to have. This person doesn't have to be in the same industry as you. Do research, go online and search for people, their backstory, what they have accomplished and what type of character are they. Find people that are living the live that you love!
I'll go with you: Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Kobe Bryant, Damian Lillard, David Goggins, Sherlock Holmes.
1b. Imagination Step
A step that is a substitute for step 1a. Since it is simply too hard for you to find a role model, what is left is to take matter in your own hand to imagine the future that you would love to have.
It isn't a choice that can be called one arrow two targets but it still accomplishes what the first part of this journey needs to be.
Instructions: Fill your senses with imagination, listen to podcasts about this vision of the future, go on Pinterest to download pictures of it and set it as your wallpaper, try to experience the your future life even just partially. Do your best to think of the future that you would long for!
I'll go with you: artist: Dame DOLLA, film: The Martian, YouTube Channel: Eternalised, Academy of Ideas, Pursuit of Wonder.
2. Push Your Imagination!
Second step is too keep on imagining.
Simply seeing the future that you long for is simply... not enough. What important is that the person that you need to be to get to where you need to be.
2a. Characteristics of your future self
People don't get to where they want unless they grow into the person that is worthy of that future. A lot of people long for a rich lifestyle being lazy, a lot of people long for a good physique being inconsistent. Until you become a person that is worthy of results, you will get none.
Instructions: Envision your daily life, what kind of person would be capable of achieving that life? Think of the struggles that you have to overcome, think of the daily life you would have, what kind of character would get you there to where you hope to be? Write it out and be as descriptive as possible.
I'll go with you: Determined, tremendous will power, work smart and work hard, calm & cool, creative, philosophical, purposeful, problem solving capability.
2b. Core beliefs and mindsets
Character is great, but we need to even deeper into your future self. Underneath every action that a person take are core beliefs and the mindsets.
It isn't a choice that can be called one arrow two targets but it still accomplishes what the first part of this journey needs to be.
Instructions: Again, envision scenarios in the future, what are your struggles, what are your sufferings and challenges would you face to get there. Write down a list of core beliefs and mindsets that is capable of taking you to the level you need to be.
I'll go with you: Everything is solvable; be calm is the best solution; if it's imaginable, it is doable; my life is dedicated for greatness.
3. Let's get into action.
Imagining is just imagining at the end of the day.
It could be thought of as wishful thinking that we just did through out the first and second step, until you take action towards it, it is just a vision after all. Let's get into action.
3a. Character development
The problem with modern life is that it is full of comfort and lack sufferings, and that is not how human beings grow. Only when you're suffering that you grow.
Instructions: Make yourself a list of action that you would do to become the person that you want to be. This does not need to be in your niche, if you want to become a determined person but you're a student, get yourself a gym membership and start lifting to push your limit; start going to sleep and wake up at crazy hours and be determined with it. Let your creative mind lose and make an action list.
3b. Hone your future into reality
The truth is, a lot of people fail, but capable people never fail, if you're not seeing results, it is because you're not capable enough. Follow the 3 pillars of capability: Knowledge, Skillset, Mindset. Every time something doesn't go well, return to these 3 pillars, I guarantee you, there is something you're missing.
Instructions:
Knowledge: read and research into your niche, read every book there is about your topic, listen to podcasts, watch youtube videos, go to seminars. Do whatever it takes to get to one of the most knowledgable person you know.
Skillset: Sometimes knowledge is not the problem, it is skillset. Master the essential skillsets in your niche, and outside of your niche. For example, a basketball player should hone dribble, finishing, shooting... and also consistency, problem solving...
Mindset: At times, it is mindset nor skillset that is the problem. Return to step 2, expanding your development into not just capability but also the person that you are and the mindsets that you should have. Then move back to step 3.
4. You're free to fly!
Go into the world of Self Improvement
Once you get the fundamental steps down, it is time for you to decide on your own progress with other concepts, or perhaps concepts that you develop on your own.
