Friday, April 20, 2012

Just What Is Self Improvement?


One term that is frequently mentioned nowadays is "self-improvement. " It is a broad term almost in the same sense as when one mentions that they are an Engineer. The term itself can cover quite a few things ranging from how to a goal that is to be attained as well as describing just the actual process itself. The concept of self-improvement can be applied to a specific area in one's life such as the physical, mental, spiritual or financial aspects or self-improvement can be thought of when it comes to achieving an overall encompassing result that is experienced by the person who wishes to attain it. In the book "Harmonic Wealth" by James Arthur Ray, an idea is presented concerning self-improvement in the overall sense. The book talks about achieving a balance in several areas that affect ones life in order to achieve an all encompassing state.

What is it that causes the desire to obtain self-improvement? Well the desire stems from a state of dissatisfaction with an aspect or factor that is having an affect on their lives and focusing on a desired end point to attain as a result of their self-improvement efforts. The end point is a state of satisfaction with having achieved a certain state of "being" in comparison to something that is pleasing to the individual as well as the comparison to the original point where the pursuit of self-improvement began. It is basically being at a point where one wants to be.

How does one go about deciding on how to pursue self-improvement? There are a variety of ways this can be done. One method is to consult a written source that is authored by someone whose opinion you respect or admire and embarking on a course of study. Another method would be to consult directly with someone you know who has already attained a state of "being" that you desire. It is of paramount importance that should a relationship be established with one from whom you are seeking guidance, elements of trust and confidence must be established before you are to proceed. This is due to the special circumstances involved that have a potential major impact on your life! Direct observation that takes place after mentally visualizing the result one desires can be used to track the progress that goes along with the efforts that are being put forth to attain the self-improvement.

What sets the standard that determines when a measure of self-improvement is attained? When it comes to the individual affected, that person is the one who decides when the result is achieved. In a relationship involving a student and teacher, it is the teacher who advises the student when the self-improvement has been reached. The final judgment however rests with the student because it is the student that must be accepting from within that actual self-improvement has been attained.

Once the desired self-improvement has been reached, what next? Does one just stop right then and there or should other areas of improvement be pursued? Where things start to get complex is when a state of dissatisfaction continues to exist. People must continue to appreciate themselves for who they are and use dissatisfaction as a motivational means to pursue additional self-improvement without negative thoughts getting in the way of how they feel about themselves.

In closing, when the desired factor of self-improvement has been attained, do not deny yourself the joy that you deserve following the satisfactory outcome of your efforts! Take time to get together with friends or loved ones and get their opinions on this topic. It will definitely make for stimulating conversation!




Erik von Werlhof is a retired Navy veteran who currently lives in Sacramento, CA with his wife Betty. If you would like to obtain eBooks for future study that deal with a variety of areas that fall within the scope of self improvement, please go to http://www.makeyouabetteryou.com. Erik is also the author of a Squidoo lens http://www.squidoo.com/self_limiting_beliefs that deals with how to overcome negative thoughts that can pose an obstacle in daily life.




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