Thorough Self-Improvement

Avoid at all costs to some, a way of life to others. It can indeed be intimidating, as if it is an enormous challenge that you cannot even begin to comprehend, let alone tackle and overcome. Some things could be standing in your way and/or holding you back from it.

But for those who are so familiar and accustomed to it, it is endlessly rewarding and fulfilling to engage in. It can seem like an unstoppable addiction. Not knowing yourself, not learning how to improve yourself, not taking the steps toward self-actualization… How can anyone live like that?

And then there are those who not only push themselves, but also pull and lift others with them too. People who strive to be, have, and give for the better. Often, they put an enormous amount of time, energy, and other resources into helping others get out of a tough spot and go further toward a plentiful life. (Ironic and irritating how, regardless, leeches appear and completely disregard all their work to set back and even sabotage those they were so invested in.)

That said, this lifestyle isn’t for the weak. It requires a strong spirit, a strong mind, a strong heart, and a strong body. You may not start this way, of course, but will be forced to develop as such in order to meet the many challenges within the main challenge of thoroughly improving yourself.

If making up excuses, constantly complaining, escaping from responsibilities, and always taking the easier route is your thing, you’re far from the mindset that must be adopted. You need will, optimism, commitment, and defiance. Curiosity is also important to have, so that you can continue to inspect and reveal what may be lacking, along with searching for and pondering solutions.

Many people make the mistake of fueling their drive to improve through humiliation. And while this can indeed be effective, as it can be so painful as to have you giving your all not to get there, it can come with a restlessness that isn’t advisable and could ultimately backfire. Losing sleep, having meltdowns, being actively tortured by unpleasant thoughts and feelings. That would keep you from successfully addressing blind spots and more.

Alternatively, if you see yourself as an ongoing project that you can contribute to every day, you’ll get a steady sense of progress that yields lasting results in more than just a handful of areas. You might be more wary of what gets in the way of that as well. It doesn’t mean you won’t be infuriated from time to time, but it does mean that, for the most part, it’ll be under your control - and you can be flexible enough to have ups and downs, steps forward and steps back, acknowledging the non-linearity of it.

Your circle could change. If there are people around you who do not wish to see you rise, they will resent you and possibly try to bring you down and back with them. But even if others don’t follow your pace or reach your level, they ought to, at the very least, be okay with your advancement. Ideally, though, you would surround yourself with people who inspire, motivate, encourage, and support you instead.

Then it is just a matter of keeping it up. Next thing you know, you are less burdened and more capable than you’ve ever been.