8 Ways to Boost Self-Improvement

We all have our moments of doubt. We doubt our self-image, confidence, and ability, especially if we have faced a letdown such as betrayal, trauma, or loss. Because of this, we can all benefit by self-improvement.

To gain our confidence back, we need to invest in ourselves. We need to improve. Many American citizens (around 40%) work on improving themselves, and the personal development industry brings in an estimated $11 billion annually in the U.S.

We feel the need to be more than we are, the version of ourselves we have settled for. Self-improvement can help deepen our relationship with God, our identity in Him, and our personal and professional relationships.

Tips to boost self-improvement

Are you looking for ways to boost your self-confidence and work on self-improvement? There are several habits you can form that will make a difference. The secret is adopting each task as a habit.

You can change your life by practicing each habit consistently, making it a lifestyle. Consider what a difference a week, month, and year can make if you consistently practice these habits.

Live a healthy lifestyle

What you put into your body and how you treat that body reflects in your physical and mental health. Most people do not understand the mind-body connection, but if you follow a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious food in moderate quantities and exercising consistently, you will improve much more than just your physical health.

Stay teachable

Never stop learning. Researchers now know that the brain continues to make new neural pathways throughout our lives. When you learn and repeat a new skill, you create a neural pathway. Staying teachable and setting goals to learn something new every few months will help you grow.

Embrace courage

Do you want a quick boost in confidence? Do something hard. Embrace courage and do the thing you have been procrastinating due to fear. For example, if you need to make phone calls about something but avoid talking to people you do not know on the phone, embrace the courage and make the first call. It will feel scary at first, but you can do hard things.

Be thankful

If you tend to see the negative side of situations, learn to be more thankful for the blessings you do have in your life. Sometimes, it is difficult to see the forest for the trees. Try writing out three things you are grateful for daily and thanking God for each. Even in the hardest situations, we can find something to be thankful to God about.

Pray and meditate

Often used as a last resort, prayer and meditation are underestimated activities. The Bible commands us to pray and meditate upon God’s word. Starting and ending your day in prayer draws you closer to God and sets your mind on things above instead of the worries and fears.

Set goals

Without goals, you will remain standing still. The years will go on, but you need a guide, a vision, and a goal to work toward. Do you have a list of goals? Initially, you do not need to set goals in every area of your life. The season you are in may not allow it. Instead, choose one or two goals to focus on. Your confidence will grow as you complete the tasks to reach your goal.

Change your thinking

How do you talk to yourself? Is it pessimistic? Flip the script. Vow to catch your thoughts and speak to yourself like a child. Give yourself compassion and grace. We cannot control our triggers or the sudden rise in emotions. However, we can control how we speak to ourselves, our thoughts, and our behaviors.

Sit with yourself

Most people find sitting with themselves an uncomfortable task. Yet, when we pause to rest and resist the urge to fidget, look at our phones, or just be busy, we connect to ourselves. You can pray during this time but pay close attention to your thoughts. Are your thoughts kind and loving? Do you find yourself replaying an event and attaching negative emotions to it? Work with a counselor to get to the root of what is bothering you.

Bonus tip: Ask for help

Asking for help is a positive step in self-improvement. It helps you to stay humble and teachable.

Trying to go it alone is a hard road. There is a reason God gave us advisers to help us through the hard parts of life. You may know what to do for self-improvement but struggle to get started. If that sounds like you or you want more tips for increasing your confidence and growing in self-improvement, contact our office today at Flower Mound Christian Counseling in Texas to schedule an assessment with a counselor.