Many people tend to focus on their weaknesses rather than their strengths. Does that sound like you? Instead of talking about the positive comments you received after a presentation you gave at work, maybe you focus on the fact that you said “um” a lot. We all have areas we would like to improve, but often we just get down on ourselves.
September is Self-Improvement Month, so for the rest of the month, try to work on one area of yourself that you think needs improvement. Here are a few ideas:
Finances: No matter your age, it’s important to take a good look at your financial situation. If your car breaks down tomorrow, do you have enough money to pay for it? What about an unexpected medical expense?
Creating an emergency fund can help relieve stress. Sit down and look at your bills and receipts. (If you have a partner or spouse, they should be included.) Is there a way you can put a little extra money away each month? Perhaps you only eat out once a week as opposed to three times, or make coffee at home instead of hitting the drive-thru.
Mental: Family Share suggests that you sit down and evaluate how you feel about yourself. Perhaps you notice that you aren’t very confident or that your self-esteem has been lacking lately. How can you improve your attitude toward yourself?
For example, do you beat yourself up for things you did in the past? You have to learn to forgive yourself before you can move forward. At the end of each day, think about the good things you accomplished. Make a habit of acknowledging the positive in your life.
Physical: Are you satisfied with your physical self? If not, don’t try to change everything in one day. Set achievable goals and stick to them.
Start by looking at what you are putting into your body. Perhaps you drink more soda than you do water. Try cutting back one serving of soda per day in exchange for a glass of water. Evaluate your diet to see how well you are eating and where you can make changes.
Introduce exercise into your life; go on a walk after dinner, or begin a class at the gym with a friend. Small lifestyle changes can lead to big transformation.
Social: Look at the people you talk to the most. Are you satisfied with your relationships to your partner, your friends, and/or your children? How can you make more time for those that are the most important to you?
If you are single, think about who you choose to date. Angel Chernoff reminds us that “love is not about sex, going on fancy dates, or showing off. It’s about being with a person who makes you happy in a way nobody else can.” The goal is to find someone you can trust, and don’t settle for someone who doesn’t love you unconditionally.
When September ends, that doesn’t mean you have to stop making improvements. Focus on a different area for every month. Chances are, your entire life will feel different after you’ve spent some time working on your own happiness.
Do you need a little extra help making positive changes? If you would like to set up an appointment to see Reka, you can reach her at 402-881-8125. You can also email her at reka@omaha-counseling.com. Make sure to follow us on Twitter or Facebook.
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photo credit: Sunset on Swiftcurrent Lake via photopin (license)
