How to Improve Your Life Every Day
Growing Towards Excellence
Would you like to become a better person? If I did a survey asking people this question, I'm sure I would receive 100% response YES!
Let me ask you a question:
"Who started today deciding on one thing they were going to be aware of and work on today to make them a better person?"
I asked this question recently to a room full of people and only one person said YES!
Many of us have desires and aspirations that we would like to see fulfilled in our lives, but are not actively taking action to make those things happen. It can be difficult to relate what happens in the present to the results we would like to see in the future. However the future is prepared for today, by the choices we make and the way we invest our time and energy.
Most people want to be the best they can be, but get discouraged because it seems such a huge mountain to get there. We live close to Burnaby Mountain, and often take the dogs for a walk there. There's a really pleasant trail near the bottom, shaded by trees, along the bank of a stream However when it is time to walk home up the steep hill the prospect seems daunting. I can never walk up it without pausing for a break somewhere. At the steepest part of the hill every step seems a huge effort, and I eventually stop to get my breath. When I look back however, it is amazing to realize how far I've come. My whole perspective changes! The process of walking is automatic normally. When we walk, our mind focuses on other things unless the going gets tough. We make progress but it is not a conscious process. That is because walking has become a natural habit for us. This is also true of life and the skills we learn. The mechanics of driving a vehicle become second nature, as the skills become so well practiced and familiar that we do not conscious think through each action. It becomes almost instinctive, as natural to us as breathing.
To consistently grow towards becoming better in our lives we need to create new habits that will move us there. At first implementing a new behaviour, thought pattern, or action into our lifestyle is a very conscious act. It's like walking up the steepest part of the mountain. However that is only in the beginning stages. It only takes thirty days to form a new habit. Then, that positive habit in our life becomes more a natural part of us. It moves to the more subconscious part of our life.
Pat Riley said "Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better."
To move towards more excellence in your life, the journey starts and will continue to be one small step at a time. One small step a day is far more effective than to make a resolution to take a huge jump forward, and then not make any progress for a while.
Gradual - it is a process, and not seeing the results immediately can be discouraging. One helpful thing to do is to set small landmarks with some motivating reward when they are achieved. It is good to have the attitude and habit of always striving to do better in every area of life all the time. However I would also suggest a focus on one main thing at a time, and as that becomes habitual in your life, select another area of focus. Always -it needs to be every day; a small discipline at first that becomes a positive habit. I would suggest developing as part of your morning routine a time and place when you deliberately pause and reflect on the new lifestyle habit you are presently working on. During that time consider your specific goals for that day. What arte you specifically going to do or how will you change a thinking pattern to reinforce your growth in that area. Set a goal for the day. It is helpful to read or carry with you a short sentence or quote that will motivate and remind you of your goal during the day. Perhaps a Post it note in the car, or kitchen as a way of re-focusing during the day, it needs to be a daily conscious act, otherwise days missed turn into weeks, discouragement sets in and it becomes easy to give up. When a new habit is formed and is part of your lifestyle when you look back you will be amazed at the changes you see.
To take even just a couple of minutes set aside at the beginning of your day is a very powerful key and works well. We all need frequent encouragement and motivation. It also is an excellent way to start your day positively, and will set the tone for the day. Knowing how important daily motivation is, I have compiled a collection of quotes taken from people who have taken these principles and applied them successfully to their lives. If you need an inspirational tool to aid you in this process of growing towards better in your life this e book is for you. You can have a quote to help you to set your goal for the day every day for a year. The book can easily be printed, so you can take your quote with you. To find more information, or to get this book within minutes go to http://www.livingbeyondbetter.com/daily-quotes.html
Barbara White, a former Principal and teacher, is now president of Beyond Better Development. As a speaker and author, Barbara brings her passion and expertise to work with people to help them grow towards excellence and their unique potential in their personal and professional life.
This article was written for her complimentary newsletter Growing Beyond Better.
This article may be used with the authors name and website http://www.livingbeyondbetter.com included. Please email a link or forward a copy of the publication if published.
Latest News
A strategic plan for goal setting Santa Rosa Press Democrat, CA - The council has done goal setting, but it seems that there are usually goals focusing on pet projects or pet issues of individuals, but there never has been ... |
Frugal Duchess: Goal-setting Bellingham Herald, WA - Goal setting is an annual exercise as we try to whip our home and other fiscal assets into better shape. And so we crunch numbers and try to tone up our ... |
Goal-Setting Drills Make for More Active Coworkers Newswise (press release) - “They had individual goal setting — a common technique — but they also had group and organizational goal setting, which provided the peer encouragement that ... Employer-Sponsored Workouts Boost Workers' Health |
Missoula officials offer New Year's goal setting tips KPAX-TV, MT - Missoula City-County Health officials say the new year is a great time to re-commit to new health goals. Here are some goals they recommend striving for ... |
Setting effective financial goals for 2009 The Punch, Nigeria - For instance, Dr. Ron Dontroy, a leading human resource expert and author, The Art of Future Management, likens goal setting to a compass that provides the ... |
 UKMedix Health News | Eric L. Wesson Kansas City Call, MO - Goal setting are reaching those goals is going to be a second language at THE CALL. CALL publisher Ms. Donna Stewart says that her New Year’s goal is ... Be truthful in setting your New Year’s resolutions Don’t waste time on resolutions; set goals instead Hang in there: Tips to help keep your New Year’s Resolutions |
1/6/2009 - CAP Seminars Focus on the Self and Home Inland Empire, CA - Goal Setting from instructor Letty Herndon teaches how to set specific, attainable and measurable goals that are both realistic and time-bound. ... |
 4TheGame | Stunning Kris Commons goal leaves Manchester United fighting for ... Times Online, UK - Collecting a pass from Mile Sterjovski 30 yards from goal, he cut inside and, before Nemanja Vidic could close him down, unleashed a stunning shot that flew ... Determined Darron set to start at Pride Park |
CO2 emissions-cut goal under debate The Daily Yomiuri, Japan - "For Japan to play a leading role on the issue, setting the midterm goal is necessary. The government will show its direction by the end of March," said ... Japan will find it difficult to achieve Kyoto goals |
Goal personal planning setting success – Do You Know What’s ... Meadow Free Press, ID - Would you like to learn more about goal setting, personal planning and success? Download my latest e-book here Principles of Success . |
Resources
-
Sorry Currently Unavailable