                                                THE JOURNEY OF SELF IMPROVEMENT
Introduction
Improving oneself is usually a long and tedious journey. In this day and age, we are trying to revolutionalize everything around us, achieve grand milestones, and be a top performer in everything we do. According to a survey conducted by Pew Research Center, around 87 percent of adults are attempting to learn, deepen, and develop new skills and are sometimes driven by need (Pew Research Center, 2016). There is a huge difference in the recognition of the need of self-improvement and the bare reality of actually executing and staying motivated in the process. In this essay, I will explain the meaning of self-improvement, how to better pursue this challenge, and how to better overcome the hurdles one might come across in this process.
The Importance of Self Improvement
Achieving career success is only one benefit of self improvement. Its scope extends toward one's holistic personal development. Dr. Carol Dweck, a psychologist from Stanford University, states, possessing a "growth mindset" enhances a person's potential to learn and adapt. "This suggests that people who believe they can grow through learning and effort are more likely to meet their goals," she explains. People who invest time and effort toward self improvement tend to report a higher level of satisfaction and better stress management, as noted in a study published in the Harvard Business Review.
Self improvement also benefits one's self esteem. Self guided mental development through meditation, exercise, and learning new skills help lower the levels of anxiety and depression. A study published in the journal Psychological Science suggests the self development activities boost emotional and mental well being. This shows that trying to better one's self, in the simplest form, is effective in promoting mental and emotional stability.
Ways to Effectively Improve Yourself
Methods to start a journey of self improvement includes setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). Setting measurable goals has been proven to motivate and enhance performance (Locke & Latham, 2002). For example, improving public speaking skills can be achieved by enrolling in a three month course and committing to a weekly speaking engagement in front of a supportive audience.
Another crucial step is obtaining feedback actively. Feedback is a tool to make improvement needed in certain skills, and for those who actively seek it, personal growth as well as in addressing weakness becomes simple (Hattie & Timperley, 2007). An example in this context can be an employee who engages with their supervisor or peer for completion appraisal and self awareness has steps taken to actively reach for those goals.
Self development is as well gained from lifelong learning . According to UNESCO, lifelong learning is the most effective way to address the challenges of our time and improve life to the next level (UNESCO, 2015). People can leverage books and even take online courses to improve their skills in their area of expertise and to gain new ones. Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and many others offer to.
Obstacles on the Path to Self Improvement
The journey to self-improvement includes various challenges to overcome. One major hurdle is the lack of motivation. According to research conducted by the American Psychological Association, nearly 60% of adults struggle with sustaining motivation for achieving their goals (APA, 2017). Job-related stress, familial duties, and the looming fear of failure are all common culprits.
Another challenge many face is insufficient time. Countless individuals are under the impression that their schedules are too busy to allocate time for self development. As reported by Gallup in 2019, more than half of the employed population reported being too occupied with their day to day tasks to find time to learn new skills. When confronted with such time constraints, it's absolutely essential to prioritize working on skills that enable self improvement.
A last barrier that many run into is the fear of change. While change is necessary to evolve, especially in one's self improvement journey, many would rather stay put in their 'comfort zone' rather than trying new things that involve some risk. The researcher on vulnerability and courage, Dr. Bren Brown, asserts that facing the fear of the unknown and having the willingness to take risks is the essence of self growth (Brown, 2010). With that, there needs to be mental fortitude that allows the person to face new challenges and the inevitable change that comes with it.
Conclusion
The journey toward self improvement is a continuous and challenging process. Although there are many obstacles to overcome, the benefits of self development are immense, both for one's career and mental well being. By setting clear goals, seeking feedback, and committing to lifelong learning, individuals can significantly improve their quality of life. It is crucial for everyone to recognize that the journey of self improvement is a valuable investment in their future.
