Did you know that September is National Self Improvement Month? So, while we may not be the ones getting those new school supplies and backpacks, there is still no doubt about it – September has an energetic, back-from-vacation, back-to-school feeling. This is the month we want to make changes, embrace a fresh outlook and take advantage of all the new opportunities ahead of us. Really, do those memories of making this school year the best one yet ever go away?
As human beings, we are our own worst critics. Most of us are guilty of focusing on our weaknesses instead of our strengths. Luckily, because September is National Self Improvement month, it is a powerful month for changes and taking action. It is a part of our nature to want to improve; we just want to be careful not to become too critical of ourselves. If you are going to be using this month to accomplish the goals you created back in January, first take the time to reevaluate those goals. Are they realistic? Are they manageable? Did you just give up too soon?
Take some time to reflect on what kept you from accomplishing those goals in the first place. Did you give up too soon? If so, why do you think you did? Was it a lack of support from friends and family? Did you want faster results? Did you just lose focus as the next new shiny thing came along? Understanding the pitfalls can help us avoid them this go around. Instead of being overwhelmed by every area we wish to improve, take it one step at a time.
First, forgive yourself and let things go. Stop holding a grudge against yourself because you are not Parent of the Year or Sales Leader of the Year. Stop beating yourself up for things you may have done in the past that you regret. It is time to let things go and move forward. Each day, think about the good things you have accomplished and write them down. You would praise your loved ones for those same things so it is time to praise yourself. Let go of anything you can’t control. Put these things in writing, so that on the difficult days, you have the list to refer back to.
Second, be grateful. Gratitude is one of the best remedies for improving your attitude toward yourself and those around you. Each day, make a list of three or more things for which you are grateful. After doing this for some time, you will begin to notice things that you never noticed before, and you will see the tender mercies in your life.
Third, manage your goals by making them do-able. To quote Lao Tzu, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Break your goals down into simple steps; keep a journal of your progress. When we put things in writing, they change from an abstract to a concrete. What we put down becomes more real to us. Through writing you can begin to track your progress.
Finally, as I so often say, just breathe! Taking time each and every day for some deep breathes, tuning into your body will help to slow down those racing thoughts of “I can’t” and allow you to discover just how much “YOU CAN!”
