Being three months into 2022, many people have already dropped their new year’s resolutions. Motivation has been lost or people have just forgotten about their goals. If this is the position you’re in, don’t fret! It’s never too late to work on self-improvement and become the better version of yourself. Self-improvement helps enhance strengths, improves mental health, and builds (and even heals) relationships. Everyone loses motivation and has setbacks. What sets a successful person apart from the rest is what one does after failing. Here are some tips on how to improve your life.

• Set realistic goals.

Pin-point exactly what you want to change or improve in your life at home, school, or the workplace. Then, identify the steps you aim to take to reach that goal. Setting realistic goals keeps you motivated and maximizes your time, potential, and resources. 

• Surround yourself with people who are smart, inspiring, and uplifting. 

It is a well-known fact that you are the sum of the people you spend time with. If you spend more time with people who are unmotivated, lazy, and unkind, you are more likely to become like them. Do the people in your life want the best for you? If the answer is no, it’s time to re-evaluate your friends. 

• Write down and display your goals

By writing your goals on a post-it note or a chalkboard and putting it on your fridge or something you look at every day, it helps to remind you of your journey of self-improvement. If they are out of sight, they may become out of mind. Write them somewhere you can’t avoid. A reminder certainly won’t hurt!

• Eliminate harmful habits

Evaluate what isn’t working in your life and make the necessary changes. Doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results is the worst mistake you can make. If you aren’t reaching your goals or if you’re going slower than you’d like, it’s time to make a change. 

• Start now

Procrastination is a huge enemy for many people. Don’t let yourself slide. Start now, not tomorrow or next week. Why wait to improve? You’re only hurting yourself. 

• Learn a new skill

Stepping outside of your comfort zone is a key part in self-improvement. If you hold yourself back, you’re preventing yourself from reaching your full potential. Your real life is out there waiting for you. You can take classes or even watch YouTube videos for free. There are no excuses! Progress is better than perfection. Also, this will give you something to be proud of and motivate you further. 

• Celebrate “small” accomplishments

Motivation is one of the biggest obstacles people face when on the road to self-improvement. Celebrating success, no matter how small, can keep you going. Even the slightest change in your life should be celebrated, good job!

• Take care of your body

With an unhealthy body, you limit yourself to the many opportunities life has to offer. Up to 60% of the human body is just water, therefore, make sure you’re drinking enough (typically 60 ounces for the average person). Additionally, eat healthy foods like nuts, fruits, vegetables, meats, etc. Eliminate as much sugar as possible. Eating foods that are rich in nutrients and vitamins will give you the energy needed to become the better you!

• Have compassion with yourself

Sometimes, the only enemy standing in your way is yourself. Talk to yourself the way you’d encourage others. Bringing yourself down does not help and hinders your success. Learn how to be okay with imperfection. Do not let yourself give up after one mistake, everyone makes mistakes. Shake it off and keep working hard.

• Get off of your phone

Cutting down on screen time benefits your physical and mental health. We waste a lot of time on our phones when we could be spending that time becoming better people. Focus on your goals, not your phone screen. Spending countless hours on social media will only prevent success. Do not cause yourself to regret wasting precious time.

•  Use available self-improvement resources

You are not in this alone. The internet and your local library have many FREE resources on how to become a better person. Read some articles, pick up a self-help book. You’d be surprised how much you will learn. Don’t feel ashamed to learn things from other people. You are not the only one looking to improve yourself. 

• Have a clean space

Living and working in a messy environment can stress a person out, which is why cleaning often is crucial for your journey. Your physical space is often a reflection of your mental health. Clearing the clutter in the room can clear the clutter in your mind.

• Be active

Exercise is good for your physical health and mental well-being. Whether it’s through dancing to your favorite songs or taking a walk, getting active can relieve a significant amount of stress.

• Do your most important task first

As the day goes on, motivation can be lost and exhaustion builds up. After working hard all day, it can be hard to continue your goals. Complete your most important task first thing in the morning. You’ll thank yourself.

• Create a daily plan

List all of the things you need to accomplish and set time frames for them. Additionally, plan out your week and figure out which assignments are due when. This keeps you on track and reduces stress.