Preparation for self-improvement: 10 questions you should ask yourself

It’s often said that we should ‘Be all we can be’. I sometimes find myself quite contented with my life just the way it is. Well, I say I’m contented, but mostly I don’t have time to think of anything other than my busy lifestyle. However, given a little thought I aspire to make so much more of myself – I often look for something deeper and more meaningful.

We can all say that we have ties or that we’re inundated with difficult problems that stop us from achieving our goals; but should we honestly let our childhood dreams and aspirations be suppressed by these somewhat poor excuses? In my opinion, these are just misconceptions forced upon us by modern life - who’s to say you shouldn’t strive for more?!

1. What do I really want?

The big question! So many things to do an so little time to do it; sound familiar?

The key is to find something you are good at. Set small goals – achieving these can help you realize your self-improvement aspirations. Diligence is the key to know that it is worth it.

2. Should I really change?

Should I change myself to adapt to the modern definition of ‘self’?

Today’s youngsters would say you should definitely do. However, what you should realise it that the one thing history can teach us is the life we have gone through – our experience. For example, try to think what you could teach the younger generation; use your experiences. I’m willing to bet you have plenty to offer. They are more valuable than you think.

3. What's the bright side in all of this?

How can this help with improving one-self. With so much going on it might be difficult to see that light at the end of the tunnel. Believe in yourself; think back to diligence; great things are not achieved overnight – If the train is blocking your tunnel, why not take it for a ride?!

4. Am I comfortable with what I'm doing?

What is comfortable; is it what everyone perceives of you? It’s easy to pick out clothes or shoes that ‘go’ with what is perceived as fashion. To be truly yourself, step away from the mainstream or else we'll all be equally the same in everything we do. After all isn’t variety the spice of life?

5. Have I done enough for myself?

Is there, or have you something more you want to do? Being largely discontented with your life can be a huge problem and potentially detrimental, but in small amounts, a little discontentment can feed a passion or provide goals to feed yourself improvement.

6. Am I happy at where I am today?

This is sometimes an unfair question to ask. You might feel happy with certain aspects of your life but not others. If you love being a parent, why not raise the bar – your kids will love you forever. Why not apply this to everyday life?

7. Am I appealing to the opposite sex?

You are the only one who can answer this. But let me tell you. The next time you change your clothes, hair or general image. Make sure you do it for yourself. You have no-one to impress – You’ll feel better for it.

8. How much could I have?

Is there such a thing as having too much or too little? I think the question is how badly do you need it? Most people will want more money, no denying that, but the question is how many are willing to work for it?

9. What motivates me?

There are definitely things that motivate me, but only you can decide what motivates you. Think of the things that make people happy; there are many out there, try to choose just one may be nigh on impossible. So who’s to say you have to? Why not pick a few and try them piece by piece!

10. What Really Makes You Tick?

There’s nothing stopping you from being anything or achieving everything you’ve ever wanted. Just don’t be surprised that these thing may seem very difficult to achieve. Don’t be the one that gives up before even starting. After all, self improvement is much more than just the philosophical or physical changes that must take place. Self improvement needs to be something that you really want!