Do you feel stuck or inadequate in life? You know you have more to offer but you just cannot elevate yourself, take the first step and become the best version of yourself. Do not feel embarrassed, doubt yourself or get stuck. Self improvement does not have to be hard and you must know that you are unique and can get to the top with simple life upgrades. You deserve all the things you aspire to achieve, if you take the steps to improve yourself.
These are six simple life upgrades to help you get out of your head, act, improve yourself and get to the top.
1. Eliminate Your Limiting Beliefs
Your mind is your powerhouse. Think of it as the dashboard (control panel) of a car. When your car is low on fuel, has low tire pressure or low oil pressure, it indicates in the dashboard, that there is a problem somewhere with your car. That is the same way your mind and body work together to achieve a purpose.
Your body (dashboard) responds to what goes on in your mind. If you harbour limiting beliefs about yourself and your abilities, and tell yourself that you are not good enough or something is too difficult to do, your mind processes it as something uncomfortable or dangerous which automatically makes it difficult for your body to act and get it done. That is when you feel stuck.
It is important to do some introspection. First, reflect on the things you think about every day and what you invest your thoughts and energy on. Think about your strengths, abilities and weaknesses and take a moment to asses why you feel the way you do. Write them down if possible.
Think about four words; ‘What If It Works?’. Consciously decide to move out of your comfort zone and get what you want. Get excited about the process and think of yourself winning.
Pause! That imagination right there should push you hard enough to get out of your head and get it done. Because really, what if it works?
2. Put into Practice What You Learn
If you are reading this, then you probably may have read other sources of information on how to upgrade yourself. What are you waiting for? Act now.
One a daily basis, do at least one thing based on what you have learnt the previous day or in the past.
To learn and not to do is really not to learn. To know and not to do is really not to know- Stephen R. Covey
I am telling you my friend, that not putting into practice something new you have learnt means you have not learnt it at all.
It also means you do not want that thing bad enough to care.
Unless it bothers on criminality, morality, beyond common sense or is against your deep personal values, go for it if it looks good enough to help you become a better person.
3. Take An Action Which Empowers You
What is it that makes you fulfilled and proud, and could take you to the next level? Take a moment and think about it.
You do not need to make only long-term commitments to empower yourself. Every second should be used to feed your mission and purpose.
I am a big fan of TED Talks, and I love listening to all those inspiring ideas. In-fact they remind me of the many possibilities I could explore.
Fortunately, we all have the internet as a great resource where we can learn and share ideas, take online courses, learn new recipes and pretty much learn how to do everything on the internet without moving an inch.
A friend of mine is into events’ videography and photography, and now makes lots of money from his job, but guess what? He learnt almost everything including how to edit videos on Youtube. Isn’t that awesome?
Some options you can consider include signing up for a training, register for webinars, conferences or seminars and polish your communication skills, negotiation skills, lobbying skills and develop your potential in any field of interest.
4. Network With The Right People
We are the average of the five people we spend the most time with-Jim Rohn
If you want an upgrade, spend time with people who have upgraded or are in the same process of upgrading as you are.
They are the people who will understand, inspire and support you to reach your goals.
On the flip side, spending time with negative people or people who are content with their current average position will only make you average, which will leave you feeling inadequate. This can expose you to self-doubt, negative self-talk or simply make you a person of average quality (average is common, you must be extraordinary).
Attend events and connect with people you admire in your field, or your peers in various fields who are working hard and doing amazing things. Do not be pushy, be yourself and interact with the RIGHT people.
Build new relationships but do not forget to contact the people on your contact list who inspire you.
Most people reach out the first time, take business cards and it ends there. Occasionally, send an email, text message, give them a phone call or engage them on social media(the right way). You can go the extra mile to support some of their project or initiatives online or offline if you can.
This will help you stay relevant to them and build good, lasting relationships. You never know the depth you can learn, what you can gain and what you can give in return.
5. Read Everything
You may tempted to think of this as old-fashioned advice but this is important, if not most important.
Terms such as information age, digital world and global village were not just coined to be fancy (they mean a lot if you ask me). They emphasize the importance of information and how much of a resource information is in today’s world.
Everything is information driven and you do not want to be left behind.
Have you ever stopped to admire a woman discussing sports and sounding well informed and knowledgeable in her chosen field as well? Well, I have (many times) and it is priceless.
Reading new things opens you up to current happenings on the local and global front and helps you have intelligent perspectives and conversations.
It also helps to improve your vocabulary and helps you speak and write well.
There is a vast array of reading resources you can utilize including; online libraries, e-books, novels, blogs, websites and newspapers. Imagine having an opinion in a conversation on history, wildlife, sports or food.
You do not need to be an expert in every field, but you need to be informed and expressive enough, so you do not make lame arguments or look ignorant.
The more you read and follow your questions you will be amazed at how much you’ll discover.
Earl Nightingale, one hour per day of study in your chosen field is all it takes. One hour per day of study will put you at the top of your field within three years. Within five years you’ll be a national authority. In seven years, you can be one of the best people in the world at what you do.
6. Improve Your Physical Appearance
You can look good and presentable on any budget. Invest in quality apparel which last longer than shop for less quality and more quantity which will fade out and look old easily.
You do not have to wear expensive designer clothes to look good and be presentable.
I grew up hearing the common saying, ‘Dress as you want to be addressed’.
Your appearance communicates even before you say a word, so make sure you look presentable, neat and wear a good (not irritating) fragrance.
Ironing your outfit properly is one of the best ways to look good and presentable. Your hair and make-up should be done in a manner that make them look clean and presentable. When you approach people, they are very likely to listen to you, and show you respect.
Looking good also makes you feel good about yourself and has an impact on your self-confidence. Make it a decision to refine what you wear and observe how people react towards you and how you feel about yourself. You do not have to show too much flesh to look attractive.
Next Steps
Life upgrades are easy to make if you put your mind to it. What you need to focus more attention on depends on where you are in the struggle to become a better person.
Talk yourself out of self-doubt, dress in a presentable manner, practice the things you learn and surround yourself with like minded people. Do not forget to expand your knowledge by reading widely.
Get out of your comfort zone and reach your full potential.
What life upgrades are you currently working on? I would be glad to know and share ideas with you.
