Personal development never ends. If there’s life, there are opportunities to learn, do better, and be whatever you want. Given all the routes you can take to reach your full potential and pursue a fulfilling life, it’s only natural to feel overwhelmed. That’s why you need to set actionable goals that help you focus on what’s most important to you.
If you’ve set your sights on healthy living in all aspects (physical, mental, social, and so on), you’ve stumbled upon the right guide. Here’s how to work on yourself, starting with seven essential goals.
Goal #1: Expand Your Comfort Zone
Staying in your comfort zone too long can limit your growth. Think of yourself as a houseplant: you can only grow so much within the confines of a teeny, tiny pot. A larger container facilitates exponential growth. So, vary your experiences and push yourself to the limit to know you’re capable of more.
Are you an aspiring writer? You’ll never hone your craft if you don’t seek feedback through workshops or peer reviews. Desperate to make strides in your career? Put yourself up for projects that allow you to expand your expertise. Growth opportunities are endless, but you need to seek them out.
Goal #2: Cultivate Relationships
Never underestimate the power of interpersonal relationships when learning how to improve yourself. Connecting with others builds empathy, enhances communication skills, and inspires you to give back to your community. Leaning on your loved ones during hardships can give you the strength to move on and thrive.
Positive workplace relationships can motivate you to be a team player or an effective leader. Making friends with people from all walks of life can expand your worldview. If it sounds like the benefits of social connections are endless, that’s because it is. They even lead to lower rates of anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem, and a stronger immune system.
Goal #3: Eat Well and Exercise
Neglecting your physical health can hinder your overall growth. However, contrary to what many believe, diets and exercise routines don’t look the same for everyone.
In 2023, Australia-based market research company Roy Morgan found that 53.9% of Australians aged 14+ “regularly go for a vigorous stroll.” CEO Michele Levine credited the uptick to more adults seeking accessible ways to exercise during the pandemic.
Evidently, exercise doesn’t always have to be punishingly intense. And eating well doesn’t mean quitting all “indulgent” foods. Some only need daily walks and yoga, while others need to lift weights. Some need meat, others can do without it. Find balance, listen to your body, and choose what works for your needs.
Goal #4: Express Yourself
Practising self-expression can be incredibly empowering. It helps build self-esteem and confidence while soothing stress through emotional release. What’s your method of self-expression? There’s no wrong way to do it!
You can journal if words are your forte or dance if movement puts you in your element. Write songs, bake cakes, craft little knickknacks – everything counts. You might even turn to a professional, like a therapist, to facilitate self-expression and untangle past traumas in a safe space.
Goal #5: Manage Your Stress
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), chronic stress affects all your body’s systems. It makes your muscles tense, restricts your breathing, and puts your brain on high alert. Go long enough without stress relief, and you’ll burn out.
Worryingly, a 2022 survey by healthcare provider Cigna Singapore revealed that 86% of Singaporeans (from 1,000 respondents) report feeling stressed, with 15% struggling to cope.
You can’t meet your goals and develop if you’re constantly in fight-or-flight mode. So, find healthy stress relievers. Make to-do lists to ease the weight of your responsibilities. Limit your screen time if you’re in the habit of doomscrolling. Step outdoors to breathe fresh air. Do what you must to fill your cup!
Goal #6: Make Sleep a Priority
There’s a common misconception that it’s okay to skimp on sleep in favour of hustling and bustling. Goal-focused individuals need to keep their eyes on the prize, right? But never at the expense of catching those essential Zs!
Establishing a routine guarantees higher-quality sleep. Give yourself a bedtime and set up a comfortable environment with low lights, cool temperatures, and a cosy, supportive mattress. When you start getting seven to nine hours of proper slumber nightly, you’ll feel more ready to take on challenges.
Goal #7: Keep It Consistent
Consistency is the key to achieving your growth goals. After all, you build positive habits through discipline and commitment. Take consistent steps towards your betterment, and you’re bound to improve. One example of how these qualities yield desirable results is when you undergo orthodontic treatment with ClearCorrect aligners.
Patients must wear the appliance for at least 22 hours daily, only taking it off for meals and oral hygiene. Some cases can take up to three years to resolve. If your dream is a perfect smile, you must commit to your treatment and everything that comes with it.
Strict patient compliance is crucial to obtaining successful results with aligner therapy, especially for adult patients with fully developed mouths. Your treating doctor will perform a thorough assessment to determine how cooperative you’d be during treatment. If they believe you’re unlikely to comply with a wear schedule, they might suggest fixed appliances for more predictable results.
Personal development doesn’t happen overnight, nor is it a linear process. You might stumble and need to shift gears sometimes, but that doesn’t mean your hard work is pointless. If you’re learning, trying, and staying true to yourself, you’re growing. Keep at it!
References:
American Psychological Association. (2023, March 8). Stress effects on the body. APA.org.
Department of Health & Human Services. (n.d.). Strong relationships, strong health. Better Health Channel.
Pacheco, D., & Pacheco, D. (2023). Why do we need sleep? Sleep Foundation.
Roy Morgan Research. (n.d.). Walking, swimming and gym training are the most popular sports and activities Australians do regularly. roymorgan.com.
Stressed in Singapore: Rising cost of living is triggering wellbeing issues. (2023, March 7). Human Resources Online.
