If you’ve been to a local bookstore lately, you may have noticed that the self-help aisle is pretty much out of control, stocked to the brim with books from finding your purpose to how to get rich in 7 minutes. But one thing that all of these books have in common is that they all say the same thing, with not much original thought.
We all want to improve our lives. And when we sit down and think about just how to do this effectively, the answers might not be very clear to us. But this is when we need to seriously reevaluate our lives, and this is how true self-help comes into play.
The fact is, most Americans want to improve in some capacity. And many are unhappy with life, work, finances, relationships, and the like. But sometimes the smallest steps can allow us to travel the farthest distance.
Here, we’ll explore a few unique ways to improve personal growth that you may not have considered.
Financial Planning
If you ask most people who are unhappy in life, one of the top issues usually regards money matters. And rightfully so. Money stress is the worst, and it can cause extreme anxiety. In fact, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and haphazard government policy, life has become increasingly expensive in a very short time resulting in a spike in cases of depression.
But if you’re wanting to improve financially, talking to a financial planner is a wise decision because these professionals can help you to achieve goals that you may not have thought were even possible.
A few things financial planners can help you with are as follows:
- Meet your current financial obligations
- Plan long-term financial goals
- Retirement
- Estate planning
- Tax planning
- Asset allocation
- Investments
On another note, you should be aware that local demographics often come into play when financially planning for the future. As such, a local financial planner in your area is best suited to assist you. For example, if you live in Kansas City, Kansas City financial planners can help you manage your assets on the local level more effectively.
Upend Your Routine
Routines are great for structure. And sometimes these are necessary to function in society. But routines can also become monotonous and throw your life out of balance, leaving you craving stimulation.
If you’re a routine person, this strategy might prove to be difficult. But you’d be surprised at just how better and more fulfilled you’ll likely feel by adjusting your routine from time to time.
For example, if you always take the same way home, try a different route. Believe it or not, just adjusting the scenery you’re exposed to can help to stimulate your mind in many ways.
Additionally, if you always shop at the same stores, eat the same foods, or go to bed at the same hour, this can begin to suck the life out of you over time. And this is because we humans crave stimulation. Without it, we begin to feel listless. So change up your routine a little bit and you’ll likely begin to see the benefits.
Also read: Ideas To Improve Your Life for Personal Growth
Reflect on Death
This is probably the most counterintuitive form of “bettering” your life of them all. But studies have shown that moderate reflection on death can improve the quality of your life in many ways.
Most of us go through life subconsciously aware that one day we’ll die. But we rarely acknowledge this fact consciously. This has been termed as a “denial of death” by scholars such as Ernest Becker. And in denying this reality, we cause ourselves to live in a fantasy world that seems endless and eternal.
By reflecting on death, you’re more able to appreciate the present moment and all the gifts that you currently have. In remembering that we are finite, mortal beings, you’ll look at life much differently, and perhaps even taste a richer flavor each time you enjoy a meal.
Remembering that you’re here for only a short moment might be depressing though for some, but more studies have found that in lucid awareness of death, you develop a greater appreciation for life.
We’re all looking for ways to better our lives. But sometimes you have to simply look around and embrace the good that you already have to feel fulfilled. Regardless, trying out the tips suggested here will likely help to relieve a little stress and bring a new sense of purpose into your life.
