Personal growth is synonymous with self-improvement and self-growth. I would like to add self-care to the mix.

Let’s start with various techniques for improving our habits, behavior, actions, and reactions.

Here are a few examples to clarify what is personal growth:

• Becoming a more responsible person
• Learning new things and developing new skills
• Changing your mindset and becoming more positive

Successful personal growth requires motivation, the desire to improve, and the willingness to strive to make changes. To begin your personal improvement, try taking care of yourself and become healthier and more energized. See if you can accomplish all of the work you hoped to complete. When you are healthier by taking care of yourself, you will be better able to help others. Remember, it is not indulgent or selfish to want to improve.

Here are a few positive reasons why self-care is important:

• Helps with coping with our daily stressors
• Important for your long-term health
• Promotes positive health outcomes and foster resilience

Self-care includes staying physically healthy, hygiene, nutrition, seeking medical care when needed, regular sleeping routine, spending time with nature, finding a hobby you enjoy, expressing gratitude, and other similar, positive, activities.

The willingness to get out of your comfort zone and do things that are uncomfortable such as talking to strangers or prioritizing others before your own needs, are necessary for growth. Having an open mind and the desire to learn and grow are very important.

Here’s are a few more things that people find challenging:

• Learning to overcome procrastination
• Learning to overcome laziness
• Learning to be more polite and considerate

Hopefully after reading this article you will become aware of the process, learn from it, and take the appropriate steps to grow and improve yourself. I was inspired after hearing podcasts of others going through a similar journey. I really wanted to expand my own self-awareness by developing new and improved habits. My journey is ongoing because I’m learning to become a more loving, increasingly positive person, and a go getter!

Here’s how I got started:

• Wrote a few things that I’ve seen positive people say and do
  • Saying thank you, I appreciate you, etc.
  • Showing respect and was considerate of other people
  • Confident yet kind and empathic
  • Reliable  and resilient
  • Humorous and optimistic
• Went out of my comfort zone
  • Joined an online group
  • Looked for a discussion group that I can relate to and posted something simple to get started
  • I envisioned my positive attitude while writing my reply
  • I was hopeful someone would find my posts uplifting and respond

Without waiting for too long, I started creating my own coping skills and when I got stressed, I was able to come up with practical solutions to alleviate my troubles. Now, I actually enjoy saying the phrase “problem-solving”.  In addition, I write weekly goals and incorporate some previous ones that still needed work, as well as trying new ones. One of my ongoing goals includes incorporating optimistic behaviors. Ironically, one of the traits an optimist will exhibit is engaging in goal-oriented behavior, being cheerful, and enthusiastic; all of the things I am working on.

Not to forget self- care …

Here are my self-care memories from high school. Some of you might remember using the Jane Fonda aerobic tapes and leg warmers as part of your fitness program. That was me! I was even allowed to teach an aerobics class in high school. It was such a huge part of my teen years. Having the look seemed so important during the 80s from my leotards to wearing leg warmers and my jazz shoes. Now, I’m very happy with my leggings and plain t-shirt or any comfort wear available.

Learning about self-care is ongoing and requires regular practice to turn it into a routine. I wrote a list of what I would like to work on and picked a few to tackle first. I chose something easy at first and left the hardest ones for a later date. I practiced daily until it became a habit. When I felt ready, I added another item into my routine.

I would like to have an optimistic outlook for my future as well as yours. I am confident that I am able to achieve my health and wellness goals and would be happy to assist you with your goals.