I use to wonder how do we grow as people. We get taller, older, and sometimes bigger but how would we grow internally. I'm not talking about our organs I'm talking about what fundamentally makes us who we are. How do we better that? What can we do to be a better us? What can I do to be a better me? All question that college and life failed to prepare me for. Then I got to thinking, dangerous I know, but it lead me to the realization that there isn't just one answer. It's a system of answers that can better us in more than one possible way. I want to pass this knowledge on. Some of it will seem obvious but other points take a little more understanding. For me, self-growth has been like a staircase. Each step bringing me closer to who I will be.
Step 1: Physical Health
Our physical health is important. Proper diet and exercise an fundamentally better our quality of life overall. A better diet and exercise regimen can lower the risks of various health issues along with giving us more stamina and energy to function with. All of that combined with timely checkups and physicals could significantly better your quality of life.
Step 2: Professional Advancements
My mom has always told me to look for a job that I would enjoy doing. The more pleasure and joy your career brings you the better you do. A lack of satisfaction in the professional environment can hinder you professionally. You are less likely to strive for greatness instead settling for a measly good enough. If it doesn't bring you joy it just might not be for you. Find a job that utilizes your abilities, strengths, and particular skill sets in the best ways possible.
Step 3: Academic Achievements
School is important and even if you are considering a career that doesn't necessarily require a college education you should still apply yourself to learning. They say knowledge is power. This is a statement I truly believe in. You should be open to learning and growing. Whether its applying yourself in high school, completing college, or even learning a new language. Your brain absorbs all of that knowledge and that knowledge can open doors and lead you on more journeys. Journeys and adventures that can change your life. Be open to listening and learning. Taking what you learn and forming your own logical and educational opinion about it. Knowledge is key and in today's societal atmosphere you can't have enough knowledge. So learn that language, go back to college, complete your degree, and learn.
Step 4: Mental Health
Mental health is taboo in so many cultures that it has often lead to tragic events. This last year saw the deaths of several Korean pop artists and it brought to my attention how little mental health is considered. People often forget that these artists are still just people. They are only human. Mental illnesses are seen as taboo. Often these artists close themselves up. Afraid to even seem unsteady. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. Invest in healthy methods to handle and gain control over your mental health. Take time to clear your mind. Meditate, drink a cup of tea, go on a retreat, or take walks. Be open to talking to someone. Opening up to someone, rather it's a professional, family member, or friend, can often be a relief. The difference between suffering alone and having a grounded support system is night and day. Walk out of that darkness. Use your tools and your loved ones to guide you to a better day. It's not easy and it's not often permanent but it makes a difference.
Step 5: Organization
Sometimes becoming a better organized human can make life easier. It lessens stress and makes life run smoother. Not struggling to find a pencil just to write a note can make a morning just a little better. You'll feel more organized and it can often help your life feel less cluttered. Keeping a clean and organized environment, in my opinion, makes life just a little less complicated. Your mornings seem smoother, your work gets done faster, and you spend less time stressing and panicking and more time accomplishing your goals.
Step 6: Self-worth
This is the most important step I found. I spent a year loving a boy who couldn't understand my worth. I spent a year neglecting my worth. I lowered myself to fit his needs and never received the same treatment. If I voiced my concerns he'd blow them off like they were dust on a collar of his shirt. It was only after our breakup that I started realizing how little credit I was giving myself. I'm honest, loyal, hard working, and intelligent. When I started valuing myself for my strengths and truths I started realizing how little I needed someone who couldn't do the same. It taught me to know my self-worth and to never lower myself or my standards for anyone. This is something I hope everyone learns. And if the reader only takes one piece of advice from all of this I sincerely hope it is this. Know your self-worth. Know your value. Don't belittle yourself or drag yourself through dirt for anything or anyone. If it's toxic or unhealthy in anyway remove yourself from the equation and begin your journey to a better day.
Before you know it you're at the top of the staircase looking over everything you've accomplished. Self-growth is always open to all of us. We only have to want it and work towards it. Just like getting abs you have to apply yourself and work hard each day. You are the motivation. You are the project. The journey to growth is not an easy one. Its tiring and bumpy. Its like sailing the ocean. Some days the water just moves with you, the sun is bright, and the surface of the water glistens like diamonds, but other days are rocky. Sometimes a storm might come in and the water get's rough. The clouds fill the sky, covering the sun and leaving behind a world of grey but the storm never stays. The clouds will break and the blue sky once again fills your world. Life is like sailing the ocean. Don't let the stormy weather keep you from becoming a better you. Persevere and stay persistent.
About the Creator
Katelynn Marie
Hi, I'm Katie. I'm a 27-year-old musician with a passion for writing and streaming. Aside from writing on Vocal, I stream on twitch. I play a variety of games. In May of 2021, I lost my dearest grandfather and it's forever changed me.
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