My Self-Development Fundamentals
What I implement in my life to continue to grow and improve
Over the past few years I have researched extensively self-development protocols, habits of top performers, pros and cons to each and have tried them all for myself to see which works for me. Below is a list of mine and the reasons, but what I do want to say is that everyone is different and this is a simple reflection of my own journey, that I hope you can take something away from too.
Get Out Of My Comfort Zone
Arguably the biggest fundamental to growing as a person is getting out of your comfort zone. Until you actually experience this, you'll never understand how much it positively effects you as a person.
I've always thought of myself as a relatively confident person, someone who likes to take risks and experience new things in life, looking back I'm not saying I wasn't, but wow I was only tapping into 10% of my potential.
Examples of how I get out of my comfort zone
Solo Traveling the world
Go to a local restaurant by myself in a foreign country
Spark up a conversation with a stranger
Sign up to an event i.e. marathon
Start expressing your true beliefs and ideas not worrying of all the opinions
Face and overcome one of your fears such as Claustrophobia (Cu Chi Tunnels)
Not worrying about being embarrassed (learning Spanish in a Zoom class)
Not checking my phone whilst waiting for something, embracing the slight discomfort
Experience Variety
To put it bluntly, you can't grow as a person if you keep doing the same things, in the same places and with the same people.
One of the key components of happiness is variety
It opens your mind to new ideas
It makes you think differently
You'll have to adapt to different situations
You'll learn things outside of your current surroundings
Ways I experience variety
Talk with people in different age groups and nationalities
Travel to a country I've never been to before
Go on a different hike on the weekend
Try a local food
Read a book on an interesting topic to learning something new
Put Out What You Want To Get Back
At first, I didn't understand this, and couldn't really grasp the concept that if you put out positivity, it comes back to you. Without going into detail on how the universe listens, how wrong I was and this is now a key fundamental I ensure I try to do everyday. It is the small things you notice the most, so you really have to commit and sooner or later you'll see.
Simple ways I put of positivity
Saying hello, thank you and having a genuine appreciation moment with someone
Mindset shift for example saying to myself I get to workout instead of I have to
Manifesting that today will be a good day, even though I'll come across some struggles
Journalling and highlighting what I'm thankful for
Speaking positively with friends when they are struggling with something
Reducing Alcohol
Possibly the hottest topic in our society right now, is people going sober or at least reducing their alcohol intake, and we could be here all night talking about this, but let me tell you what I've noticed.
Improved sleep (with is another blog I'll write) because it's so fundamental with mental clarity, energy and how we perform throughout the day
Better, more in-depth and meaningful conversations
More confidence, sounds strange right? But there is something about being around people drinking and you not that gives you a sense of confidence and also a small achievement
Increased energy with relates to the improve sleep point, but you're firing on all cylinders when you get up
Reduced anxiety and stress, I notice being in a calmer state, not worrying about things that can't be controlled
Less to think about for example 'o should I have a drink tonight, I had one last night' etc.
Body composition, I am a lot less bloated and puffy
Athletic performance, strong and fitter in the gym as my muscles are growing and recovering
Deep Connections With People
I'm actually an introvert at heart, meaning I enjoy my own company and prefer 1:1 interactions instead of big groups.
What I have found on my travels is that I'm actually a lot happier after connecting with people. Even though it might be a little daunting at first being by yourself and communicating with strangers, it makes you feel so much better during and afterwards.
This is where you also find out a lot about yourself, and experience different types of people from different countries, cultures and age groups. Moving forward this also gives you even more confidence as you're able to adapt to different social situations.
In a world where there are so many opinions and assumptions of how someone is on the surface, it's great to peel back the layers and really connect. You'll find that people genuinely care about getting to know you as well, as much as you're enjoying getting to know them.
Side note for another blog
There are 8 other key fundamentals that I could have included however they will best fit in the Improving Mental Clarity Blog
Fasting Till Midday
