How to Embrace the Personal Journey of Self-Improvement : Small Daily Achievements

When was the last time you thought to yourself…’I want to accomplish this (insert goal) by the end of the summer.’ But, inevitably, time passes, and you don’t quite get there. If you’re anything like me, you feel incredibly frustrated and want to give up.

We have to remember the journey of self-improvement is bold and takes courage! 

So whatever you’re hoping to accomplish, it’s important to remember that the personal journey of self-improvement is vast. And there are many ways to get to where you’re going.

Still, to help get you started, I’ve researched and put together some ideas to set you off on your self-improvement journey. Remember, no matter what – the effort we put in is always worth it!

So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started.

I am working on myself, by myself, for myself.

1. Take small steps to reach your goals in your journey of self-improvement.

Looking at your big, fantastic goal might feel overwhelming at first! But how exactly will you begin to tackle this?

The best answer is to break it down into categories with smaller, achievable goals that can be easily tracked and monitored.

Natalie Stein, an exercise, fitness, and nutrition expert, has a formula for you to use:

Step 1: Break it down. That larger goal may seem far-off and unattainable, but breaking it down into smaller goals establishes a defined path you can travel. 

Step 2: Track your progress. Track your progress to see how well you are doing and where you might improve.

Step 3: Modify as needed. Assess your progress regularly, such as weekly or a couple of times a month, and modify your goal and path.

This method prevents overwhelm, and can keep you moving in the right direction.

Far away, there in the sunshine, are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead. – Louisa May Alcott

2. Use journaling as a vital accountability tool in your journey toward self-improvement.

I like to think of my journal as my confidante. When I write in it, I sometimes share feelings of happiness for achieving that day’s goals. Other times, I express my frustration for not having met my goals.

Either way, it’s a touchstone I have with myself. In the end, I’m only accountable to myself! I like to take this time to respond kindly when things don’t go as planned. I may write words of encouragement to myself to help me get back on track. Regardless of the day’s outcome, I can acknowledge that I’m always trying my best to move forward.

My favorite journal:

I use the “high-performance journal” by Brendan Bouchard to stay on track. I like this journal because the full-size pages allow me to track bullet points while leaving room for freehand writing (more on that in a minute).

If you need help working through your blocks throughout the day, consider incorporating Atomic Habits. The strategies offered here provide actionable tools to keep you on track on your self-improvement journey.

Another idea is asking a close friend to be an accountability partner. A positive coaching performance site suggests, “When you have an accountability partner, you’re no longer alone in your journey. You’re less likely to allow yourself to lose focus and become distracted when you have someone encouraging you.” 

“Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself. Keep fighting for your dreams!”

Gabby Douglas

3. Remember to keep your goals at the top of your mind. This will help push you forward when you don’t want to work.

Internal desires drive your actions and decisions. What is the best way to stay focused? Keep your goals in mind every single day.

This might look like taking five minutes every morning and listening to a song you love while looking at your vision board. Or it might mean trying to catch a glimpse of the sunset, reminding yourself how far you’ve come, and feeling more connected to where you are going.

Your goals come from a higher version of yourself that wants more for you. This is something to be acknowledged! And the emotional connection you feel for your purposes will pull you through challenging times and redirect you back onto the journey of self-improvement.

 “For me, goals are my road map to the life I want. They have helped me accomplish things I once thought were impossible.” – Catherine Pulsifer.

4. Consider an ambitious morning routine to get your days started on the right track.

One of my favorite mentors, Robin Sharma, is a master in teaching high performance to his students. He has coached many uber-successful entrepreneurs and shares some of their habits of personal development in his book The 5 am Club.

As the title suggests, Sharma urges his students to wake before sunrise at 5 am every morning. He suggests that the critical hour between 5 am and 6 am is filled with three 20-minute segments: exercise, journaling, and learning.

He says you are programming your day for success when you rise early and start it this way.

Some of my favorite quotes from his work are:

“All change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end.”

“The smallest of implementations is always worth more than the grandest of intentions.”

“Elite producers and everyday heroes understand that what you do each day matters far more than what you do once in a while.”

So, if you’re looking for a radical new program that’s certain to move the dial forward in all areas of your life, check out his work.

5. Cultivating the self-awareness to recognize (in present time) where you are – and where you want to be.

Self-awareness serves as your best friend as you focus on self-improvement.

Awareness is multi-faceted. You can have an awareness of your mental health and your physical health – tracking where you want to be versus where you are right now.

So often, we can easily get distracted! Something happens in our day and we go off on a tangent. We lose our way, and the next thing you know, a few days have passed by.

In choosing to be aware, you’re making a conscious effort to stay true to your goals.

In awareness, we access that part of ourselves, our inner witness, who is quietly keeping us on track.

6. Remember that self-improvement is a mindset – and that the journey is infinite.

A self-improvement mindset allows us to be more flexible as we try to reach our goals. Remember to be patient! Change doesn’t occur overnight. The journey of self-improvement is a lifelong process.

Your days can feel more prosperous and abundant when you give meaning and value to the steps you take to accomplish your goals.

Try to wake up with feelings of gratitude for each new day. Honor yourself and your commitments. Stay persistent, stay on track, and enjoy the little wins in your everyday life.

“The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who will stop me.”

Ayn Rand

A commitment to self-improvement is a big deal! Recognize your efforts, honor your intentions, and keep moving forward. Don’t forget to give yourself some love along the way. Your journey of self-improvement is worth every step.

You’re taking control of your own life, and deciding to make it the best it can possibly be!

So, did you like this post? I hope I was able to provide new insights that may help in your improvement journey!

Please share this post with someone hoping to achieve a new goal!

Thanks for reading!

(This post was originally published on March 11, 2021, and has been updated for increased thoroughness.)