Here is a question for you. What does Christianity have to do with the popular and constantly growing industry of Self Improvement? Don’t be afraid, it’s not some religious fanatic post that is supposed to make you repent your sins and go into exile. We are all intelligent and smart people who are looking for ways to grow in life, to develop in a balanced and harmonious way.
So what does the Bible have to do with self improvement (and balance for that matter)? The Bible really is the ultimate guide towards personal growth. I confess, I am very partial towards this topic because I am a Christian (even though I haven’t always been one.) But even if you do not share my beliefs open up your brilliant mind to the new concepts that I am about to reveal here. If you love life balance articles and tips that I give on this blog please stick around to see what is really inside my mind and soul. Because faith is really the base of life balance in my life.
Personal development field and the Christian religion seem to be living in two completely different worlds. But in reality they have much more in common than any of us could ever imagine. Here is the ultimate 9-step self improvement guide that will help you achieve the peace, balance and happiness that you are looking for.
1. Find your mentors
You need to have good teachers to grow in life. Learning from these teachers expands your knowledge, opens up your mind to new possibilities and lets you avoid painful mistakes (at least some of them.)
I will instruct you and in teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel and watch over you.
Ps. 32:8
The Holy Bible is the ultimate guidebook for self improvement, sometimes we just need to put a little more effort into understanding the lessons written in it.
2. Develop positive thinking
I often hear about people saying that they are afraid that bad things will happen to them. They think that they do not deserve good life. They are always expecting a problem jumping at them from right around the corner.
The thing about this people is that most frequently bad things do happen to them. Various problems do arise in front of them. And their life turns into a negative snowball.
Negative attitude never does anything good for you. If it’s difficult for you to believe that you do deserve only great things in life then you should listen to this:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future.”
Jer 29:11
I have no reason for negative thinking in my life, do you?
3. Take care of your body. Eat Healthy
Self improvement tends to relate more towards mental and emotional development. But how can we say that we are “self improving” if we continue living with bad habits, neglect our bodies and destroy our health day after day?
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
1 Cor. 6:19-20
4. Journal for your mental and emotional health
Journaling is a powerful way to combat stress in life, get through tough periods and clear your mind in general. Sometimes it is difficult to start this exercise because you might not know what to write about.
You can start journaling down your prayers. Why not? A prayer is your dialogue with God, it is the ultimate expression of your feelings, emotions and troubles. Write it down, be grateful for what you have, ask for support and help in your troubles, open your heart no matter how big or small your request might be.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Phil 4:6
5. Live your life with passion
Isn’t it the new American dream to make money with your passion? There is a guide, book or course on every corner that promises to turn your passion into a fountain of wealth. I believe that a lot of people unrightfully cash in on the passion thing and very few actually give any worthwhile advice (one exception is Discover Your Passion Guide by Barrie Davenport). But that’s a topic for a totally different post.
It is a real gift in life if you can enjoy your occupation, if you can put all your passion into your work. And it is possible. With faith and a lot of work of course
It is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun […] Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work – this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.
Ecc 5:18-19
6. Persevere and work towards your goals
How easy is it to give up in life? Very easy. However, you cannot grow if you do not persevere or if you do not work towards your goals.
Sometimes it’s very difficult to continue: some obstacles may get in our way, our motivation dwindles and projects look enormous and overwhelming. Of course you can give up and choose a different path, you can lose sight of your dreams, you can settle for something ordinary and safe. This is not life though; it is running away from life.
Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Phil 3:14
7. Develop your spirituality
Each one of us can have their own definition of spirituality. While spirituality is a key element of any religion it is still possible to develop it apart from religious beliefs (it’s not my way, but it is still a way.) Spirituality and strong beliefs give you a sense of purpose in this world; they help you fight your fears and work in line with your passion; they help you discover who you are and grow towards who you want to be. Spirituality gives you the core belief that you can always go back to and find your strength in it.
But seek first his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matt 6:33
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Phil 4:13
If you are interested in growing as a person, improving your life and achieving your life balance then you need to pick your self improvement path. The steps that you have just read are universal but only you can decide what will be the purpose of your life … what will be the deep core belief that will be pushing you forward no matter how good or how bad you are feeling.
My life has become everything I always wanted (and much-much more) after I turned my life to God. It was a simple step that changed everything forever. Each of the steps that I described above helped me grow, overcome difficulties and find strength when I needed it. Even inspiration for this post was an answer to my prayer.
But this is just my life; you have to make your decisions and choose your path.
Right now leave a comment and spread the word about this article. Thank you!
Comments