Unlocking Your Potential During Self-Improvement Month and Beyond | Episode 34

Ever wondered how to ignite your journey of personal growth? What if you could drastically improve every facet of your life within just 30 days? That's exactly what we aim to explore in this episode, walking hand-in-hand with you through a month dedicated to self-improvement. We consider September to be a checkpoint, an opportunity to reassess, refocus, and reignite your personal development journey. In this special episode, we'll share tips, strategies, and resources to make this month your best yet, while turning self-improvement into a lifelong commitment. 

We’ll be delving into the psychological foundation of self-improvement, discussing the significance of personality tests such as the MBTI and Enneagram, and how they can shape a self-improvement plan that's unique to you. We'll also explore the role of nutrition, physical health, financial health, emotional intelligence, and stress management in personal development. Additionally, we'll share cool tips on how to incorporate smart goals into your life, how to enhance your gut and brain health, and the importance of financial planning. Join Joanne on a transformative journey as we turn self-improvement month into an enduring pursuit of growth and betterment.

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*This podcast does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and its contents are intended for informational purposes only.

Transcript

Joanne Lee: 0:55

Welcome to episode 34 of our Full Spectrum Wellness Podcast. I'm so happy and excited to be back here with you for our 34th episode. Today, we're diving deep into a topic that's not only timely but also incredibly impactful, and that is self-improvement month for the month of September. Whether you're a self-help aficionado or a complete newbie to personal development, this episode is packed with actionable insights that can help you level up in all aspects of your life. I'll be exploring various facets of personal development to set you on the path to your best life ever. So you're probably thinking what's the big deal about self-improvement month that you're on? Well, think of it as your three-quarters of the way through the year checkpoint, a time to reflect, refocus and reignite your personal growth journey. This is a month where you don't just set goals, you set out to achieve them. And the best part, this concept taps into the universal human need for growth and betterment. So what makes self-improvement month so essential? Think of it boot camp 30-day for your life. It's the perfect time to reassess, refocus and, most importantly, take action. But don't worry, you don't have to go it alone. I'm here with tips, strategies and resources to make this your best month yet, and I want to reiterate why self-improvement month deserves your full attention. This is a dedicated time for recalibrating your life's compass. A month may not seem like much, but with focus and intention, 30 days can be the seed for lifelong transformation.

Joanne Lee: 2:40

Now building a psychological foundation is essential, and I'm talking about personality tests like the MBTI or the Enneagram. The Myers-Briggs type indicator is a self-help assessment test which helps people gain insights about how they work and how they learn. It's basically a framework for relationship building, developing positivism and achieving excellence, whereas the Enneagram is a system of typology that classifies human personality into nine basic types. The word has Greek roots and refers to a nine-pointed symbol consisting of three shapes an outer circle with a triangle and a hexagon inside. You've probably seen these diagrams on the internet, in books. Understanding yourself psychologically can help you tailor a self-improvement plan that's unique to you. Beyond personality tests, psychology offers other lenses to examine your life, so cognitive behavioural techniques and positive psychology are other pathways to understanding and improving yourself. If you're serious about long-lasting change, it might be worth diving into these subjects or even consulting a psychologist.

Joanne Lee: 3:49

Goal setting is where it all begins, but before you embark on any self-improvement journey, it's crucial to set smart goals. So that's specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-based goals. Having a roadmap is pivotal for success. So write down what you aim to achieve.

Joanne Lee: 4:08

Whether it's learning a new skill, shedding a few pounds or improving your mental wellness, nutrition and physical health play a crucial role. A healthy mind resides in a healthy body. That old saying holds true even in today's fast-paced fast-food world. So focus on clean eating, regular exercise and gain adequate sleep. You'll be surprised at the wonders it can do for your mental and emotional state. So don't skimp on those leafy greens or those exercise sessions. And we've all heard the phrase you are what you eat. But during self-improvement month, this takes on new urgency. So nutrient-rich foods can improve your brain function, energy levels and even your mood. So consider trying out a diet like the Mediterranean diet that focuses on whole foods. But nutrition doesn't stop at calorie counting or eating leafy greens. There's emerging research about the gut-brain connection. Your microbiome can be influencing your mood and cognitive function. So this self-improvement month, why not explore probiotics or fermented foods to enhance both your gut and your brain health?

Joanne Lee: 5:17

And talking about health, do a financial health checkup. We often forget that personal development extends to our wallet as well. Financial health is a crucial component of a well-balanced life. So budgeting, investing or even just tracking your spending can make a world of difference. And don't overlook long-term financial planning. Have you considered your retirement plan or your financial safety net? Don't just live for today. A good financial plan will protect your future self too.

Joanne Lee: 5:47

Now, emotional intelligence, or EQ, is often the unsung hero of self-improvement. It's the ability to understand your emotions and the emotions of people around you. By honing your EQ, you can improve both personal and professional relationships and even achieve career success. Did you know that EQ is often a better predictor of success than IQ? Mastering this skill can open doors in your personal and professional life that you never even knew existed. And beyond basic EQ, there are advanced strategies like empathy mapping and mastering non-verbal cues. Emotional intelligence isn't just about identifying emotions. It's about management and application, and high-level techniques can make a difference in more complex social dynamics, both at work and at home.

Joanne Lee: 6:36

And don't underestimate the power of positive relationships. You might have heard this before your network is your net worth, but it's not just about business networking. It's about fostering positive or lifting relationships in all areas of your life. These social connections often serve as a mirror, reflecting either a better or worse version of you. So while surrounding yourself with a positive network is key, it's equally important to set healthy boundaries. Clear communication about your needs and limitations helps to foster more meaningful connections.

Joanne Lee: 7:12

Let's talk about stress management. We all know stress is inevitable, but managing it doesn't have to be a Herculean task. Simple techniques like mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises or even a short walk out in nature can provide you with the serenity you need in a chaotic world. And have you ever tried aromatherapy, massage or flotation tanks? These methods might offer you a unique way to manage your stress and promote mental well-being. And besides aromatherapy, massage and flotation tanks, have you considered forest bathing or even pet therapy? These unconventional methods are gaining traction and offer a fresh perspective on reducing stress.

Joanne Lee: 7:57

And the tech detox? That ever-intrusive smartphone. How many of us mindlessly scroll through social media feeds? So this self-improvement month, I'm going to challenge you to unplug and disconnect, to spend some quality me time read a book, go for a walk or just sit in silence. You'll thank yourself later.

Joanne Lee: 8:19

And what about a digital declutter? Unsubscribe from those unnecessary newsletters, delete unused apps and tidy up your desktop. It's the Marie Kondo method, but for your digital life. We've moved from tech detox to digital declutter, but there's a lifestyle that takes it even further, and that's digital minimalism. It's about simplifying and focusing your online activities to only what truly adds value to your life. So think of it as the comery method for your digital footprint. Now, the comery cleanup method stresses tidying everything in your home at once instead of in small steps.

Joanne Lee: 8:58

Now you might be thinking what a really quick and easy self-improvement tip. Well, my answer is start small. Don't overwhelm yourself with grandiose plans. Small, consistent steps often lead to significant transformations. Or you might be thinking how do I sustain self-improvement beyond this month? Well, my advice turn your actions into habits. Whether it's meditation, journaling or exercise, the key to sustaining improvement is consistency. Or you might be thinking how do I keep the momentum going after self-improvement month is over, and that's a great question. The answer lies in accountability. Find a buddy, use tracking apps or even make a public commitment. These accountability measures can help sustain your new habits and changes. So what's the verdict on self-improvement month? Well, honestly, it's what you make of it. Use this month to kickstart your journey or to re-energize your existing one. Remember, self-improvement is not a destination. It's a lifelong journey. And, beyond self-improvement month. Look at each day as an opportunity for growth, betterment and learning. The commitment to improve is a commitment to a better, more fulfilling life. Until next time, keep striving to be the best version of yourself.