5 Tips for Continuous Self-Improvement

It’s official. The first month of 2022 is over and a new one is in the works. Regardless of if you’ve set resolutions for this new chapter or not, we want you to know that it’s never too late to set the tone for big changes in your future. After all, the most successful men are those who are continuously growing, evolving, and transforming into better versions of themselves, no matter what point in their lives they’ve found themselves. Here are a couple of tips to help you do just that:

1. Protect your energy – You know what they say: You reflect the behavior of the 5 people you spend the most time with. That being said, the importance of being highly selective about those you let into your inner circle CANNOT be overemphasized. Make the choice to surround yourself with ONLY those who nurture your creativity, feed your ambition, and uplift your accomplishments. The more efficiently you’re able to do this, the more you’ll feel equipped and empowered to achieve your goals.

2. Read more – In the famous words of transcendentalist Ralph Waldo Emerson, “If you encounter a man of rare intellect, we should ask him what books he reads.” In an evolving world such as the one we live in, there is always new knowledge to acquire, new perspectives to explore, and new lessons to be learned. Pick up a book and venture into the unknown. (And if you’re in the market for some suggestions, keep an eye out for an email from Publish Brand around mid-February *wink wink*).

3. Invest in mindfulness – Although mindfulness appears to be a current trending topic, the practice actually has Buddhist origins dating back over 2,000 years. Its evident longevity throughout human history can likely be owed to the fact that it is simple and easy to incorporate into daily life. Mindfulness can come in the form of guided meditation (apps such as Headspace and Calm are great for this mode of practice) or even just putting down the phone and making intentional efforts to stay present in the moment (whether you’re on a walk, having a meal, or spending time with friends). Give it a shot and watch how your mental health, sleeping patterns, and overall quality of life improve.

4. Keep an open mind – In a world where productivity is valued over health and well-being, we want to be careful about pushing a “yes is best” attitude. However, we do want to encourage all of you #Publishers to stay open to opportunities for growth and expansion. According to research, one of the best ways to keep your brain function at optimal levels is to continuously try new things. Doing so keeps certain areas of your brain stimulated, engaged, and creating new neural pathways. Not only that, but novel experiences are also proven to warp the way we experience the passage of time. So, instead of feeling like the week flies by when you follow the same old usual routine, having a new experience will actually create the perception that your week went by at a slower, much more enjoyable pace.

5. Find peace in the process – Remember that self-improvement is a journey with no destination. As important as it is to have goals, it’s equally important to enjoy the process of achieving the goals you spend your precious time working towards so that when we actually achieve them (yup, we said WHEN and not IF), we are able to mindfully and intentionally celebrate them rather than immediately jump to the next thing. That being said, work hard, yes, but play hard, too. Savor the little moments found in between the big ones. It’ll make it all that much more worthwhile.