Self-Improvement – The Essence of Life
- coachjanj
- Aug 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 7
I truly believe that self-improvement is one of the most important elements of our lives.
Wherever you are today — whether you're successful, stuck in mediocrity, or feeling broke — your current situation can look completely different in 2, 5, or 10 years. But if you want to rise and move forward in life, you must commit to self-improvement.
1. Growth Mindset
The first and most important concept to understand is the growth mindset. This mindset is closely connected to neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to change, grow, and adapt at any age.
Many people believe that skills are fixed — that if someone is good at something, it’s simply "in their nature." But in reality, most of the time, it’s because they practiced more.
Dr. Carol Dweck studied thousands of students and found that those with a growth mindset (focused on learning and improvement) achieved more and had better academic results. Meanwhile, those focused on outcomes and external judgment performed worse.
One of Dr. Dweck’s most powerful teaching habits was writing “Not yet” instead of “Fail” on failed exams. Why? Because it planted the seed of potential growth.
Key takeaways:
If you can’t do something yet, don’t give up — just practice.
Mistakes and imperfection are part of the process. Don’t chase perfection. Focus on progress, learning, and becoming a Better Version of yourself.
2. Create Small, Positive Habits
Most of our actions during the day happen on a subconscious level. That’s because the brain prefers routines — they save energy.
As John Dryden said:
“First we make our habits, then our habits make us.”
Here are a few small, daily habits that can transform your life:
Gratitude: Every morning, write down 3 things you’re grateful for. It will rewire your mindset to focus on the positive and help you start the day with intention.
Physical activity: Training has countless benefits: it burns calories, strengthens your body, improves cardiovascular health, and significantly boosts your brain and mood.I recommend:
2–3 resistance workouts per week
30 minutes of walking per day
Journaling: Expressing your thoughts helps release tension and gain clarity. Journaling increases self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
Hydration: Your muscles are about 70% water, and your brain is about 80% water. If you’re not hydrating properly, your body and mind can’t function effectively.Drink regularly — not just when you're thirsty.
Breathing exercises: Just a few minutes a day can reduce tension and increase focus. Try the 4-7-8 technique:Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, exhale for 8 seconds.Focus on diaphragmatic breathing — your ribs should expand in all directions (360°).
Reading: Great workout for your brain. It boosts focus, sparks creativity, and helps generate new ideas. Just 30 minutes a day — and you’ll see the difference over time!
3. The Compound Effect
Every action we take has a consequence — positive or negative. The compound effect means that even the smallest daily habits, done consistently, can lead to massive long-term results.
We often overlook little things — but it’s those little things that matter most.
If you have a growth mindset and commit to small, consistent daily habits, you're on the path to building something meaningful. Over time, these ordinary actions can create extraordinary outcomes.
It’s like a snowball rolling downhill — small at first, but it grows with every turn.
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