6 Common Self-Improvement Mistakes You’ll Make

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Self-improvement is exciting. The idea of transforming your life will motivate you to invest serious time and effort into the process. You get to chase a dream.

But starting the journey towards self-improvement often proves to be more difficult than you may think.

You could fall into a trap that derails or even ends your self-improvement journey.

Fortunately, you can avoid these traps if you’re aware of them.

Here are the 6 common mistakes you’ll make on your self-improvement journey:

1. Doing too much

Going all in is tempting. You want to fix your problems NOW. Or you’re so excited to try all the self-improvement habits. So, you start meditating, journaling, weightlifting, and cardio all in the same week. This is a recipe for burnout.

I don’t blame you for going all in.

But self-improvement doesn't fix your problems quickly... It's a slow process. You need to start slow and then add to your routine over time.

Doing too much leads to burnout, which can derail your self-improvement journey before it begins.

2. Going too fast

It's tempting to progress too fast.

Efficiency is a good thing.

But going too fast can bite you in the butt.

For example, if you've ever lifted weights and tried to increase the weight too soon, you've likely either failed or injured yourself trying to lift it.

This can set you back weeks and even months. Not good.

Slow and steady is the key to growth.

3. Isolating yourself

Trying to do self-improvement alone is sometimes necessary depending on your circumstances

But you should avoid it at all costs.

Being a lone wolf tends to atrophy your social skills, which can have negative consequences on your confidence and self-esteem.

Plus, your friends and family can bring out sides of you that you are unable to do. They can also provide you with new ideas and feedback. Think of them like your blindspot mirrors, which are a necessary tool every vehicle uses.

4. Eliminating activities you enjoy doing

Having fun is a necessary component of life.

Don't cut out activities you enjoy doing.

This will only build resentment against self-improvement.

You will not enjoy your life if you cut out your favorite hobbies and interests.

5. Using self-improvement as punishment

Self-improvement habits are NOT punishment for your weak points.

These habits are meant to build you into a stronger version of yourself.

Don't use them to destroy yourself.

6. Impatience

Habits take significant time to build.

Don't give up on your habits because you don’t start experiencing the benefits of these habits within a week. It typically takes 21 days or more to form a habit.

Be patient.

You will be rewarded if you keep going.

Wrapping up

It’s easy to fall into the trap of making one or more of these 6 common self-improvement mistakes.

Most people fall into the trap like this:

You get excited about the potential to transform your life. And so you go all in, hoping for quick results. But you didn’t pace yourself, so you got frustrated and upset. And then you quit your self-improvement journey soon after you began it.

This is an unfortunate pattern many people fall into.

But if you can recognize the mistakes, you’ll be able to avoid them.

Did this thread help you identify a mistake you may be making?

Comment below if you’ve experienced making any of these self-improvement mistakes.