The Self-Improvement Starter Pack

Self-improvement image — Photo by Shane Rounce on Unsplash

Self-improvement can seem scary. Especially for beginners who don’t know where to start.

Fortunately, self-improvement doesn’t need to be scary.

You can make OUTSTANDING progress by adding a few simple habits to your daily routine.

The fundamentals drive progress. If you can consistently execute the fundamental habits, then you will become unrecognizable to yourself in a year.

You don’t need to do any fancy or complex routines. Just focus on the fundamentals. The fundamentals are the foundation of any successful self-improvement journey.

Here are the 4 essential habits for starting your self-improvement journey:

1. Gym

Sign up for a gym membership.

Start a basic strength training routine.

Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe is an example of a strength training program you can use. But it may not be the best for your individual needs.

Trainers and members of the gym will often be happy to help you find a program. Don’t be afraid to ask them for help. They will often teach you the basics of the exercises too!

Your strength training program should incorporate progressive overload, which is the principle of working a little bit harder than last time.

Go to the gym 3-5 times per week. You don't need to go every day. In fact, you need at least 1-2 rest days so your body can recover!

Weightlifting isn’t just about building muscle and strength.

The best benefits of weightlifting are the mental health benefits! Weightlifting builds your confidence, self-esteem, self-discipline, and patience.

2. Journaling

Pull out a piece of paper or create an online document.

Set a timer for 5 minutes.

Write the prompt, "What do I want in life? What does my ideal lifestyle look like?"

Start the timer and begin writing.

Repeat daily.

But switch out the journaling prompts.

New journaling prompts will keep the activity fresh and engaging for you.

Here are some more prompts you can write to.

3. Meditate

Start out with a goal of meditating for 1 minute.

Yes, 1 minute.

You're building the habit of consistently showing up every day.

You should meditate using a guided meditation video such as https://youtu.be/c1Ndym-IsQg.

Guided meditation is an easy way to get into meditation. Time won’t feel as if it had slowed down to a turtle’s crawl as regular meditation does. And you’ll have a voice to guide your focus back once it inevitably drifts off.

Repeat your meditation habit daily.

4. Cardio

Go outside and walk for 30 minutes.

Walk 2-3 times per week.

The health benefits of walking are great. Reduced risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. And you can burn some calories to help you lose weight.

But walking is good for both the body and the mind.

Walking helps you clear your mind AND boost your mood.

Final thoughts

Do you need to do all 4 of these habits to make some progress?

No.

But you’ll be best off including all 4 of these habits into your routine to maximize your self-improvement progress.

These 4 activities are the bare essentials.

If you aren’t going to do all 4, then do at least habits 1 and 2. Going to the gym and journaling will build your strength, confidence, self-awareness, and much more. These activities are the most important of the essential habits.

The self-improvement starter pack is all you need to make significant progress towards becoming your best self.

Trust the process and show up every day. Reflect on how much progress you’ve made a year from now.

Good luck!