As the new year began I wondered, “What is the key to self improvement?” With this in mind, I had this idea at the turn of the new year that I was going to read one self-improvement book each month of 2024. I thought this would be a brilliant way to get some great ideas to write about while also improving my self.
It seemed like a win, win except for the fact that I frequently overestimate how much time I really have. My husband often says I’m working on “Rachel time” when I list off the many things I’m going to accomplish in one day or one week. I admit I get a bit carried away at times. The spirit is willing, but … well you know.
Close is good enough
In days gone by, after failing to reach the unrealistic goals I’d set at the beginning of the year, I’d give up altogether. Sometimes I’d try again the next year, but in the meantime a lot of time ticked by that could have been used at least getting further along than I’d been the year before. Instead of starting from square 1 year after year, with some commitment to getting “close” I could’ve instead started over in the new year at square 3 or square 10 or whatever.
Celebrate the wins
Slogging away at anything can suck the joy out of life, and nothing accomplishes that quicker than beating up on yourself for not getting things perfect. And what is perfect anyway?
I wrote something a while back about working on your goals a little bit at a time. You can check it out here.
So what’s the secret?
Well, I’m glad you asked. I may not have read two self-improvement books yet this year, but I did complete one. Technically, I listened to it. In my opinion, audio books count towards my yearly reading goal. Which I do start over each year. I still haven’t reached my goal of 52 books in a year, but I do keep trying. (If you want to set your own reading goal check out Goodreads).
The first book on this journey is actually one I’ve listened to many times. It was first given to me by a friend from work. It was so long ago I don’t remember exactly why she thought I needed it, but I must have attracted it.
The Secret tells how to use the “law of attraction” to create the life you dream of. The book resonates with me because I do believe in the power of positivity.
A lot of emphasis is placed on showing and feeling gratitude. A life viewed through a filter of gratitude can be nothing short of magnificent.
Now to the next book
I have yet to figure out what the key to self improvement is, and I haven’t yet chosen what the next book on this journey will be. I have many ideas, but I haven’t settled on just one yet. Will I make it to my one-a month for the whole year? Doesn’t look like it. Am I going to give up? Hell no!
Is there a self-improvement book you love? Has there been one that you’ve read and thought, “The whole world needs to know about this!”? It that’s the case, I’d love to hear what people are reading now or have read in the past that’s helped them on their journey to self-improvement.
Share your book or author recommendations in the comments. It might help me figure out which one to pick next!
I loved the book: The Alchemest by Paulo Coelho. It is maybe more of a fable than self help book, but I like that it shows change is terifying, positive and necessicary, and not all failures are a bad thing. I’m sure it is in audio, and fairly short. Use it for either list! 😉
Hey Charity!
Thanks for the suggestion. I immediately went to add it to my Goodreads “Want to Read” list only to find it was already on it! I have no recollection of where or when I heard of it before, but I’ll take your reminder about it as a sign and get after it. We have a glorious used book store in town. I’ll have to see if she has it there.