You must’ve heard the usual comments these days which are ‘children today are so stubborn’, ‘children today don’t have manners’, ‘children today only want the screen’, etc. But have you ever wondered about the root cause of the change in these ‘children today’?
Relationships are failing. Divorces are on the rise. Sicknesses have become common. Hospitals are full. Why?
This is because most of us have stopped wanting to improve ourselves for the better. Bettering ourselves for the betterment of the future seems to be absent from our vocabulary. Unless a skill is required to climb the ladder or make more money, self-improvement has sadly taken a backseat. Mostly.
Self-improvement is the ability to improve our personality, our attitude towards things and our response or reactions. Self-improvement is also called self-development or self-growth. It is basically the process of improving, progressing and gaining new or useful skills which could affect many areas of our lives positively.
There are several reasons why we should continuously keep improving ourselves; whether for the good of our family, the people around us or most importantly, ourselves. Only when we improve ourselves, can we expect others to improve, respect and love us wholeheartedly. Only when we improve ourselves, can we love and respect ourselves completely.
Let’s look at a few examples of why self-improvement is important.
When we understand how to attain inner peace, we earn a certain type of respect that lets us feel fulfilled and content around people. When we are respected, we automatically respect others. Besides mutual respect, we are also able to take on challenges, overcome obstacles and keep unwanted things away with a calm mind.
Also, when we learn how to handle our emotions, our family, our partners and the people (friends, acquaintances, colleagues) around us are able to smile and be comfortable with us. Discussions become more constructive than resulting in a cold war. Relationships become stronger. But, living in harmony becomes possible only when each of the parties involved puts in the effort to improve themselves.
When we learn to manage our time, we can make time for ourselves and our passions. Taking a nap, indulging in our passions, doing what makes us feel good, eating healthy, etc. are a few things that are good for our mental health, too.
In a life full of responsibilities, we forget to prioritize important things just because we are told to do or feel the need to do everything. But, we should sit down and prioritize our time, ourselves and the relationships that are important to us. Only if we understand, adjust and improve certain facets of our lives, can we be happy from within and enjoy living.
When we put in an effort to balance our work, personal life and other responsibilities, life becomes much easier to go by. There are many ways to finding this balance. We can adjust timings, create a timetable, make sure we leave work on time, spend quality time with our family, delegate chores, etc.
Balance is the key to having a good life. By making a few adjustments, we can spend time with our kids, nourish our mind and body, say hello to a friend, exercise, etc.
When we take care of ourselves, we tend to inspire our children to do the same. Children copy us; our words, our actions, our eating habits, and sometimes even our expressions.
For example, when we consciously correct ourselves after blurting out a foul word, our children may tend to do the same. Correct themselves. But, if we use foul language at home and only refrain from using cuss words in public, our children may behave just like us or maybe worse, especially in public. And, the same concept applies to bad habits, too. So, are we only correcting our children, or are we correcting ourselves first?
When parents fight at home, it disrupts the development of their kids. Healthy discussions without abuse (verbally or physically) could help our kids learn to discuss instead of raising their fists to make a point. Are we on the same page here?
Some parents are not able to handle their children. They are not able to understand them. They are not able to control them. They are not able to protect them from themselves or others. These kids are probably a menace around other people. And, perhaps looked at as a reason for stress at home. But, how do they become this way?
It is because of us. We, as parents, tend to give time to everything else before our kids’ emotional health. Instead of taking time to talk to them and understand them, we keep ourselves busy with everything else like their extra-curricular activities, academic marks, achieving milestones, showing off their talents, etc. What our kids need is us. They need our time, they need us to talk to them, they need us to tell them why they should do something, they need us to correct them when they are wrong and they need us to guide them. They need us to help them understand their emotions.
Kids are the future. And, if they need our time, we need to give it to them, so that they can develop better and become strong human beings. When we sit and talk to them calmly, ask them about their day, suggest solutions for their problems, cuddle with them, etc. their emotional quotient improves. In turn, they may also be able to help others improve.
By citing some of the examples above, it hereby proves that self-improvement is important. Even if we cannot improve in every facet of our lives, we must try our best to improve our skills, reactions, behaviour and lifestyle that matter and that help the next generation become better individuals.
If we, especially parents, want a brighter tomorrow, we must improve ourselves first, before expecting others to ‘do the right thing’, ‘behave’, ‘eat right’ or ‘get off the screen’. Only if we concentrate on self-discipline, improving our willpower and patience, getting rid of bad or weakening habits, strengthening our focus and concentration, etc. can we handle our emotions, our relationships and our children in a better way. Only then can we have a brighter tomorrow. Don’t you think?
Self-improvement is important. What are your thoughts? What steps have you taken to get rid of a bad habit or improve yourself in some way?
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28 Comments
This is so true. Children only follow our lead.
Self-improvement is crucial for personal growth, change, and happiness. Your insights on prioritizing and balancing life are truly inspiring!
A v v relevant topic Cindy and very well encapsulated. Self improvement is the key to human survival. I personally try my best in this direction still your reminder is vital
Self-improvement is essential for personal growth and a brighter future. Thanks for sharing this article which so beautifully highlights the importance of continuous self-development for better relationships, inner peace, and setting a positive example for children
I feel that when we are working on self-improvement, even if its tiny tweaks it makes us feel like we are growing and evolving – which is so important for our well-being.
Self improvement is a continuous process, and I agree that we need to be focused on this for more than one reason. It not only is beneficial to the parents, but also sets a great example for the children to emulate.
So true, self improvement is necessary not just for our own mental health but also for those around us, including our family. And it has to come from within. Until that time, we really don’t make that change.
True, Janaki!
This is what separates us from animals: mental growth. If we would not get into self development, we would cease to exist!
How true! this post came at the right moment for me. It’s time that I looked after myself.
Such an important post particularly in these times. To evolve and grow is very important.
This post is such a heartfelt reminder of how self-improvement shapes not just our lives but also our children’s future. I completely agree that kids learn from what they see, it’s on us to set the right example. Thank you for sharing these insights!
Children mirror our behaviour. So if we want to see good changes in them, it is a must that we put ourselves the same way what we expect to see
Money or nothing? So well said, Cindy. Sadly, today we have become like that. And your blog illuminates the more important yet most ignored aspect of human life, to better ourselves just for ourselves. Lovely reading your blog. I felt ready to take action towards self-improvement, although I’m more or less okay in that arena. Still…I found myself wanting after reading your blog because I don’t think I’m conscious of the reasons you enumerated. Thanks for that.
My pleasure, Ratna!
I completely agree with you! Self-improvement is key to fostering healthier relationships and a better future. I’ve been focusing on patience, better communication, and managing my time more effectively.
That’s great, Kanchan!
I agree with you Cindy.Life should keep evolving , it is the only way to live with purpose and satisfaction else life falls in a rut and leads to frustration. It has a good impact on our own well being and also encourages our children to work on their short comings.
Be the change that you want to see in the world! That was what Mahatma Gandhi said. Self improvement comes when we acknowledge our weaknesses and turn them into strengths. I like the tips you have given to bring about small but incredible changes. I need to give up my restlessness and become more still! Working on that.
All the best, Ambica!
Personal growth is indeed a powerful catalyst for positive change. By improving ourselves we set a ripple effect of inspiration and self-love that benefits ourselves and those around us. Self-improvement is a journey worth taking.
I’ve never been a parent but I’m sure it’s pretty challenging.
IT sure is challenging at times but fun all the same.
This is a wonderful post. Only thing that is in our control is us, and that is the only thing we must try to change. Nothing else is in our control, so healer must heal thyself before he embarks on a journey to cure the world. When we change our Outlook, the world looks different. So infact we are changing and not the world. And a changed Outlook affects everything, our work, our family and our life.
Changing our perspective about things that we had been rigid about is a big part of self-improvement. This is a helpful post that can aid as a guide in anyone’s self-improvement journey.
Self-improvement is always very very important in every sense. the day we will start ignoring the thought of self-improvement for sure that will be the day from which we will stop growing and if we stop growing…. rest I believe I don’t need to explain. The reasons are very valid that you shared in this post and thank you so much for sharing.
I like how you categorize the benefits as per the age groups. As they say change is the only constant and good change always brings along self-improvement of some kind, right?
True.