A Forgotten Key to Personal Growth

If you want tips on how to become more productive, how to increase your motivation or even just how to become more confident, there are more than enough resources out there. Many of us feel that all of these little steps ‘improve’ who we are and take us to the next level and in some ways I guess that’s true. On the other hand, I don’t like to think of this advice as changing us as people, but more like exposing who we really are.

Some people get obsessed with self growth and get hooked on looking for the next ‘secret’ and ‘tactic’ they can use to take their life, or just their personality, to the next level. Today I want to cover a personal growth key you may be totally neglecting, and one that probably has more effect on you than any other. What is that key, you ask? That’s easy: your health. As with productivity, motivation, confidence or any other aspects of life you feel are necessary to work on, there’s tons of information out there about your health. So much so in fact, that I’m sure you were already thinking that before my last statement. However, most of the health advice you read is about:

• Living longer
• Looking younger
• Becoming more attractive

and so on. What you might not realise, is that your health, or more specifically what you do and what you eat, can have a huge effect on things like:

• Your concentration levels
• Your mood
• Your focus
• Your energy

and lots more. In turn, these things naturally increase your confidence, your social skills, your productivity and many other things. Don’t forget that while working on your health can make you appear younger and improve your life span, it can also improve your quality of life and other areas you struggle to improve upon. With this covered, I want to show some of what I believe are the most important health tips out there that may dramatically improve your personal growth.

Drink More Water

I’m sure you’ve heard drinking more water is good for you more times than you care to remember, but like most things that are repeated in the health department, there’s a good reason for it. Around 70% of our bodies are made of water and research suggests that the majority of Americans are dehydrated on a daily basis. This dehydration can cause headaches, tiredness, and other issues that might crop up in daily life. A good guide to drinking enough water is to take in around 8 – 8oz glasses throughout the day. I like to give this figure a ‘kick start’ by ritually drinking 2 pints (one litre in total) every morning when I wake up. It helps your liver process body toxins and even just after a week of doing this, you’ll feel great.

Get An Allergy Test

It’s very possible that even whilst you think you’re eating healthily, you could be putting foods into your body that it simple doesn’t want you to eat. I had an allergy test recently because of another condition and although the results came back that I was fine, I’m glad I had it done. These tests are relatively inexpensive and your GP can have one performed if you feel that it is necessary and so can a nutritionist. If you don’t want to go down that route, there’s also a kit that you can buy online which is self-administered (I have tried this and it’s quick and easy) which costs around $70.

Exercise Regularly

For many people, even just the thought of exercising gives them negative emotions. Or, even if they can muster up the ability to go a few times, their motivation eventually dies down. I used to be in the same position, but these days I love nothing more than my gym days. In fact, if there we no such thing as ‘overtraining,’ then I would probably be there on a daily basis. What changed for me? Well, it’s all about your motivation. If you’re not motivated to go to the gym and exercise, why should you bother? Never forget that your health is probably the most important asset you have. There will be a time when no amount of money or material possessions can make up for your fading form if you never took care of it. Write down a list of all the benefits you could receive from going to the gym such as:

• Looking more attractive to the opposite sex
• Using excess energy you may have
• Letting out negative emotions such as anger and stress
• Being able to sleep better at night (the gym effort will make you more tired)
• Prolong your life expectancy
• Feel great in everyday life and that you’re working towards something great

These are just some from the top of my head, but I’m sure you can think of some that are personal to you and can keep you in shape. If you read this list everyday you’re looking to skip a gym session, then it will likely spur you into action.

Meditate

This is very simple, but I feel the results are profound. With meditation, I have been able to practically eliminate most daily stress in my life and improve my concentration levels throughout the day. I find it best to do this for around 20 minutes in the morning and it improves the rest of my day. I certainly feel a sense of lack when I forget to implement this habit.

There are many forms of meditation, but I prefer the most basic. Simply sit somewhere comfortable (you may want to sit in the Lotus position) and focus on your breathing. Notice your chest rise when you breath in and fall when you breath out and give all attention to your breathing. You’ll soon find that it’s very hard to concentrate on your breath and other thoughts will come in. That’s fine, that’s normal. Try doing this for 5 minutes one day, then 10 the next, then 15 and so on until you can perform around 20 minutes easily each day. The more you do this, the easier it will get and the bigger the effect it will have on your life.

So, are you still going to let this personal growth key remain absent in your life?

Photo by Adria Richards