He is the first North American pontiff to be elected leader of the Catholic Church
Growth should improve your life but not completely consume it. If you're so focused on learning, healing, or optimizing, it can lead to burnout.
Challenges happen throughout life and lessons should be learned organically rather than forced. It isn't necessary to continuously analyze yourself.
Self-help content can be helpful in small doses but don't pressure yourself to read every book, listen to every podcast, or do every course that's out there immediately.
It's important to reframe your mindset and shift from "this is something about myself I should fix," to "I am enough as I am and choose growth that's tailored to me."
Human development research shows that self-compassion can lead to resilience, without the stress of alwaystrying to be "better."
Self-improvement can be a great goal when managed correctly. However, when it becomes a relentless pursuit, it can lead to burnout instead of feeling fulfilled.
One "trap" of self-improvement is the belief that you are always incomplete or imperfect and that you need to actively do something to fix this.
Studies in Psychosomatic Medicine show engaging in leisure activities significantly reduces stress and improves well-being.
Every moment in life doesn't have to have a specific purpose. Simply being can be enough.
Many individuals measure their success by how productive they are. However, growth and success are about more than simply doing more. It is about being more.
Pick books, courses, or practices that genuinely excite you, rather than something you feel you "should" or "must" do.
Growth doesn't need to happen all at once and be rushed. It's important to reflect and absorb lessons.
Celebrate your wins along the way to help avoid burnout. Acknowledgment of even small wins can help keep you happy and motivated.
Ask yourself regularly if you are improving for fulfillment or because you feel pressured to. These are very different things and being aware can help in your journey.
Social media can be fun or it can be a dangerous tool for comparisons. Be sure you're using it in limited doses and not always comparing yourself to influencers or friends online.
Prioritize your rest just as much as you do with your personal development. Take a quick nap, relax, meditate, or otherwise to help rejuvenate your mind and body.
Try to make small changes, little by little instead of attempting complete overhauls.
It can be easy to compare yourself to others given the rise of social media. People often only show a "perfect" or curated version of their life leading others to assume they should be a certain way also.
A study in the journal BMC Medical Education found that "mindfulness—being aware of thoughts and emotions without judgment—leads to better well-being and productivity." This study shows that slowing down can actually help you.
You don’t need to wake up at 5 am, journal daily, or follow rigid structures—find what works for you.
To achieve sustainable growth, it's important to not always focus on self-optimization but self-alignment. Find your own rhythm and style.
Often, self-improvement is seen as structured and serious, but it's important to engage in activities that are just for fun as they can help revitalize you.
Some times in life are there for growth while others are more for stability and reflection.
Activities such as painting, music, gardening, or any creative pursuit can bring joy without pressure.
Try to focus on one area before another. Perhaps this month emotional well-being is top of the list and next, physical health.
Growth should enhance your life, not drain it. Adjust your self-improvement practices based on your energy levels, needs, and personal values.
Relationships make life worth living. It is important to spend uninterrupted time together to help improve your life and theirs.
Sources: (Forbes) (HelpGuide)
See also: The important link between mental health and the body
It's common today to see social media influencers and others in your life who are always on the grind and working to improve themselves. While being the best version of yourself is aspirational and great if achieved, it can easily lead to betterment burnout. If you pile too many things on your plate or try to do everything all at once to be "better," you might end up feeling tired, anxious, and overwhelmed. It is important to follow the tips in this guide to make changes at a sustainable rate and in ways that matter.
Curious about betterment burnout and how to avoid it? Click through now.
Betterment burnout and how to overcome it
The hidden cost of self-improvement
LIFESTYLE Personal growth
It's common today to see social media influencers and others in your life who are always on the grind and working to improve themselves. While being the best version of yourself is aspirational and great if achieved, it can easily lead to betterment burnout. If you pile too many things on your plate or try to do everything all at once to be "better," you might end up feeling tired, anxious, and overwhelmed. It is important to follow the tips in this guide to make changes at a sustainable rate and in ways that matter.
Curious about betterment burnout and how to avoid it? Click through now.