Self Improvement and Growing
Tags: #selfimprovement #grow #develop #life #tips
Last Reviewed: 14/10/2024
A summary of tips, processes and methods that I (try to) use to improve myself.
Getting Things Done / Stopping Procrastination
Have a list of ToDo / Tasks
- Without a task list / to-do list, you will just get sucked in your own brain on what to do.
- Build a list, be as specific as you can (eg “read 2 articles” instead of “read articles”)
- Once an entry is done, mark it as done, and save it so you can see how much you got done overtime.
- If you looking for inspiration on how to organize your tasks, check for example Getting Things Done
- Remember is not (mostly) about which method, is about having a system and following it
- Shift the items on the list as much as you need, just get things done!
Start the task NOW and work on it for 5 minutes. You can stop afterwards.
- Most of the times, you will notice that once you started, you don't want to stop.
- If you do stop, it's okay, go though the next task you been putting on hold.
Learning Anything Takes 20 Hours
Originally a talk by Josh Kaufman
Deconstruct the Skill :
- Break the skill down into manageable components.
- Identify the specific aspects you want to learn and focus on the most essential parts first.
Learn Enough to Self-Correct :
- Gather three to five quality resources (books, videos, courses) related to the skill.
- Use these resources not as a procrastination tool but to gain just enough knowledge to begin practicing and correcting mistakes.
Remove Barriers to Practice :
- Identify and eliminate distractions (like TV, internet, etc.) that hinder your practice time.
- Utilize willpower to create a dedicated practice environment free from interruptions.
Practice for at Least 20 Hours :
- Commit to dedicating at least 20 hours to practicing the skill over a month (roughly 45 minutes a day).
- Acknowledge the “frustration barrier” and persevere past initial difficulties to benefit from your investment in practice.
Overcoming Social Anxiety / Talk to Anyone
Originally a talk by Prof. Jordan Peterson
Shift Focus Away from Yourself :
- When in a social situation, consciously redirect your attention from your feelings of anxiety to observing others.
- Pay close attention to people's behavior and reactions to help ease your internal focus.
Engage with Individuals :
- In group settings, instead of speaking to the entire group, engage with one person at a time. Treat the group as a collection of individuals, not one large audience.
- This approach allows you to communicate more comfortably and helps you feel more connected.
Develop Social Skills :
- If you struggle with basic social skills, consider behavior therapy or social skills training to learn and practice effective social interactions.
- This can help you develop the confidence needed to engage with others effectively.
Pay Attention to Feedback :
- Cultivate the practice of actively listening to others and interpreting social cues. This will help you understand the dynamics of a conversation better.
- Look for feedback, both verbal and non-verbal, to adjust your communication style accordingly.
Embrace Discomfort :
- Acknowledge that feeling awkward is part of the learning process in social interactions. Accepting discomfort can help you push through anxiety instead of avoiding it.
Learn from Criticism :
- Be open to receiving feedback, even if it comes from those you consider enemies or critics. This information can provide valuable insights for personal growth.
- Reflect on accurate critiques to help you develop and strengthen your social abilities.