7 Quick and Easy Self-Improvement Tips

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is work on ourselves, but we all know we should. We want self-improvement, but some activities take way too long.

Instead of focusing on the end goal, things can become much easier if you break them down into smaller chunks. There’s an old saying that goes, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” Just like anything in life, you have to get started. Too often, we tell ourselves the journey is too long and arduous, but the best way to get there is by taking that first step.

Here are seven first steps you can take toward self-improvement, and they don’t take long at all.

Create more focus and productivity

If you find yourself daydreaming or looking at social media too often when you should be working, you can apply a simple rule to improve your focus and productivity. This rule is called the 50/10 rule, and you spend 50 minutes working without losing focus and 10 minutes enjoying a break. This means that while working, you turn off and remove all distractions. This can be an easy and effective way to become more productive.

Improve your vocabulary one word at a time

Some people try to improve their vocabulary by picking up a crossword puzzle but become discouraged when it’s too difficult. Try one word at a time for self-improvement. Learn the definition of a new word, see how it’s used in a sentence, and then try to incorporate it into your vocabulary for the day. Another great way to do this is to buy a word of the day calendar.

Use catnaps to increase your energy

Do you often find yourself drinking more coffee than you’d like? If so, you can cut back on the coffee or the high-carb snack and replace these with a 10-minute catnap. This short nap has been a proven technique by many professionals that tend to burn the midnight oil. Longer naps can leave you groggy and feeling sleepy, but a 10-minute nap gives you the energy you want to enjoy all afternoon long. Try taking one of these naps as one of your breaks. Now you’re using two methods of self-improvement together.

Learn a new language, then travel there

You don’t have to absorb an entirely new language in one week unless you’ve already booked your vacation to that country. Instead, give yourself 10 minutes a day to work on learning a new language. There are several language apps that can help you learn and become proficient in the new language. Once you’ve gotten comfortable with some of the phrases, find a friend that speaks the language and try it out on them. After that, take a trip to that country and enjoy the wonderful benefits of speaking the native language.

Use your breaks to reconnect

Do you have some good friends at work? If so, use one of your short breaks to talk to them and enjoy something that has nothing to do with the project you’re working on. This short break might not sound like self-improvement, but you’ll find that you’ll be more focused and perform better when you return to your workstation. The mental break from your work can make a huge difference.

Get some exercise outdoors

We often overlook the amazing positive benefits of spending time outdoors during exercise. All you need is a short walk, and a burst of sunshine, and the energy and relaxed feeling you want will return. This is a great way to reduce stress and improve your health. You only need 10 minutes at a time to make a difference but you might want to extend these outdoor walks to your entire lunch break or time before work.

Prepare for a successful tomorrow

At the end of your work day, create a list of tasks for the next day so you already have things written down or saved somewhere that will help you be successful tomorrow. The most productive day begins and ends with a plan. That last 10 minutes of the day can be the most important for your self-improvement. Writing what you’ll work on and having it at your desk makes it easy to turn off your work brain so that you can go home, relax, and recharge for the next day’s challenges.

These seven self-improvement tips don’t take long to complete. Add them to every day and see how much better you feel and how much more you get done.