Many people are aware of the need for ongoing self-improvement. But often the emphasis is placed on external factors: physical fitness, acquiring skills for various goals. However, none of that will get you where you truly want to go without support from a strong inner core.
The key to building success (however you define it) comes from inside. Here are some tips to building up your inner strength.
Ask yourself “Why?” Then find your answer. – The key to anything in this life is to have a purpose, when we can answer the Why questions in our life we take great steps in the right directions. I like to think of a quote from Shakespeare: ‘The meaning of life is to find your gift.’ When you have a purpose you do your best work, you find your deepest strength.
Put yourself first. Not in selfish or narcissistic ways but in taking care of yourself first, prioritizing your energy and approaches to so that life flows through. It’s like filling your own well or putting on your own oxygen mask before trying to help someone else. Give yourself time to build that equipment and procure the tools to direct the life you want to lead.
Train your mental and emotional body, as well as your physical self. – Your body is stronger than you think and it WILL give you what you need, when you need it, IF you feed it the right mindset. That’s as important as the right nutrients. A positive mindset and an even pace will get you through even the roughest of times.
Embrace what scares you. – Life can be a constant struggle between what you don’t think you can do (and remain in status quo) and what you absolutely can do (progress). Strength comes from doing what you thought you couldn’t do. When you swap out comfort for challenge, change happens and the result is a better, stronger you.
De-clutter your mind. – Even as little as 10 minutes of meditation a day removes the mental junk that depletes your energy. It restores focus and clarity. When we meditate we gain steps in our days. Our minds move faster, they are mentally clear and much more decisive. We move through life curves with grace and strength.
Practice calm and self-control in adversity. – Aggression eats away at strength and creativity, replacing them with hostility and close mindedness. Panic also weakens the spirit, preoccupying the mind and prohibiting your light from shining through. Try to replace them with calm, controlled perseverance, which will help you achieve whatever you’ve set out to do.
We can sum it up simply and eloquently – Knowing that our real strength is over our mind and not outside events shapes us in ways that influence for the better.
Peace and Love, Jim
