Comments on: 3 Quick And Easy Steps Into A Self-Improvement Sinkhole.

By: Link Medley Personal development - Forty Plus Two

Link Medley Personal development - Forty Plus Two — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 21:19:17 +0000

[...] My Super-charged Life says that Real self-improvement begins with contentment. [...]

By: Jeff

Jeff — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:51:18 +0000

@Jess – I’m glad this article struck a chord with you. I have some escapist tendencies so I wrote this as much for myself as anyone.

@Jason – Honoring our commitments is really what this article is all about. We can seek to live life to the fullest without bailing on our families and other obligations.

@HIB – I’m glad you found my site and thanks for subscribing!

@Sara – I’m glad to hear it had such a powerful impact on you. I really believe that you have to start from a place of contentment. Once you’ve accepted who you are and where you’re at, then you can begin to truly change.

I sincerely appreciate all your valuable comments!

By: Sara at On Simplicity

Sara at On Simplicity — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 03:43:12 +0000

Fantastic picture! I love the idea that, “Real self-improvement begins with contentment.” This is something I hadn’t considered, and it really struck a chord with me. Without being able to be satisfied, nothing’s ever going to click. I really enjoyed this one, and it’ll be on my mind for quite awhile.

By: HIB

HIB — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 03:11:47 +0000

Hey Jeff,

Nice site. I saw you on stumble and thought I’d take a look. I’ll definitely being adding you to my RSS!
Thanks!
-HIB
http://happinessisbetter.com

By: Jason

Jason — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 01:33:22 +0000

As an analogy: The massive glaciers that changed and shaped the planet as we know it were slow moving and deliberate. The same has to come from profound change. It can also be slow and deliberate in order to have deep impacting change. That is not to say tossing it all out the window and starting over won’t work for some, it sure as hell will. But…when you are married with children like us it would be selfish to implement radical change in your life without considering all of the lives in your circle that will be affected. It’s your responsibility as a wife/husband/mother/father to make sure “everyone is cool” with any profound changes. I’m all for change and self improvement, however, as stated above the grass isn’t always greener in other pastures. You also have to “man up” and honour commitments (marriage, kids, job, certain debts) and make your situation as good as it can be within the commitments you have made. I hope this all makes sense because self improvement is a topic close to my heart and so is keeping your word and commitments.
Awesome post and very good points by the way!
Zendad
http://www.zendad.net

By: jess

jess — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:51:50 +0000

Wow, this article gave me chills…
I am the classic person who always thinks the grass is greener elsewhere. My dream is to write and direct films, and sometimes I feel like I’ve made the totally wrong decision by buying a house and settling down. I have to remind myself that I’m only 23 and I’m still working towards my dreams through my daily writing habits and my website.
Sometimes though, I have the urge to sell the house, give away all my worldly possessions and travel the world. I have to have faith that there will be time for both. Exercise helps to keep me grounded, as does my partner (mr sensible!)
What a great article. Thanks, Jeff

By: Jeff

Jeff — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:02:56 +0000

@Glen – It is in the ordinary that we need to be grateful. This is where contentment comes from.

@B – I also like the idea of continuous improvement. I have found it to be much more effective.

@Ron – Commitment is important, but willpower will only get you so far. Starting with a sense of contentment and then continuouosly seeking to continuously improve in small, incremental ways will bring about lasting change.

Excellent comments!

By: Ron@TheWisdomJournal

Ron@TheWisdomJournal — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:41:29 +0000

Love the picture!

I would add that self improvement begins with commitment.

By: B Smith @ Wealth and Wisdom

B Smith @ Wealth and Wisdom — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:03:00 +0000

Jeff-Great post. I know exactly what you mean about reading the latest book and getting all pumped up. You go off 90MPH and are pumped. Then reality sets in. You start slipping and the changes go away. Or you start getting frustrated because you don't see anything improving. Or you find yourself so dissatisfied because your current life doesn't meet your new expectations. Most guru's have you making sweeping changes. I've never found this to work. I find continuous improvement to be the best path to a better life. I've started making one small but significant improvement each month and stay with it until they become a habit. I find the changes stick. Over time the changes add up and make a major difference. I go into this in my posts One step at a time and One Step at a Time-Revisited.

By: Glen Allsopp

Glen Allsopp — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:53:39 +0000

Being grateful is hugely important, it’s something I’m trying to do more and more, even in situations that people might think are ordinary or nothing special

Another great post

Cheers,
Glen