Whether you're stuck in a rut of routine or if you're actively focused on how you would like your life to be as oppose to how it is at present, we can all benefit from continually striving towards positive self-improvement. By acknowledging the things that make us happy and learning to harness the motivation offered by these triggers we can not only transform our own reality but that too of the world around us.

Maintaining balance is important in all areas of our lives, including self-improvement. Attempting massive change of any kind will inevitably prove unsustainable in the long term. A method by which to feel greater self-improvement is to focus on one part ourselves at a time.


Photo by ianqui.

Try focusing on your mind, body and outward actions separately at first. As you establish new positive behaviours in one of these areas, move onto the next before combining the new behaviours and continuing to focus on overall achievement of a more positive self.

The key to maintaining greater positivity in our lives is to focus on transforming behaviour from the inside out and taking ownership of our ability to choose. We must acknowledge that we have ultimate control over how we experience the world. Our reactions as well as how we spend our time are what make up our reality and only we have the power to control these things.


Inner Self
Start a collection of things that trigger positive thoughts: a box of magazine cut outs, photographs pegged on twine, a tumblr full of images & words, art framed and hung on your walls, souvenirs from your travels, newspaper articles, beautiful fashion or an inspiration board combining all of these things.

Find your mantra: song lyrics, a quote, poetry. Find words that truly speak to your desire to be the best you can be. The right combination of words can rouse hope & optimism in the midst of the most difficult of times. Write your mantra in your diary, frame and hang it on your bedroom wall, write it in lipstick on your mirror, make it your laptop wallpaper, pin it up on a post it note at your office, make stickers to leave in random spots and share it with the world.

Quiet time: find a few moments to reflect on your day, or your intentions for the day to come. Try allowing a few moments of actively engaging in your plans for the day while showering in the morning or over coffee. You could also make use of the time you have during activities such as yoga, pilates, running or commuting. Spend time considering what you've done, what you'd like to do and how you'll get there. Use quiet time to bring consciousness to your daily thought, emotions and actions.


Photo by Purple Vintage Space Princess Photography.

Body
Often depressive moods and lack of energy can be symptomatic of our body not getting the nourishment and care it requires. By ensuring we focus on our health and presentation we are able to unify our external self with internal resolve to lead a more positive lifestyle.

• Food and Drink: eat fresh vegetables rather than frozen, cut down on carbonated drinks and instead choose fruit smoothies, snack on strawberries or unsalted nuts rather than crisps and chocolate, if eating takeaway go for subway or sushi rather than a burger. And drink water! if you've already had a meal and feel yourself craving snacks, drink a pint of water before turning to the box of biscuits, it could be that your body is feeling dehydrated.
  
  
• Exercise: You know your body and you know your food intake, adjust your levels of physical activity so that it suits your personal needs. Exercise will give you more energy, keep you trim and maintain your health. If traditional exercise is not your game, try incorporating more physical activity into your days: walk to the grocery store, cycle to work, do resistance training while watching television. Another alternative is to look beyond treadmills and cross trainers- why not try hula hooping, rollerskating, skipping, dance classes or martial arts.
  
  
• Clothing & Presentation: how we look can be indicative of how we feel about ourselves. Think about how you would like for the world to perceive you. Now think about how you currently present yourself and whether it is in line with how you feel about yourself. Consider when you feel most confident and comfortable. Look to those whose presentation and style you admire most. Spend some time considering your personal style and commit to presenting your best you each time you dress. Wear things that make you feel beautiful and confident. Go through your wardrobe and get rid of anything ill-fitting or that doesn't make you feel good about yourself. Hit the markets of local op-shop and pick up a few pieces that you might not ordinarily choose but would quietly covet. Don't look at others and wish to dress as they do, find what you love most and just do it! Create a style journal with outfit ideas, photos of your favourite looks and style tips that you find useful. Also see 14 Items To Enhance Your Daily Style.

Outwards Actions & External World

• Learn: read every day, newspapers, blogs, books, graffiti, tweets, press releases, journal articles, statistics. Seek information actively. It will not only allow you to learn about the world around you but it will also give you a greater sense of perspective.
  
  
• More on Perspective: check out the websites of NGO's, Oxfam, Amnesty International, the United Nations. Read case studies and go through national statistic reports that your government departments complete. Watch world news rather than just local news. If you're a college student in the United States, make it your business to find out what someone your age is doing in Kenya or Russia or China. Allow yourself to become aware of what is happening outside of your reality and allow it to better shape how you appreciate your own circumstances or react to occasions in your day to day.
  
  
• Participate: be active in your community, visit markets, campaign & demonstrate, attend talks, volunteer, grocery shop locally at independent stores, go camping or hiking in local bushland, contribute to your local newspaper or write a letter to the editor. Allow yourself to be moved by new knowledge and share your own thoughts with others. Start respectful conversations. Expand your horizons beyond your usual set of acquaintances and learn from the people you meet.

What do you concentrate on when readjusting to a more positive outlook?