Transform Your Life: One Challenge to Become Your Best Self
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Chapter 1: The Journey to Self-Improvement
How often have you set goals, crafted plans, and devised routines to transform your life and embody your ideal self?
I’ll admit it first — I’ve probably done this countless times, to the point where I no longer honor my own commitments. It’s a bit absurd, isn’t it? I promise myself something, stick to it for a couple of days, and then abandon it as if I never intended to follow through.
Some might argue, "But Renuka, you say we shouldn’t view ourselves merely as projects for self-improvement. Why then should we judge our worth based on these growth plans?" And I agree with that perspective. We’re not endless self-improvement projects; we’re simply individuals looking to enjoy life. I wholeheartedly support that idea.
However, here’s the crux — don’t make promises to yourself that you know you’ll break. Don’t allow yourself to fantasize about a version of yourself that you’re not actively pursuing. It’s crucial to protect your own innocence from disillusionment. If you’re content with your current situation, then embrace that. But if you recognize areas in your life that require work, then take action.
The gap between dreaming and doing is where your self-respect can erode. You may start viewing yourself as someone who needs ‘fake self-love affirmations’ to cope. The truth is, you won’t find your self-respect in the words of others; it resides within you. Your self-respect stems from your honesty with yourself.
The more you deceive yourself, the less respect you cultivate for who you are. It’s an internal struggle. As I mentioned in my book, if you can’t find peace in your own company, it’s a sign that there are unresolved issues you’re ignoring.
Section 1.1: The First Challenge — Honesty with Yourself
Here’s a little secret about us as humans: we can be our own greatest hypocrites. We often expect others to be truthful with us, yet we frequently aren’t honest with ourselves.
For instance, I’ve been fooling myself for months about my inability to restart my YouTube channel due to my book-writing commitments. In reality, I was just making excuses to avoid the hard work and fear of failure.
Now that my second book, The Art of Being Alone, is published, I’m left with no excuses for not focusing on my YouTube channel. Yet, I find myself creating new excuses. It’s harsh to admit, but we can be our own worst enemies.
I realized this when I began noticing signs urging me to start my YouTube channel, almost as if the universe was nudging me. One day, a favorite YouTuber said, “Are you just procrastinating and making excuses?” That struck a chord.
Deep down, I knew I wasn’t satisfied with my life, though I couldn’t pinpoint the reason. That void was always there, reminding me that I wasn't fulfilling my true desires.
The key takeaway? Be honest with yourself. You’ll encounter plenty of people whose words don’t align with their actions; don’t become that person for yourself. Honesty isn’t limited to your career — it extends to all facets of your life. Don’t like your appearance? Ask yourself what changes you can make. Perhaps you need to adjust your diet or improve your sleep. It’s this honesty that reveals the underlying issues and solutions.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Importance of Physical Well-being
A healthy body should be a priority. I recently learned of a body positivity influencer who tragically passed away from a heart attack at just 37 years old. The issue isn’t about fitting a certain body type; it’s about being healthy.
If you know you’re overweight yet indulge in unhealthy foods without considering their impact, that’s a problem. Worse yet, you might be led to believe that consuming junk food without caring about others’ opinions is acceptable.
I used to think, “I have one life, and it’s a short trip, so why worry about my weight?” I would eat anything without restraint. But as my body began sending me signals — irregular periods, back pain, and fatigue — I realized I needed to change my mindset.
This doesn’t mean you should never enjoy delicious food. It’s about moderation and ensuring you engage in physical activity to support your body’s health.
I’ve committed to practicing yoga every day for the next 40 days. You’re welcome to join me! If yoga isn’t your thing, simply promise yourself to engage in some form of physical movement, whether that’s dancing, walking, running, or swimming. Movement is essential for both physical and mental health.
Section 1.2: Disconnect from Social Media for Growth
I don’t know your situation, but I can bet that there’s something you wish to learn or do but haven’t because you feel you lack time. If only you had more time, right? But, if you check your screen time, you might find you’re spending 2–3 hours on your phone daily, even if you’re trying to limit it.
I used to be someone whose screen time was under 30 minutes for months; I preferred enjoying life offline. Yet, recently, my screen time has skyrocketed to over five hours a day. Just imagine what I could accomplish with that time!
The grip of social media can be more intense than you realize, and it can be detrimental. That’s why regular breaks from social media are crucial. Be mindful of how much time you waste on your phone and use that time to pursue what truly matters to you.
This was a game changer for me in 2022, and I’m re-embarking on this challenge. Here are the rules:
- Disconnect from your phone one hour before bed (I aim for 9 PM) and resist the urge to touch it.
- Avoid scrolling through social media in the morning to preserve your mental energy.
- Dedicate 30 minutes daily to pursue something you’ve always wanted to do. I recently learned crocheting during this time.
Consider what you truly want to learn or do. Additionally, engage in activities that provide mental peace, preventing your mind from seeking cheap distractions. For me, that involves evening walks or stargazing, connecting with my grandfather’s memory.
Take breaks from your phone on weekends, living the life you’ve always dreamed of without feeling the need to post about it. Even if you do nothing, learn to appreciate boredom. Your life won’t end if you don’t use your phone for a couple of days; it could even bring you happiness and fulfillment.
Conclusion
This challenge is enhancing my life and bringing me genuine satisfaction each day. I’ve identified areas where I need improvement. If you’re already moving your body, consider incorporating new elements into your challenge, like learning a skill or meditating daily. Tailor this challenge to enrich your life and cultivate pride in yourself.
I’ve also launched my second book, The Art of Being Alone, aimed at those who feel isolated. It offers guidance on how to embrace solitude and build a fulfilling life while finding joy in your own company. Here.