So you’re stuck at home…
You’ve found the end of Hulu and Netflix…
Social media has been thoroughly scrolled through..
You’ve played all the games and put together all the puzzles…
Your house is still unclean because you’ve found that no matter how much free time you have that you really just don’t want to clean it.
Yet you still find yourself uncertain of what to do next with your time.
How about some personal growth and development? How about sharpening your skill set? Breaking bad habits and building new ones?
What if you actually made the most of this time and left this quarantine a few steps closer towards your ideal self?
Why not?
Why not leave this feeling proud and accomplished instead of full of regret over the things you didn’t do?
Let’s make the most of this time by following these 11 things.
#1 Learn From Successes & Failures
Too often we claim we don’t have enough time – for meal prep, tracking macros, recovery, more sleep, journaling, reflection, you name it.
If you really want to grow and develop, then you NEED to make time to reflect on past successes and failures.
Take a look at the times where you felt you were most successful. What did your day look like? What routines or habits were set in place to keep you successful?
Pick apart the times where you felt you were being challenged or struggling the most. What’s different about your day now as compared to your most successful times of life? What are you not doing now that you were prior?
A simple reflection of past successes and failures can help you identify what’s stopping you from success right now or lead you to the start of your next journey.
#2 Follow Your Own Way
These days it’s so easy to get wrapped up in the masses.
You hear your friends or family members raving about their success on their new diet, so you hop on it.
Or you see a few different people doing these crazy bada** exercises looking absolutely RIPPED, so you think it’s a good idea to give it a shot.
Your success does not come by following someone else’s diet or workout program.
True growth and development comes in following your own way.
Study yourself and recognize your individuality.
Do your research or work with a coach to create a diet and exercise regimen unique to you (Click HERE for a FREE Nutrition or Training Strategy Call).
There is no one else like YOU, so there’s no sense in following a crowd of people who are nothing like you.
#3 Do What You Love
This might actually be the most important thing you can do to further your personal growth.
Take a look at your daily tasks and activities and pick out the one’s you LOVE doing. Then, list off all the things you can’t stand doing.
Now, I can’t guarantee you can get rid of EVERYTHING you hate doing (someone has to do the dishes) but start looking at ways to get rid of those things you can’t stand and add in more of what you love.
The more you love what you do, the more effort you put in, and the better results you’ll see.
#4 Chase Your Vision & Dream
What does your perfect day look like?
How about your perfect job?
Social life?
Physique?
If you don’t know, then use this time at home to figure that out.
Be realistic when answering those questions, but don’t be afraid to dig deep and dive into that emotional component.
Once you’ve done that, start reverse engineering how to get there.
Walk away from this quarantine ready to hit the ground running and chase down your vision of your perfect life.
#5 Fake It ‘Til You Make It
When you know can clearly see your vision, it can seem pretty far off into the future, and that can be pretty discouraging.
In order to stay true to the pursuit of that vision, sometimes you have to fake it.
Sometimes you have to pretend like you’re already living that life.
Now I’m not telling you to live a dishonest life, but I am telling you to start acting the part until you get there.
Carry yourself with the necessary confidence.
Start dressing and looking the part of your dream self.
Walk like a man or woman on a mission no matter how distant that vision appears.
#6 Listen to Hear Not Talk
You know that one friend you admire for his or her ability to listen? Nothing gets by and he or she picks up the most subtle of messages.
Do you know why that person stands out over all the rest?
Honestly, because most of us are really BAD listeners.
The majority of the time we’re listening, we’re actually just preparing our response with the bits and pieces of information we do pick out.
If you’re serious about personal development and growth, one of the simplest places to start is in your listening skills.
Really challenge yourself to hear every word.
Search for the value of your fellow conversationalist.
One of the best tips I received for better listening was to repeat a portion of his or her words back to them before adding in my response.
Remember, your goal in a conversation is gain valuable information from the person you’re talking to. NOT to get your point across.
#7 Love Yourself First
I don’t know about you, but I feel quarantine is providing a lot of time with me, myself, and I.
I’ve searched through Netlix, Hulu, cleaned the house, and knocked out some tasks I’ve put off for months.
I have plenty of time to build programs, check in on clients, and create content.
I’m left with myself A LOT, and for someone who RARELY puts herself first, that’s way too much Me Time.
I knew I needed to challenge myself during this shutdown, and first on that list is to give myself a bit more of what I need.
Knowing my family members, friends, and clients, I’m not the only one who needs to use this quarantine for a little self-love.
Start by doing one thing for yourself every day and keep a log of it (I’m calling it a Victory Log).
What you’ll find is that doing things for yourself becomes easier and easier.
#8 Be Curious
What’s something you’ve wanted to learn or study?
Use this time to dig into it.
Learn a new skill.
Read a book.
Start a new hobby.
Whatever it is, dive into something you’ve wanted to learn more about.
“What if I don’t know what that is?”
FIND OUT!
Try new things and dig into different things to find out what it is you do want more information on!
#9 Share Your Gifts & Teach Others
Okay, so in our current setting of social distancing I can already see you waving your red flags.
While you may not be able to physically be present with others, use this as a time to share your gifts and talents with others.
If you don’t have the means or opportunity in our social distance, plan out exactly how you can contribute once we’re able to connect again.
Who knows this might be your best method for connection right now?
#10 Put the Phone Down
Does your iPhone tell you every week how much time you have spent on your phone? Or is that just mine?
Some weeks I’m embarrassed to admit the number, and I make every excuse as to why every one of those minutes were necessary.
The truth – they’re not necessary.
One thing that holds so many of us back in our personal development is how much time we spend on our phones.
Don’t get me wrong, phones can add SO MUCH VALUE; however, we’re missing a lot of value in the things right in front of us.
Have a conversation with the people in your house (Work on #6).
Go for a walk.
Read a book.
Play a game.
Find something to challenge your brain and work on yourself that doesn’t require a cell phone, tablet, or laptop.
#11 Always Do Your Best
If #3 is the most important for personal development, then #11 is a close second.
No matter what you do or where you are, ALWAYS do your best.
Give your best effort in every task, project, and relationship no matter how big or small.
This will help you find your fullest potential.
You’ll better be able to push yourself through challenges and hardship.
Best of all, you’ll gain more knowledge and experience in all you do.
About The Author
Jordan Davies is the Co-Owner of Complete Performance. Jordan has her B.S. in Exercise Science and Psychology, and her M.A. in Holistic Health Studies. She is a CSCS certified strength and conditioning coach, and a PN-1 and NCI-1 certified nutrition coach. She loves to study how the human body needs to be moved and nourished and making that fit to your unique lifestyle. Click Here Now to Apply for Coaching with Jordan.
