The central idea behind self improvement is that we are actually getting better at something in particular and ourselves over all. How many times have we lived through the daily routine of waking up, going to the bathroom, eating breakfast, taking. shower, selecting and putting on our clothes for the day, departing for work, arriving at home after a tough day on the job and not remembering much about the day just completed? Then repeating this sequence daily for an entire year and having the same meaningless assessment of what we have accomplished. In fact, when we try to recall the major things we conquered over the year we draw a complete blank. Ouch!
This is the point at which we must determine, right up front what we want to accomplish in the year ahead. I would suggest you reduce your goal to paper. Take pictures of it or, in BIG LETTERS hang it on the fridge. It must be kept always before your eyes as a reminder of what this year is meant to be. I am totally on board with the notion that if we don’t progress in an objective way from year to year we are probably, at best stagnant in our growth or backsliding as we surrender our previous gains. Like Terry Bradshaw, MVP Quarterback for the 1970s’ Pittsburgh Steelers said, “MY ONLY JOB IS TO ADVANCE THE FOOTBALL.” Our jobs are diffuse but each of us has something we really want to get better at or to win at.
In bodybuilding we make it a point to measure things. Even in the off season or between shows we settle into a measured or understood existence to keep what we have earned through hard work. By the time we reach “SHOW TIME” we have measured twice and cut once every possible area in preparation for the contest. I have three things I try to accomplish with each show, 1.) Be in the best shape of my life. 2.) Do not make any disastrous mistakes on stage. 3.) Move up or finish higher this time than last time. (i.e. third last time, 2nd this time). If I do this then the whole experience has been worth it and I chalk it up as a success. This process will be repeated as many as 3 times in any given year, so I’m very aware of my progress or lack thereof.
Life is like this in all aspect. The purpose for objectivity in measuring improvement in any given area is that we them have something to hang our hats on. We know the world is getting better and we can prove it. Unrelated to bodybuilding you may want to keep a daily record of how many days in a row you told your wife you loved her. This exercise is guaranteed to improve a vital aspect of your marriage. Other areas to measure that will definitely improve your self mastery is Daily Scripture Study, Daily Cardio, Genealogy Study, Journal writing and so many others. You must decide what you want to be faithful at over a year. Establish the reason and let that reason drive you daily to a successful change in who you are.
Bottom Line: Set the Target. Develop a plan to hit the Target. Execute the plan. Measure each step toward the Target. Treat yourself and your wife/husband to a celebration after winning. Self Mastery really can be measured and will keep you motivated to move ahead. This will never allow you “TO BE FEARFUL OF BEING THE SAME PLACE NEXT YEAR S YOU ARE TODAY.”
Have at it and the best you “MOVING FORWARD.”
Six Pack and Senior 