As the new year approaches, it's almost ritualistic how we set lofty goals for personal change. 

Lose weight, quit smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, or find more meaningful life pursuits - these resolutions echo in the minds of many.

But there's an inherent challenge: most people never meet the lofty demands of their resolutions.

So let’s change that with an idea.

^{Self-discipline is the highest form of self-love.}

Hear me out.

When I work out at 5:30 am, I do it so my body works better.

When my body works better, my mind is better.

When my mind is better, my soul is better.

When all of these foundational elements of my mind, body, and soul are better, I am a better human.

When I am a better human, I am better to those around me.

When those around me feel this, they are better in return.

Quite the lovely little love loop, no?

So how can we all get this self-help thing right?

This concept isn't just about setting goals; it's about envisioning them within a broader life narrative. It invites us to map out our ambitions, both immediate and distant, questioning their realism and attainability.

Self Help: A Systematic Approach to Change

The essence of self-help lies in its systematic nature. It nudges you to draft a list of the benefits you'll reap from achieving your goals, serving as a motivational beacon.

Setting timelines for short-term and long-term objectives adds a sense of urgency and clarity.

So for example: don’t set a goal of losing 10 lbs.

Challenge yourself to get to the gym 3 times per week.

The tactical execution of getting there consistently will then produce the desired results.

The reality is - you don’t want to lose 10lbs - you want to look and feel better, so you can get better at “doing life.”

This morning while running in the dark and cold at 6 am - (yeah, I know we’re a crazy bunch at Crossfit). I was talking to my friend Stephanie about her health transformation in the past year. I was telling her how far she’s come and how she looks transformed!

She thanked me and mentioned how she has GAINED weight this year - through panting breath while running, I shouted - “THAT’S GREAT!” I did that because what she was telling me was that she had gained muscle mass!

So maybe it’s time to rethink those resolutions after all. FOCUS on the tactical execution of consistency and you will reap the resulting benefit of said consistency.

Self Help and Life Improvement: From Ideation to Action

This journey begins with identifying personal needs and desires. Addressing these specifically and broadly can make a significant difference.

Recognizing what you want to change and understanding the pathways to effect that change are crucial.

Principles of Effective Self-Help

True, lasting change is a formidable task due to the deep-rooted nature of our habits and the unyielding aspects of our personalities. Yet, it's important to remember that habits and traits can be modified. It’s never too late to embrace change. With persistence and dedication, becoming the person you aspire to be, or at least a version closer to that ideal, is within reach.

Goals are dynamic, and it's wise to remain adaptable as they evolve.

Contrary to popular belief, willpower alone isn't the silver bullet for reaching goals. Success is less about relentless willpower and more about structuring your environment and habits.

To break a bad habit, sometimes the most effective strategy is to change your surroundings and change your MINDSET.

I recently stopped drinking for 5 months. Cold turkey. I’ll share more on this topic, but for right now - here’s how I did it. By reading the book The Easy Way by Allen Carr. The essence of the book is this. Once I realize that no longer drinking alcohol is additive to your life and your health, you no longer see a need to drink.

I’ve since had a drink or two, and I can attest that my drinking has been cut down by about 90%. I feel better, and my body has rewarded me by lifting more weight in the gym and offering a much better, and consistent mood lift. Why would I go back to the way I was?

The Legitimacy and Utility of Self-Help

Is self-help genuinely useful? Sure, but tread lightly.

The market is flooded with books and websites, but it's crucial to discern their legitimacy. Look for resources backed by peer-reviewed research and evidence.

Many reputable sites offer tools to help users gauge their effectiveness.

Final Thoughts

Self-help is an empowering journey, but it's vital to approach it with a blend of ambition and realism. Remember, the path to self-improvement is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.

Let this journey be a testament to your resilience and commitment to personal growth.

Keep up the good work,

Chris