The path to self-improvement is more than about reaching goals.

Self-improvement encompasses a series of small, manageable changes that come together to enhance our overall well-being and effectiveness.

Although selfish contains the word self, selfish means “lacking consideration for others.” The good news is that self-improvement isn’t selfish. On the contrary, self-improvement benefits you and society.

Self-discovery, personal development, and self-improvement are important for all adults. These processes help individuals grow in mind, body, and spirit.

To create a personal development plan, a good place to start is with a SWOT analysis for different areas in life. A SWOT analysis helps identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. These areas might include spiritual, emotional, mental, physical, or financial areas.  

Here are some reasons why self-improvement should be a priority.

1. Clarify a vision

Writing down goals helps document what steps are missing and can highlight overarching issues that prevent someone from reaching a goal.

For example, if Lisa’s long-term vision is to be physically healthy, but a sedentary life and poor eating habits is the reality, Lisa needs to identify that.

2. Enhance strengths

A good self-development plan focuses on strengths. Don’t ignore the weaknesses, but try to concentrate on what brings joy and what you can do within your capacity. There are always going to be opportunities to outsource, delegate, automate, and learn.

For example, Lisa can’t take on everything everywhere all at once, no matter how positive the results might be for her. So, if she’s looking to scale her business, she might decide to outsource video marketing.

3. Find a purpose

Setting goals and reflecting on the reasons for pursuing them can and should provide motivation to keep moving forward.

But be realistic. Building a purposeful life isn’t acquired by driving down a one-way street. Oftentimes, that drive will take 20 left-hand turns, several roundabouts, and rolling stops at different periods of time, as learning and growing take place.

4. Improve mental health

Self-awareness is an important part of personal growth. It helps understand emotions and identify certain behavioral patterns that might need professional help.

It can also help find other areas in life that could use support or guidance.

5. Create strong relationships

Understanding thoughts and feelings and how personal actions affect others can help build better relationships.

For example, Lisa makes an effort to actively listen to friends and family, showing empathy to their emotions. Active listening helps Lisa manage personal emotions, which helps her friends and family see her as safe, stable, and trustworthy.

6. Make it count

Having a clear understanding of how to reach personal, professional, or academic goals can start the process to break down these goals into actionable tasks.

Each day can count toward accomplishing long-term goals by time blocking to nurture work tasks, family responsibilities, and self-care pursuits.