When it comes to self-improvement, there are a few basics skills you should not only have, but work on improving daily and mastering over time. Make the choice to improve yourself in each of the following skills and they will greatly increase your chances of reaching your goals and making great things happen in your life. Let’s quickly run through the list.

Self-Improvement Skill #1
Goal Setting

Your goals are your roadmap and compass. Without a goal, it’s hard to know what you should be working on or when you’ve succeeded. Always start by setting a well-defined goal and put a deadline on it.

Self-Improvement Skill # 2
Decision Making

A big part of being successful is making the right decisions. What path should you take, what should you work on next. Those are important choices that influence all aspects of your life. Get comfortable making decisions and learn what you can do to pick the right one. Practice and experience are great teachers here.

Self-Improvement Skill #3
Time Management

Time is our most limited resource. To make the most of it, we must get good at prioritization. That’s what time management is really all about. It’s deciding what’s most important and what will have the biggest impact. Then you figure out how to make it happen in the most time efficient manner.

Self-Improvement Skill #4
Organization

If you’re unorganized, it’s hard to figure out what needs to happen next. It’s also a huge time waster to look around for bits and pieces. Make getting and staying organized a priority, and you’ll be amazed at how much more you can get done.

Self-Improvement Skill #5
Focus

Our world is full of distractions. Being able to tune everything else out and work on one task at a time is important. It’s what focus is all about.

Self-Improvement Skill #6
Discipline

Discipline is one of your most important skills. Improvement comes when you consistently work toward your goals, when you do the things that are hard or that need to be done, even when you don’t feel like it. Do something to move you forward every day.

Self-Improvement Skill #7
Effective Communication

No one succeeds alone. Being able to communicate effectively (both when speaking and in writing) helps us work better and more efficiently with others. Clear communication also prevents misunderstandings, which can be a drain on time and energy.

Self-Improvement Skill #8
Networking

Success will come much faster if you’re able to leverage other people around you. Network so you have a group of people you can ask for feedback, advice, and support. They can help you avoid mistakes and introduce you to others who can help you along the way.

Self-Improvement Skill #9
Positivity

Staying positive seems like such an ethereal concept, but being able to keep up a good attitude has a big impact on your overall success and quality of life. You’ll have more fun and stay more motivated when you can tap into positivity. Look for the good in anything that happens along your journey.

Self-Improvement Skill #10
Patience

Last but not least, you need to embrace patience. Success doesn’t happen overnight. You have to be in this for the long run, improving yourself daily. Learn to be patient and celebrate your little successes along the way.

It’s your choice!

This article originally appeared in the Autumn 2019 issue of CHOICES Magazine