Researchers and well-being experts have outlined six evidence-based strategies to enhance personal growth and mental health, providing guidance for individuals seeking a more fulfilling life.
According to Dr. Tchiki Davis, a well-being consultant and author with experience supporting over a million people worldwide, self-improvement encompasses developing personal qualities, advancing skills, and cultivating meaningful roles in relationships.
Davis emphasizes a strategic approach, advising individuals to focus on aspects of themselves that are most amenable to change, as some traits tend to be more fixed than others.
Renowned psychologist Martin Seligman notes that various facets of human experience—ranging from mood and panic to depression, sexual difficulties, and optimism—are modifiable through targeted efforts. Additional research from Constantine Sedikides and Erica G.D. Hepper points to the importance of well-being, personality traits, relationships, and achievement in personal development.
The Benilde Well-Being Center at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde has summarized these insights for the public, focusing on practical steps grounded in psychology.
Key self-improvement tips—rooted in scientific research and mental health practices, aiming to empower individuals on their journey toward self-enhancement and well-being—include:
1.Engage in self-reflection: Cultivate self-awareness to better understand areas for growth and develop a clear self-concept, recognizing that perceptions of oneself may differ from others’ views.
2. Practice mindfulness: Focus attention on present experiences with curiosity and acceptance, viewing thoughts and emotions as transient, which can foster openness to new experiences.
3. Adopt a growth mindset: Believe in the capacity to develop abilities through effort, motivation, and perseverance, facilitating goal achievement and personal advancement.
4. Address feelings of shame: Align self-improvement goals with personal values rather than external pressures or societal expectations to ensure satisfaction and authenticity.
5. Build reappraisal skills: Reframe stressful situations in a more positive light to mitigate negative emotions and promote resilience.
6. Leverage personal strengths: Focus on enhancing existing abilities alongside addressing weaknesses, fostering mastery and confidence.
