11 Ways to Celebrate Self Improvement Month

September is self-improvement month. Now is a great time to reflect on your life, set goals, work on squashing bad habits, and create great habits. If you’re wondering how to celebrate self-improvement month, we can help. Here are 11 ways to celebrate self-improvement month. 

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1. Constantly Revisit Your Goals

Even if you don’t have anything written down or a vision board, chances are there is something you’re working towards.

 Is it financial freedom? To eat healthier? Exercise more? Whatever it is, ask yourself these questions:

• Is this something I really want? Make sure your goals are yours and not someone else’s. 
• How can I achieve this goal? Figure out all the tools you’ll need to accomplish this goal. It may mean starting therapy, learning a new skill, or seeking mentorship. 
• Am I actively working on this goal? Sometimes people get discouraged and give up if they don’t achieve their goals within a specific time frame. However, if you’re making steps, towards your goal, you should feel proud of yourself. If you’re not actively working on your goal, consider why. Do you need extra help, or have you outgrown this goal?

We also suggest writing down your goals so you can see them regularly. That way, you can be reminded of your dreams as you go about your day. 

2. Learn a New Skill

Learning a new skill is an excellent way to improve yourself. The old cliché of knowledge is power rings true. If you want to be a better and more knowledgeable business owner, there are several ways to learn how to be. For example, you can do courses and earn a certificate. Some skills you may want to learn as an entrepreneur are:

• Video editing
• Social media management
• Copywriting
• Website development
• Networking
• Project management

In addition to being more knowledgeable, you can often monetize skills and create another income stream. However, don’t feel pressured to learn everything; outsourcing is totally okay. 

3. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone 

It’s time to step outside your comfort zone. One of our favorite quotes about comfort zones is from Neale Donald Walsch, and it says, 

“Life begin[s] at the end of your comfort zone. So if you’re feeling uncomfortable right now, know that the change taking place in your life is a beginning, not an ending.”

As entrepreneurs, you are probably afraid to sell your products, network, or put yourself out there. However, for this self-improvement month, we have a challenge for you. We challenge you to do something that scares you.

If you’re afraid of putting your business out there, reach out to podcasts and book a guest slot. 

If you’re an introvert and networking is out of your comfort zone, keep an eye out for one of our virtual meetups. 

Whatever scares you and holds you and your business back; it’s time to face it.

4. Take Regular Breaks 

You’re always on the go if you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or just someone with a busy life. It feels as if you need more than 24 hours in a day to get everything done. 

You may find breaks to be wasteful or simply impossible to enjoy. However, taking a break is essential. Taking a break is vital for your mental health and well-being. Taking breaks can improve your concentration and creativity and keep your mind fresh. If you don’t take breaks, you can quickly experience burnout. 

Here are some ways you can take more breaks:

• Schedule breaks and honor them. Do it the same way you set and honor meetings with clients. You can set a daily alarm. 
• Schedule content so you can take a break from content creation. 
• Set limits on social media apps or delete them from your phone for a social media break. 

5. Read More 

Reading can absolutely help you improve. Not only can reading make you a better writer, but it can make you more knowledgeable. In addition, reading can be a great hobby outside of business and work that puts your mind at ease.

Want to be a more avid reader? Check out our list of 10 books by women of color we think you need to read right now. 

6. Take Care of Your Health 

Health is wealth, so it’s critical that you take the time to keep yourself mentally or physically healthy. 

Taking breaks is one way you can take care of your mental health; however, there are other things you can do to nourish your mental well-being, such as:

• Seeing a therapist
• Joining a support group
• Journaling
• Meditation

Your physical health is equally as important. Some ways you can improve your physical health are:

• Getting quality sleep
• Eating nutritious food
• Moving your body
• Going to the dentist and doctor regularly

If you notice areas you can improve, make a note of it and work towards it. For example, if you want to eat healthier, buy less of what you don’t want to eat and more of what you want to eat. That way, if you want a snack, you can opt for apples instead of chips. 

7. Volunteer

Volunteering is one of the best activities you can do with your time. 

Besides providing you with a sense of purpose and community, Indeed says volunteering can help you:

• Learn valuable skills
• Work on your people skills
• Improve your self esteem

However, the best part of volunteering is making someone’s life better. 

Curious about where you can volunteer? You can:

• Ask your friends, social media audience or family for existing opportunities
• Call your local library, soup kitchen, shelter and any other organization who serves people
• Call up your alma mater and find out how you can help them out

8. Become Financially Literate

Becoming financially literate can definitely help you improve your life. 

Being financially literate means you have the knowledge and the ability to budget, invest and other personal finance activities. 

Financial literacy can be the difference between creating generational wealth and leaving debt behind. 

There are a number of ways you can become financially literate such as:

• Getting a financial advisor
• Talking to your bank representatives
• Read finance books. We recommend Get Good With Money by Tiffany Aliche and We Should All be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers. 
• Listen to finance podcasts 
• Read finance blogs

Even though we’re not a finance blog, we do believe in learning from each other. Here are some of our blogs about personal finance we think you’d like to read:

• 15 Money Tips for Women Entrepreneurs to Secure the Bag
• 7 Ways to Become a Millionaire: National Be a Millionaire Day
• “The Worst Financial Advice I’ve Ever Received Is….”
• ‘The Best Financial Advice I’ve Ever Received Is..’|Financial Literacy Month

9. Find a Hobby

A hobby is a great way to take care of yourself. 

According to Head to Health, “people with hobbies are less likely to suffer from stress, low mood, and depression”. 

Having a hobby also gives you something other than working to look forward to. You can make great friends along the way or create something you’re really proud of. 

Whether your hobbies are solitary or in a group, you can reap many benefits. Not sure what kind of hobby to pick up? Well, it really depends on what you like to do, but here are some suggestions:

• Swimming 
• Bird watching
• Writing
• Reading
• Wine tasting
• Gardening
• Baking
• Learning a new language
• Blogging
• Sewing
• Knitting

The list is endless. 

10. Secure a Mentor 

If you talk to any successful business owner, they will tell you they had a mentor. We believe in the power of mentorship and encourages everyone to find a mentor. 

Not sure where to look? We recommend trying SCORE and looking for members in your own community that you want to be mentored by. Remember, you can have more than on mentor. In addition to that, don’t be afraid to follow business owners you want to emulate on their socials or join their membership communities. You can get some mentorship that way.  

11. Ask For Help

Asking for help is an underrated skill and a great way to celebrate self improvement month. Having a community is essential, whether in your career or your personal life.

Finding your support system, reaching out for help and also providing support will improve your life. 

As a matter of fact, Chartwell says, “Belonging to a supportive, caring community has a positive impact on an individual’s overall health through good times and adversity,* whether it be a neighbourhood, cultural or faith community, or a retirement residence”

So as you can see, you can find community just about anywhere. Use this month to find your community, and don’t forget to join ours!

Conclusion

Self-improvement is ongoing, so don’t feel bad if you couldn’t knock out all of your self-improvement goals this month. Never be afraid to bet on yourself and invest in yourself; we hope you continue doing that this month and beyond.