Wednesday October 23, 2019           By: Alexandra Kinias

“You” are your most valuable asset. It is equally important to invest in your personal growth as you invested in your professional one. Your mind and body can accomplish more than what you think you can. And there is no limit to that. Be curious to learn, to grow, to excel and to improve in multi-dimensions; spiritually, physically and intellectually. Here are some ideas for you to help you achieve that:

1- Learn a new language: Languages are the windows that bring you in contact with other cultures and broaden your understanding of the world around you. Learning a new language also improves your mental power, improves your memory and is always a bonus when applying for a new job.

2- Improve your health: Your body is the home where you will live for the rest of your life, and it is worth spending time and money maintaining it than maintaining your car.  Caring for your body is an everyday endeavor. It is important not to abuse it and give it rest it when it needs to. You can also improve your overall health by following these simple steps:

• Stop smoking
• Exercise
• Eat healthy
• Meditate

3- Develop your skills: Attend conferences, seminars, workshops and listen to motivational speakers. Watch TED videos and listen to the speakers and what motivates them. It is free knowledge offered by the organizers of this global community to inspire people to learn and grow. Take advantage of what they offer. Check their website www.ted.com

4- Nurture your mind: Reading is your passport to the world.  Reading widens your horizons, expands your knowledge and updates you with the global events. It improves your language skills, broadens your vocabulary, organizes your thoughts and boosts your communication skills.

5- Acquire new experiences: Do something that challenges you that you wouldn’t normally do. New experiences build your confidence and polish your character.

• Be curious to learn
• Volunteer in community and not-for-profit projects
• Become an apprentice and learn more about different business skills
• Engage in intellectual discussions with people who add value to your life

6- Enrich your knowledge: Learn something new every day to expand your mind and to keep it active:

• A new word
• The capital of a country
• Some new general information about something that interests you

7- Learn a new hobby: Learning a new hobby or developing an abandoned one can bring you joy and fulfilment. Common hobbies bond people together. Acquiring or polishing your creative skills can also help you professionally, directly or indirectly. Not to mention that many successful businesses started as a hobby. Invest your time to develop your creative skills. Here are some creative ideas you can explore:

• Making jewelry
• Photography
• Cooking
• Painting class
• Learn to play a musical instrument
• Join a choir
• Dancing class
• Play tennis
• Pottery
• Fashion design

8– Improve your behavioral skills: Buy a book about etiquette and learn how to apply it to your everyday life. Etiquette is not just about what fork or spoon to use in a restaurant. It is about learning the art of social interactions. It teaches you how to behave and talk in various social situations with ease and grace. Being comfortable and at ease around people increases your confidence, which in return enhances your image, improves your self-esteem and contributes to your social and professional success.

9- Become cultured: Expand your knowledge beyond your cultural realms. Refine your artistic taste and develop an interest and appreciation of art.

• Attend concerts and performances and widen your musical knowledge.
• Watch movies from around the word.
• Write short stories, articles or poetry.
• Listen to classical music and learn about the masters of classical music.
• Read the classics and broaden your literary knowledge
• Visit museums and art galleries and learn about famous artists and paintings.

Investing in yourself will reward you with immediate gains and improves the quality of your life. What you accomplish today will also play a major role in your future success, both on personal and professional levels.

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