Areas to work on to improve oneself

Have had a bit of free time lately. Outside of career I have been attempting a broader effort to make myself a more well rounded person. I realized I was probably hyper fixating at the expense of many other areas in my life. These are just areas I've identified, I am not a master in any of these lol.

First the obvious stuff:

  • Physical fitness (flexibility, cardio, strength). Progressively lifting heavier or more reps, pushing harder on the cardio front, etc; good diet is part of this as well for me; improve skin, enough protein is essential for muscle, etc.
  • Fashion (in office and outside work); ability to dress for any occasion, having a haircut that suits you that you maintain
  • Healthy skin / being well groomed, etc.
  • Go to the doctor; supplement on stuff that you're lacking in; has made a surprising difference in how I feel which makes sense

Broader areas, just in random order:

  • Creativity / hobby (some outlet; sport, music, cooking, anything)
  • Being a good host; be generous. If you have people over have enough food and drinks without thinking twice. Pay the bill sometimes, etc.
  • Be sharp. Pick up on subtle social cues. Keep up to date with world news. Watch some movies, read some books, have things to talk about that teach you more about the world.
  • Travel a bit; don't just go to only party and try to get laid; see how people live and operate day to day and learn from them
  • Low anxiety; anxiety is obvious and you can smell it on people. Hard when you work a tough job though. More sleep can help with this and some supplements
  • Having some balls; like if you don't like what you're doing / where you are, having the ability to pull yourself up and pivot in another direction if you want. Easy when younger
  • Communication skills (verbal and written; not just at work, in your personal life too)
  • Low ego / high confidence; for me largely comes from experience + learning to prioritize your own values over what others think. Lol I hear from friends that trying shrooms might help with this.
  • Good storytelling ability + public speaking
  • Strong virtues / pillars; integrity, not over indulging in any vice, calmness; have been trying to read more stoic philosophy (Marcus Auerlius), Ben Franklin's 13 virtues, etc.  
  • Strong and healthy relationship with family / friends
  • Not being patronizing + have a willingness to help others
  • General happiness / ability to take joy in small events; I need to work on this, I can be very serious and lost in thought, I realize finding joy in small beautiful moments in life is a big strength some folks have
  • Ability to flirt / be an interesting person and work towards finding a partner
  • Prob not being overly promiscuous; honestly I think this is an area especially in America that is ignored but having a lot of partners isn't a desirable trait; having ability to have some deeper connection should be valuable.
  • Don't pretend to know stuff you don't. Don't pretend to be richer than you are. Be who you are proudly and work on improving yourself.
  • Don't drink too much and make a fool of yourself in broader society. Avoid doing stuff when you drink that you regret after by just limiting the amount you consume.  
  • Working on your soul - having some connection to a greater force; religious or otherwise

Other Areas I have no experience with

  • Volunteering / community service; tbh have never tried but I can see why it could be fulfilling to do stuff with no expectation of a return
  • Ability to handle and contemplate loss or negative news gracefully

I've been journaling as well, nothing too serious I just have a notebook and take 30 mins some weekends to write down where I am at and what I have been doing / need to be doing to figure out my direction and address anything that seems worth addressing.

I have a desire to 'level up' and working on the above areas one at a time seems to be a good path to work towards that goal. Any other areas that you guys can think of that one can really invest in to just become a better person?

5 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are additional areas and insights to consider for self-improvement and becoming a well-rounded individual:

1. Time Management and Productivity

  • Skill Development: Read books like Eat That Frog to master time management and prioritize effectively.
  • Cutting Waste: Identify areas where you waste time (e.g., excessive social media or TV) and redirect that time toward meaningful activities like learning or personal growth.

2. Emotional Mastery

  • Managing Emotions: Develop healthy outlets for stress, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies. This helps prevent emotions from driving decision-making.
  • Low Anxiety: Focus on sleep, supplements, and mindfulness practices to reduce anxiety and maintain composure in high-pressure situations.

3. Networking and Relationships

  • Building Connections: Invest time in developing relationships at work and in your personal life. Grab coffees, attend events, and build rapport with peers and mentors.
  • Being a Good Host: As you mentioned, generosity and thoughtfulness when hosting or socializing can strengthen bonds.

4. Soft Skills and Communication

  • Public Speaking: Practice storytelling and public speaking to improve your ability to engage and inspire others.
  • Written Communication: Hone your writing skills for both professional and personal contexts.

5. Self-Reflection and Goal Setting

  • Journaling: Continue your journaling practice to reflect on your progress, set goals, and course-correct as needed.
  • Review and Reflect: Regularly evaluate what’s important to you and adjust your habits to align with your goals.

6. Cultural and Intellectual Growth

  • Travel with Purpose: Immerse yourself in different cultures to gain new perspectives and learn from how others live.
  • Continuous Learning: Read books, watch documentaries, and stay informed about world events to broaden your understanding of the world.

7. Virtues and Values

  • Integrity and Stoicism: Continue exploring stoic philosophy and other frameworks that help you build strong personal virtues.
  • Balance: Avoid overindulgence in vices and strive for moderation in all aspects of life.

8. Health and Fitness

  • Holistic Health: Beyond physical fitness, focus on mental and emotional well-being. This includes therapy, mindfulness, or exploring spirituality.
  • Diet and Grooming: Maintain a balanced diet, proper grooming, and a skincare routine to feel and look your best.

9. Community and Giving Back

  • Volunteering: Engage in community service or charitable activities to contribute to society and gain fulfillment from helping others.

10. Resilience and Adaptability

  • Handling Loss: Develop the ability to process and navigate negative news or loss gracefully.
  • Pivoting: Cultivate the courage to change directions in life or career when necessary.

11. Happiness and Joy

  • Appreciate Small Moments: Practice gratitude and find joy in everyday experiences to cultivate a positive outlook.
  • Sense of Humor: Use humor to navigate tough times and connect with others.

12. Romantic and Social Skills

  • Flirting and Connection: Work on being an interesting and engaging person to build deeper connections with potential partners.
  • Authenticity: Be genuine and avoid pretending to be someone you’re not.

13. Spiritual and Soulful Growth

  • Connection to a Greater Force: Explore spirituality or religion to find meaning and purpose in life.

14. Leadership and Influence

  • Soft Skills for Leadership: Develop skills like influence, emotional intelligence, and the ability to inspire others. These are crucial as you grow in your career and personal life.

By focusing on these areas, you can continue to "level up" and become a more well-rounded, fulfilled individual. Keep building on your current efforts, and remember that self-improvement is a lifelong journey!

Sources: Selfish Ask for Help in Situation, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/then-and-now-compbanker?customgpt=1, Developing the "It Factor" as You Progress in Career - What Puts High Performers on Another Level?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/finding-meaning-in-life?customgpt=1, Selfish Ask for Help in Situation

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