The culture of constant learning and self-improvement also has its darker side. At certain points, self-development may cease to have a positive impact and instead become toxic. What exactly is toxic self-improvement, how can it be recognised, and how can it be avoided?
Defining toxic self-improvement
As INC.com states, self-improvement should move us forward, enhance our competencies, and strengthen our confidence. However, if our ambitions become excessive, if we are too hard on ourselves, and our progress is slower or of lower quality than we originally expected, we begin to doubt ourselves. We experience stress and end up feeling worse than before we began our self-improvement journey. Moreover, we are constantly bombarded with messages about the importance of learning and what others have achieved through self-development. Such messages only deepen our sense of inadequacy.
How to recognise your self-development has become toxic – and how to change it
- Self-development no longer brings you joy. The first and most important sign is that your self-improvement plan feels like an obligation. You no longer enjoy it. Try adjusting your plan so that it is less ambitious and focus more on the activities that genuinely fulfil and stimulate you.
- You often procrastinate instead of learning. Do you have to force yourself to engage in self-development? And when you finally start, do you find yourself procrastinating and being inefficient? The problem may lie in how your plan is structured. Try integrating smaller, manageable learning activities into your daily routine so that self-development naturally fits into your everyday rhythm.
- You devote yourself to self-improvement, but see no results. If you are working hard on your development but with minimal effect, it is time to review your plan and identify what needs to change. Perhaps you have chosen a poor methodology, incorrect source of information, or simply an unsuitable course. Don't stubbornly cling to your original plan; instead, adjust it so that your learning becomes genuinely effective.
- You have no small goals to celebrate along the way. Don't underestimate the importance of minor victories in maintaining motivation. Every self-development plan should include interim milestones which you can achieve and celebrate. If you lack such minor goals and are only struggling towards one major objective, it's no wonder your motivation fades.
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