With the COVID-19 situation, many people find themselves spending a lot more time at home. Even when lockdown measures are dropped, a lot of people may not feel comfortable going outside and may continue working from home. As the second wave of infection is expected, it’s very likely that many will be spending a lot more time indoors. While this is a stressful situation, it can also provide some opportunities for personal and professional development. Let’s look at a few tips to make the most of the situation.
Set Realistic Goals
The first step is to be realistic. It can be tempting to think that this is the time to finish all those online courses or finally learn a new language. But it’s not realistic to fit all our goals into this time or to expect to master a new area or skill. The most common mistake people make in the process of self-improvement is trying to do too much. Rather, try to identify a realistic timeline and set a goal that brings you closer to your long-term objectives. A good tip is to focus on a single goal at a time and devote yourself to it.
Choose Something That Motivates You
Year after year, many people choose weight loss as their goal, but not all people are motivated by this. Since it seems everyone else has this goal, many choose to make the same goal. They also may choose it because it seems like the right thing to do. That means that they also set themselves up for failure by choosing an objective that doesn’t inspire them. Look for goals that make you feel enthusiastic, excited, curious, or engaged.
Practice Self-Compassion
We often approach personal development from a rigid position: we have to, we must. We chastise ourselves for failing and are harsh in regards to our goals because we feel that this will make it easier for us to accomplish what we want.
What does it mean to be self-compassionate?
- Avoid harsh critique and labels (e.g., lazy, incapable, incompetent, etc.).
- Note your mistakes but don’t focus on them.
- Accept that you won’t always be able to do your best or put the most effort in. That is a part of the process, and accepting it can help you make more progress. Many people stop working on their skills when they hit a snag or miss a day. They get angry or ashamed and drop the effort altogether. Self-compassion is the way to avoid this situation and keep a steady pace towards your goal.