3 Small Things I Did Yesterday To Improve Myself

The journey of self-improvement never ends.

If I’m being completely honest, I thought it would.

When I first started getting into reading self-help books, and learning about how to become the best version of myself, I genuinely thought that at one point, I’d just wake up — as the best version of myself.

I wouldn’t have to upkeep it. I’d just always be good — I’d automatically get up and go to the gym, drink plenty of water, eat healthy food, read educational books, always feel inspired, motivated, driven — etc.

I couldn’t have been more wrong, and over the last few months I realized just how wrong I was, because self-improvement is a never-ending journey.

You’re on a never-ending trip of self-exploration, and you’re constantly working — on yourself.

Since we’re now almost 7 months into 2023, I decided now is the time to jump back into the swing of things.

It’s time to get my shit together, and understand that my life is what I make of it, and I have to consistently put in effort into being a better me, in order to achieve my dream life.

So this is the start of a new series, where I’ll share daily things I do to become the best possible version of myself. Hopefully, you find it a little inspirational, and if not, at least I’ll have something to hold me accountable.

Today is June 22nd, 2023 — and here are 3 things I did yesterday to improve.

I pushed through my workout despite being in an argument with my bf.

Woah, personal. lol.

I workout almost every morning like clockwork. I have this fear that if I skip a workout, I’ll wake up 10,000 lbs heavier.

No matter what happens, I always get my workout done. I can be grumpy, tired, hungover, you name it, I’ll still do it.

But, yesterday was a bit different because my bf and I were arguing, and it was a rather stressful argument. I felt like crying and screaming at the same time.

All I wanted was to get the hell out of that gym, walk down to the beach, and drown. Just kidding, but I genuinely did feel like crap. The idea of doing deadlifts while rehashing our relationship issues over text felt ludicrous.

On top of that, I had a short amount of time to get everything done within my program, and I had to do cardio before an early work meeting. Every piece of equipment that I needed was taken, one of my earbuds was dead and I was fuming.

You might be thinking, “it’s just one workout, big deal.. go home if you feel so shitty.”

But to me, it was more than that. Would I allow something as minuscule as a fight with my partner hinder me from doing the one thing I do every single day to improve both mentally and physically?

Would I allow the fact that my headphones were dying prevent me from continuing? Would I throw a fit because the gym I go to was too busy?

I felt like I was being tested in that moment. I could either succumb to the crap situation I was in, or push through and complete my workout.

I knew I’d feel better if I picked the latter option, but I also knew that if I skipped my gym session and just went home, then I could talk to my bf face to face and maybe things would be better, although, I’d still be in a crappy mood for skipping the workout.

Moral of the story, I turned my phone off and finished my workout. No music, no texting, just me, myself, and the squat rack.

Not going to lie, I felt great after. My bf and I made up later that evening over dinner. It all turned out okay.

I spent quality time with myself.

I used to be alone… a lot.

I’m a huge introvert, I don’t have many friends, and “getting together” with people is often a hassle for me. I believe it’s mainly because I haven’t found the right people to “get together” with yet, but who knows.

I’m in my 20s, can you still make friends in your 20s if your only hobbies consist of going to the gym, reading, and going out to eat?

Any who — yesterday, after I was done with my work day, I decided to take myself on an adventure to the beach.

I packed a bag with a beach blanket, and a new book I’m reading, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer. So far, so good.

Maybe it was because my bf and I were still arguing, maybe it was because he was working and I had time, regardless, for the first time in a long time — I went somewhere completely alone, and spent time with myself.

I even turned my phone off (after taking a picture of my book and the ocean of course).

I love love love spending time with my guy, but sometimes I forget that despite being overly critical of myself, I do like my own company, and sometimes you just need to allow yourself to be in your own space and you need to allow the person your with to be in their own space — so the two of you can come back together with a refreshed and clear mind.

I want to do this regularly. I dressed up cute, wore a dress, and put on my black aviator sunglasses that I’m convinced make me look mysterious. At the beach, the sun was brilliant, the weather was warm, the waves were loud.

I read for a little over an hour and then walked back home. I felt so good.

I prioritized my health — despite wanting nothing but cookies and sweets.

Look, when I’m feeling glum and stressed, which I was cause I was arguing with my man, I want nothing but sugar.

I’ve also been feeling extremely moody this week (which results in a lot of cravings), despite nearing my ovulation phase, which, normally is a really good and happy time for me.

So instead of going to my favorite coffee shop to drown my sorrows in pastries or devouring my chocolate stash, I made my way over to the farmers market and stocked up on berries, peaches, and apricots.

I came home, made a yogurt bowl loaded with the fruit, added raw honey, and made a hot mug of ashwaganda tea, which helps with stress.

Throughout the entire day, I focused on taking care of my body — stress is a disease, and it can cause so many issues on a metabolic level. And if you’re someone who is constantly stressed, like I typically am, then it’s imperative you go the extra mile to take care of yourself.

I did a 10-minute stretching routine in my living room in-between meetings, stayed hydrated all throughout the day, sat on my balcony once the sun came out to soak up that vitamin D, and before bed — I spent a few extra minutes on my skin and used a face mask.