I don’t know how many self-improvement jokes there are out there, but here’s one that is not only funny, but it’s also relevant. [My apologies if you’ve already heard it!]
QUESTION: How many psychologists does it take to unscrew a lightbulb?
ANSWER: Only one, but the lightbulb has to really want to change.
As is the case with a lot of jokes, there is a grain of truth in the punchline.
Admittedly, change can be a difficult thing to accomplish, which is why the majority of New Year’s resolutions fall by the wayside after a few weeks. Changing a behavior or a self-defeating thought pattern requires persistence, mental focus, and at least a little bit of faith. The faith is necessary because you’re trying to get yourself to believe in an outcome that hasn’t happened yet.
One of the best lines in the holiday movie “Miracle on 34th Street” speaks directly to that vital element:
“Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to.”
When you combine the feeling of faith with a strong desire to improve yourself or achieve a goal, then you’ve created the vehicle for getting just about anywhere you want to go in life. If you’re interested in learning more about what it takes to achieve goals and improve your standard of living, one of the best books to read and then reread is Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. It’s one of the most enduring classics from the past four generations that is really worth studying.
Taking the Path of Self Improvement
While some people might think that the world should accept them exactly as they are, there’s a lot to be said for improving yourself and becoming the best version of yourself that you can be. Although there are probably dozens of definitions and interpretations of the words “self improvement,” it all boils down to developing your potential in every important area of your life — from your annual income to the quality of your relationships. While not everyone needs to “Think and Grow Rich” to be happy and fulfilled, wealth does not necessarily have to be measured in dollars and sense. If your basic needs are met and you have a positive attitude about your ability to attract the people and conditions you desire, then you’re probably already on a trajectory to success.
A powerful way to advance in the direction of your desired lifestyle is to challenge yourself to devote the next 12 months to achieving your most important personal goals. You’re not necessarily going to get it all done in that period of time, but you’ll experience significant progress by focusing on what you want and taking consistent, deliberate action toward the attainment of those goals.
Good luck… and get started NOW!
Thoughts that Work 