“Be all you can be.” This themeline changed the US Army’s recruitment efforts and remained its mantra for over 20-years. It’s chiseled on the headstone of a General in Arlington. And although I often see myself as somewhat contented with my life the way things are it gives me pause to reflect.
As with anyone, I aspire for something deeper and more meaningful. And it takes more work than luck.
We are all pelted with day-to-day challenges, at work and at home, however these should not hinder us from becoming what we ought to be. Aspirations as kids should continue to live within us, even though some may be short-lived or others as long as we can hold on to until we can realize the dream.
10 Questions To Ask Yourself:
1. What do I really want?
The question of the ages. So many things you want to do with your life and so little time to even go about during the day.
Find something that you are good at can help realize that small step towards improvement. Diligence is the key to know that it is worth it.
2. Should I really change?
Today’s generation has taken another level of redefining ‘self’, or at least that’s what the kids are saying. Having gone through teenage sons, nieces and nephews has taught me that there are far worse things that they could have had than acne or maybe even promiscuity. So how does that fit into your lifestyle?
If history has taught us one thing, it’s the life that we have gone through. Partying Seventies style is called “retro” and actually appeals to a number of the younger generation. Dancing is part of partying. Watch the “kids” applaud after showing them how to really dance rather than break their bones in break-dancing.
3. What’s the bright side in all of this?
With so much is happening around us there seem to be no room for even considering that light at the end of the tunnel. We can still see it as something positive without undergoing so much scrutiny. And if it’s a train at the end of the tunnel, take it for a ride and see what makes the world go round!
4. Am I comfortable with what I’m doing?
There’s always the easy way and the right way when it comes to deciding what goes with which shoes, or purse, shirt and whatnot. It doesn’t take a genius to see yourself as someone unique, or else we’ll all be carbon-copies, equally the same in everything we do. Variety brings in very interesting and exciting questions to be experimented.
5. Have I done enough for myself?
Have you, or is there something more you want to do? Discontentment in every aspect can be dangerous in large doses, but in small amounts it will be the motivator to help you be able to see and do the things you could never imagine doing.
6. Am I happy at where I am today?
It’s an unfair question so let it be an answer! If you love being a good and loving mom or dad to your kids, then take it up a notch! Your kids will love you forever. The same goes with everyday life!
7. Am I appealing to the opposite sex?
So maybe I don’t have an answer to that, but that doesn’t mean I can’t try it, though. Whether you shape-up, change the way you wear your clothes or hair, or even your attitude towards people, you should always remember it will always be for your own benefit.
8. How much could I have?
Ah, the Million Dollar Question!!! I suppose in this case there is no such things on having things too much or too little, but it’s more on how badly you really need it. I’d like to have more money to be able to travel the world, no denying that, but the question is that how much are you willing to work for it – and for how long?
9. What motivates me?
What motivates you? It’s an answer you have to find out for yourself. There are so many things that can make everyone happy, but to choose one of the may be the hardest part. It’s not like you must have only one serving of your favorite food in a buffet and that’s it. Just try different pieces as you go along in reasonable proportion. Remember it would be very boring to have nothing but meat and potatoes every evening and not be able to sample the world’s cuisine!
10. What Really Makes You Tick?
You can be just about anything you always wanted to be, but to realize that attaining something that may seem very difficult and not trying is already giving up before you even start that journey. Always remember, that self-improvement is not just about the physical or philosophical change you have to undergo, but it’s something that you really want.
Keep this in mind:
“When the archer misses the mark, he turns and looks for the fault within himself. Failure to hit the bull’s eye is never the fault of the target. To improve your aim, improve yourself.”
Gilbert Arland, Writer