Alfie Lawson (he/him/his), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer
This article was composed with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
We all have improvements we want to make—things in our lives we would like to work on. But like any advice you can ask the internet or ChatGPT for, the answer to what the best method to self-improvement is remains a well-debated topic. How, then, do we decide which change is likely to matter most?
Setting objectives, making a long-term life plan, exercising more, creating a short-term plan and getting more sleep are all popular suggestions. They are certainly good ones, and I’ll be sure to return to them. The reality, however, is that none of these ideas offer a universal answer that works equally well for everyone. Perhaps that’s because the most important improvement isn’t a specific habit at all, but the mindset we approach change with.
I think the concept of sonder—the feeling that strangers have lives as complex and storied as your own—is relevant here. Aside from being a neat idea, it highlights something important: we rarely see the full picture of anyone’s life except our own. Because of this, offering universal solutions for self-improvement is far from straightforward.
For example, goal-setting might completely change how you see the world. For me, however, some deadlines—especially those that are difficult to plan for—can add unnecessary pressure. My goal for this blog, therefore, is to move beyond one-size-fits-all advice and find something more broadly helpful.
So where does that leave us?
Let’s start with the basics. Many articles online recommend better sleep and more exercise, and for good reason. Planning and goal-setting are abstract and deeply personal, whereas sleep and exercise are non-negotiable—we all need them in some form. Prioritising these basics can have a noticeable impact on mental wellbeing, making it easier to feel more positive and to approach other changes with clarity.
This is where goal-setting and the dreaded five-year plan can begin to play a role. Having objectives to work toward, along with a realistic path to achieve them, can be effective for self-improvement. But if goals are unrealistic or too rigid, missing them can feel like failure rather than progress. Holding yourself accountable is admirable; punishing yourself for aiming too high, too quickly is not.
Ultimately, improving your life is a difficult thing to undertake. It requires bravery, honesty and a willingness to reflect objectively on what isn’t working. It’s a long road and I’ve found myself at the beginning of it several times—whether settling into a new job, questioning a career path or adjusting to life in a new city. When something feels off, the challenge is not just knowing what to change, but how to approach that change.
That’s why the most important improvement you can make, in my view, is to embrace acceptance. By this, I don’t mean resignation or complacency. I mean being honest about the parts of your life you’re unhappy with, while remaining patient enough to understand that growth does not happen overnight.
This mindset creates a healthier foundation for improvement. If you struggle to get out of bed in the morning, a positive first objective might be something small, like sleeping in less. The same applies to exercise or making time for a hobby you’ve been neglecting. Accepting that progress is slow and rarely linear allows you to start small, without feeling discouraged.
Simple habits—getting enough sleep, moving your body regularly, spending time outdoors—can quietly lift your mood and make larger changes feel more manageable. Personally, I like walking to clear my head. I use it as an opportunity to unplug from my phone and give myself space to think. Self-improvement doesn’t have to be complicated; it has to be sustainable.
Once the basics feel covered and you want to pursue more specific changes—getting a new job, moving house and so on—communication becomes key. It’s easier to be ambitious when we talk openly about our ambitions. Reaching out to friends, family or people who understand what you’re trying to achieve can make the next stage of progress feel far less daunting.
Above all, remember that wanting to improve your life is an act of courage. It’s something to be proud of—an adventure of your own making. Like most things in life, it will have its highs and lows. Start small, take your time and build from there. Acceptance isn’t the end goal; it’s the place you begin.
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