Put down the self improvement books, you’re good enough already.
Are you a lover or a hater of self improvement books?
Some people roll their eyes at self improvement books and think they are at best a silly waste of time.
Others live by them, eagerly waiting for the opportunity to share them with others. Maybe a little too eagerly.
I admit that I have read a fair number of self improvement books over the years.
Hopefully I haven’t fueled any cliched stereotypes for the self improvement cynics out there.
Look, most of these books are well meaning. They can help people learn, overcome, grow, heal, or improve. Those are noble aims.
But there is a problem with them.
Frequently and eagerly reading them can lead you down the path of believing that something about you just isn’t good enough.
After all, even the term self improvement implies that you aren’t good enough.
I’m an optimist, and I firmly believe that continued growth is crucial for a rich life.
Heck, most of my posts here fall into the self improvement category.
There is a fine line to walk though.
If you’re reading a lot of self improvement books, and you still feel like you just don’t measure up, take a break from them.
Step back and love and accept yourself as you are. Remind yourself that you are good enough right now.
Take a break and just enjoy your life instead of trying to make it “better”.
When you do read a self improvement book, do it with the intention of learning something new, or exercising an area you want to get stronger.
Maybe it feels hard to accept that you’re good enough right now. I felt that way for a long time.
Do you have a dog? Try for a moment to see yourself the way your dog sees you.
Your dog thinks you are perfect right now.
I’m not giving anyone a pass to behave badly or to be hurtful to themselves or to others, but it is okay to feel good about who you are right now.
Nothing in you is missing or broken. and a little self acceptance can help you see that.
As always, I wish you all the best!
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Visit me at www.christinebradstreet.com
Originally published at medium.com