I found a blog whose principle statement was summarized as follows:
The problem I have with self-improvement, and I mean this from the perspective of the times I have attempted to improve myself – if you feel the need, I applaud your efforts – is that it’s just so self-centred. Self-involved. Self (sorry to say it) ish” (Happysimple.com).
While it is an Interesting perspective for a post, I disagree with the generalization with regard to the field of “Self-improvement”.
In her blog, she mentions doing morning crunches for stronger abs to aid your lower back – self-improvement (i.e. Fitness, Health).
She is advocating slowing down your lifestyle, getting outside your head – self improvement (i.e. relaxation).
Much of the “Self Improvement” movement is comprised of simple suggestions, to techniques, for improving one’s lifestyle (for instance, relaxation), allowing you to focus on what is important to you.
“Self Improvement” is a HUGE category, with many sub-categories. Some of it is applicable to everyone (i.e. how do I relax in the midst of an economic crisis) while othera are more self-serving, self-indulgent and/or selfish (i.e. I want a tighter butt to attract the opposite sex).
Weight reduction – is it self-indulgent or self-improvement? Depends on the motivation behind it. Is it for vanity or health?
Don’t ignore “Self-Improvement” as a category. Ignore the aspects which don’t interest you or which don’t apply to your lifestyle or current situation.
Take advantage, however, of what aspects might, or will, benefit you.
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27 Aug 09 1:12 am
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27 Aug 09 11:38 am
I don’t like to call it “self-improvement,” I call it “self-growth.” You stated one should “take advantage of what aspsects might , or will, benefit you.” I like to maintain, however, that self-growth is more than selfish, in even a further reaching way than you do. If we improve ourselves — allow ourselves to grow — mentally, physically, spiritually, etc we effect the world in so many ways for the good. Not only do we improve ourselves, but we improve others and the world. If I could use your relaxation example — if a mom, for example, were to learn relaxation, she would perhaps no longer scream at her children, if she were prone to that sort of thing. The children would be happier, and grow up more well adjusted. Society would be better for it. Everything we do — good and bad — has a ripple effect. If you eat and exercise well, for example, it doesn’t make you vain, it saves you money at the doctor’s office. It can also lower insurance rates for the common good of all. As I stated, helping yourself is NOT selfish.
krissy knox
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28 Aug 09 4:55 am
[...] Self-Improvement - Beneficial or Selfish? | Integrated Success Program integratedsuccessprogram.com/CreateSuccess/2009/08/26/self-improvement-beneficial-or-selfish – view page – cached Integrated Success Program - Start Creating Your Success Today!, A brief comment motivated by a blog expressing the opinion that self-improvement is self-centred, self-involved and/or selfish. The huge field of Self Improvement has something to offer anyone and, certainly, offers much that may not be of interest. However, everyone is engaging in some form of Self Improvement. — From the page [...]
28 Aug 09 10:45 am
Krissy,
Thanks for your feedback.
I agree wholeheartedly. That was the point of my blog.
Helping yourself does, indeed, help others, as you state. Good point!
Rick
28 Aug 09 2:25 pm
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