My Home Vitality
January is the month when New Year resolutions are set and very often broken.
There is not one single reason why they are broken, but for many, finance plays a part.
Setting out to improve oneself can be expensive but it needn’t be as there are many ways to learn and develop without spending a fortune.
Here are a few easy ways you can learn and develop at home, without hammering your bank balance.
Create A Library
Albert Einstein once said: “The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.”
Why not bring the library to you? If you have a good library in your home, then you will learn so much more without any extra effort. Dipping into a good book just becomes natural if you are surrounded by them.
Books are not expensive (for the most part!) and they are superb personal development tools.
When in doubt, go to the library.
This quote applies as much to real life as it does to the world of wizards, so set-up your own personal development library and reap the rewards.
Embrace Multimedia
Mobile Apps
Of course, books aren’t the only way to learn these days. There are hundreds of smartphone applications that can help you learn languages (Babbel), stay fit (Under Armour – My Fitness Pal) and become mindful (Headspace).
This is great news for all you folks who aren’t avid readers, as there are different options that can help you learn and develop within your home at a low cost.
TV and Streaming
If you’d prefer a little less interaction with your phone, then why not watch an excellent documentary? There are dozens of intriguing and enlightening factual films on all of the streaming services.
Here are just a few on Netflix that we would recommend:
Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond – If you’re interest lies in art and the sacrifices that it takes to make an artistic statement, this one could be for you.
One of Us – This is a fantastic watch for anyone who has an interest in the world of sociology.
Into the Inferno – If you have an interest in the changing world around you, then this could be the documentary for you.
Podcasts
If you want to learn and develop on the go, podcasts offer a perfect solution.
Check out The Black Country Buddhas podcast, courtesy of My Home Vitality.
Online Video
There’s also a myriad of videos available online to learn from. If you don’t know how to do something, the answer s always to YouTube it!
We have our very own YouTube channel, including videos such as this one on how to change your mental state:
Focus On Your Passion And Include Those Around You
Legendary music producer, A.R. Rahmen once said: “Success comes to those who dedicate everything to their passion in life” and this quote couldn’t be truer.
If you’re looking for a great way to develop this New Year, then we would recommend focusing on what you really care about and pouring all of your energy into improving that.
Whether that be your work situation, your education, your personal life or your fitness and health; hard work is easier when you really care about every facet of the results.
If you can get the people you live with on-board, then all the better because a home that strives for the same goals, is a home that achieves those goals!
If you have a strong purpose in life, you don’t have to be pushed. Your passion will drive you there.
It’s true; if you find your passion, development and learning will become an enjoyable hobby, rather than a chore.
Review Your Home And Remove Distractions
There are 365 days in a year and every one of them represents an opportunity for you to change something in your life for the better.
By transforming your home into a place that facilitates your dreams, rather than hampers them, you can take advantage of each one of these opportunities.
Small homely changes, such as laying your running shoes by the front door, keeping your work desk constantly tidy or keeping your guitar by your favourite chair makes it easier for you to develop along your transformational journey.
Remove any distractions or barriers to development that you may find in your home; for instance, if you feel as though you are overdoing it with the video games, then put the console in the cupboard, or if you are struggling to eat healthy, then stop buying the cakes!
When trying to learn or improve, it’s essential that you have a home that encourages it, not hinders it!
Immerse Your Home In Change
American entrepreneur, Garry Varnerchuk, once said that the quickest way to self-improvement is by asking those closest to you for honest feedback.
We’d wager a bet that for many of you, that feedback would entail a comment like this: “They are good at starting goals, but rarely reach them.”
That is because with many people, consistency is a problem. It is difficult for most people to maintain the ambition and optimism that is there when they first set out to make a change.
One way to change that is is to create consistency, discipline and commitment in the home rather than relying on willpower and motivation. For instance, if you want to become more mindful, then be accountable to meditating each day with someone you live with, or commit an area in your home dedicated to that activity.
If your goal is to learn a new language, dedicate your whole house to learning that language – literature, posters, stick labels, the works!
Small changes in your home that immerse you in an atmosphere where learning and development is encouraged will make a big impact on your progress.
Practice Makes Perfect
Remember, practice makes perfect and a good habit is just as addictive as a bad one. So, take action – turn your home into a development hub and learn that language, read that book or start that business.
Whatever your aim is, just go for it – this could be your best year yet!
For more related articles why not follow the links below and explore more of My Home Vitality.
