Self-Development (32 Quotes)

1.  "Those who seek a better life must first become a better person."
- Jim Rohn

2.  "Let us strive to improve ourselves, for we cannot remain stationary; one either progresses or retrogrades."
- Marie Anne de Vichy

3.  "Personal growth is not a matter of learning new information but of unlearning old limits."
- Alan Cohen

4.  "Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound."
- James Allen

5.  "The key to personal development lies in your daily routine."
- Idowu Koyenikan

6.  "You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight. If you want to reach your goals and fulfill your potential, become intentional about your personal growth. It will change your life."
- Jim Rohn

7.  "Live your life as if you were already the outstanding person that you intend to be sometime in the future."
- Brian Tracy

8.  "There is no limit to self-improvement.  When you ask yourself, 'How can I do better?' sound answers will appear."
- David J. Schwartz (The Magic of Thinking Big)

9.  "Investing in yourself is the best investment you will ever make. It will not only improve your life, it will improve the lives of all those around you."
- Robin Sharma

10.  "If you are under the impression you have already perfected yourself, you will never rise to the heights you are no doubt capable of."
- Kazuo Ishiguro

11.  "Self-knowledge is the beginning of self-improvement.”
- Baltasar Gracian

12.  "First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do."
- Epictetus

13.  "If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten."
- Tony Robbins 

14.  "Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

15.  "Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new."
- Brian Tracy

16.  "Growth and comfort do not coexist."
- Ginni Rometty

17.  "More men have become great through practice than by nature."
- Democritus

18.  "No matter who you are, no matter what you did, no matter where you’ve come from, you can always change, become a better version of yourself."
- Madonna

19.  "If a tree’s strength is judged while it is still a seed, it is mistaken as weak."
- Idowu Koyenikan

20.  "Who you are tomorrow begins with what you do today."
- Tim Fargo

21.  "The best investment you can make is in yourself."
- Warren Buffett

22.  "Set a goal so big that you can't achieve it until you grow into the person who can."
- Zig Ziglar 

23.  "Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune."
- Jim Rohn

24.  "I tell people everywhere I go that my success began the day I started focusing on developing who I am as a person."
- Eric Thomas

25.  "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."
- Benjamin Franklin

26.  "You make the world a better place by making yourself a better person."
- Scott Sorrell

27.  "Let him who would move the world first move himself."
- Socrates

28.  "Small daily improvements over time lead to stunning results."
- Robin Sharma

29.  "He enjoys true leisure who has time to improve his soul's estate."
- Henry David Thoreau

30.  "The self is not something ready-made, but something in continuous formation through choice of action."
- John Dewey

31.  "Human beings cannot remain stagnant - we are either growing or dying.  We are either getting better or getting worse."
- Steve Siebold

32.  "Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

See more quotes by topic here.

Suggested posts:  Your True Self / Authenticity (40 Quotes),

Potential (14 Quotes),

Mindset for Success (13 Beliefs/Thought Patterns)

Finding Your Passion

      BOBL encourages you to build a life full of passion. While some people know exactly what that looks like to them, others aren't quite sure, and some even stress over the idea of "finding their passion." This post is for anyone who would like some insight on the subject.

     Let's start with what your passion isn't: It doesn't have to be just one clear-cut thing; maybe you thrive by doing a little bit of everything. It doesn't have to be lifelong; it can be ever-changing. It doesn't have to be unique, trendy, or impressive.

     Here are some questions to help you decide what to create more of in your life. Your answers will be similar for most of these - I wanted to ask in a few ways since different things resonate with different people. Hopefully some of these will work for you:

     •  If you knew you'd be successful at anything, and you never had to worry about money, time, obligations, judgement, fear, or anything else, what would you do? 

     •  What are you doing when you're at your happiest? What do you get excited about or love to talk about? What makes you feel alive?

     •  What were your childhood dreams? I know you didn't know much of the world at the time, but in turn, you were less conditioned by it - you were just you. What did you love to do? Is there anything you've always been drawn to?

     •  What do you find yourself fully engaged in, causing you to lose track of time? When do you feel the most aligned, like your truest self? What do you feel pulled to? What feels "right"?

     •  How do you want to feel? (e.g., excited, relaxed, free, proud, etc.) What would make you feel that way?

     •  Would your goals be the same if nobody could know about your accomplishments? Would your desires be the same if nobody could find out about them?

     Make sure you're being honest with yourself. It doesn't matter what looks cool on the outside, or what you think should make you happy - it's whatever truly makes you feel the most alive. It doesn't have to sound good to anybody but you.

     If nothing comes to mind for most of these questions, you might need to experience some new things. Perhaps spend some time trying different activities, meeting new people, traveling, and/or learning - get to know more of the world. It's okay if it takes trial and error to discover what you truly love. Nobody comes out of the womb with life all figured out.

Suggested:  Mindset for Success (13 Beliefs/Thought Patterns),

You've Been Programmed: How Your Beliefs Have Created Your Reality

Poem: In All Her Glory

For more A.E.Long poetry, follow @poetryael on instagram.

31 Lessons I Learned By 31

1.  Don't waste time.  Of course, you deserve fun and relaxation.  Just be mindful of how much of your time isn't spent on well-earned rest, doing what you love, or being productive.  You're never getting that time back.

2.   Believing in yourself is actually really important.  You are who you think you are.  If you believe you can't accomplish something, you won't try.


3.   Be mindful of your mindset.  It determines your reality.


4.   Dream bigger.  You don't need luck or some amazing talent to be successful.  It's about having the right mindset, working hard, and staying dedicated.  We set our own limits.


5.   Confidence (not cockiness) is actually a good thing.  I was insecure most of my life.  I never would have admitted it at the time, but I felt threatened by confident people.  I basically saw confidence as a negative trait.  I finally started to feel confident around twenty-nine.

     Now, I love being around confident people.  I realized that people who are truly confident aren't the ones trying to bring other people down.


6.   How a person sees you is a reflection of them.  When somebody is mean or judges you harshly, it's because of something that is going on inside them.  Don't take it personally.

     Similarly, if you feel bothered by something that cannot hurt you (like that girl's makeup) it's probably a reflection of something going on inside you.

     People who are truly happy with themselves don't bother to think negatively about others.  They're busy being happy.  They're not looking for ways to ruin their mood.


7.   Don't worry about what people think.  Everyone is on their own journey, and your journey is not for anyone else to understand. 

     You can't possibly please everyone, so don't try (just be kind).  There will be somebody who doesn't see eye to eye with you no matter what.  Don't stray away from your true self by trying to impress others.


8.   Don't compare yourself to other people.  Another person's beauty or success doesn't take away from yours.

     Don't base your expectations on what you see on social media.  People post the highlights of their lives, but off camera, they go through many of the same struggles you do.  Also remember that people don't always look the way they do in their photos.  They're taken in the most flattering poses and at the best angles, and they're often edited.  They have "bad days" too.


9.   During tough times, instead of asking yourself "Why is this happening to me?", ask yourself what you can learn from the situation.


10.  Be grateful for everything (the blessings and the lessons).


11.  Take responsibility for everything in your life.  Don't look to blame other people.  This gives you the power to change the things you aren't happy about instead of seeing yourself as a victim.

     Don't make excuses.  You can always find an excuse if you want to.  Just know that there are people out there who could have used that same excuse but chose not to.


12.  What we prioritize, we do.


13.  It's not selfish to focus on improving yourself.  The better you are, the better you can help others.


14.  Don't be afraid to try new things.


15.  Your plans might change.  You don't have to have your whole life figured out.  If you're not happy with your current path, you still have plenty of time to change.


16.  It's okay to change.  If you're not living as your truest and best self, you should change.


17.  You learn a lot about yourself in your twenties.  You realize you weren't done maturing at 18 (and you're still not).  Your preferences and priorities might change over time.


18.  Thirty year olds are still learning and growing too.


19.  Don't beat yourself up for your mistakes.  Take what you can learn from it and decide how you can best move forward. 


20.  The five by five rule:  If it won't matter in five years, don't spend more than five minutes worrying about it.  (It's unclear who first said this, but credit goes to them.)


21.  Things that seem devastating at the time usually don't turn out to be as bad as they seem.  Avoid catastrophic thinking.


22.  Not everything needs a reaction.  Being mad doesn't help.  You're not "getting back at someone" by thinking about what they did wrong over and over.  You're only hurting yourself by wasting your own time and energy (that you're never getting back).


23.  Be mindful of your energy.  Avoid things that unnecessarily drain you.  Take time to clear your mind.

     Make your mental health a priority (even if your mental health is great - make sure you keep it that way.)   Set whatever boundaries you need to.


24.  Spending time alone is great.


25.  You don't need to be in a relationship.  Being single can be really amazing.  You don't have to get married or have kids.  (I'm not saying I'll never do those things, but it didn't even occur to me until my mid-twenties that it's an option to live a happy solo life.)


26.  The answer to many of your questions (such as those concerning work vs. rest vs. play, or caring for yourself vs. caring for other people, or living in the moment vs. planning for the future, and more) is often a vague "it's all about that balance".


27.  Money isn't evil, and there's nothing wrong with wanting to earn more of it in a fair and honest way.  The more money you have, the more opportunities you'll have.  You can also help more people and have a greater impact.


28.  Write down your ideas and plans.  Don't assume you'll remember them.


29.  Stop buying so much stuff you don't love.  Don't go overboard with the "might as well, it's only twelve dollars" mentality.  You don't want to end up with a house full of stuff that just makes you feel "okay" when you could have instead bought things you really love.

     Before buying something, ask yourself if the purchase will ultimately help you or hurt you.


30.  Spending the end of your twenties freaking out about turning thirty is worse than actually turning thirty.  Just enjoy every age.


31.  I never thought I'd say this, but there are actually some good things about getting older!  I believe my thirties will be better than my twenties. See my post about that here.

Suggested:  Finding Your Passion,

Why Being Single is Amazing,

You've Been Programmed: How Your Beliefs Have Created Your Reality

8 Choices Successful People Make

      Success is achieved by making the right choices.  Here are 8 things that most people who build their best lives choose to do:

1.   Successful people set specific goals.  They break larger goals into a series of smaller goals, and they come up with a plan to achieve them.  They make it a priority to adhere to this plan.  They keep their goals at the forefront of their minds and often visualize themselves achieving them.

2.   Successful people make sacrifices to reach their goals.  They are willing to pay the price to increase their long-term happiness. They accept that they will have to give up comfort, time, and/or money as part of the process.  Average people tend to sacrifice growth instead.

3.   Successful people use self-discipline.  They do what they need to do whether they feel like it or not.  They persevere when times get tough.  They know that their daily routines will determine their future, so they are dedicated to maintaining habits that will help them reach their goals.

4.   Successful people get out of their comfort zones.  This is essential for growth.  They know that great things often have very uncomfortable beginnings, so they take the leap and push through their discomfort.  The more often they do this, the easier it becomes.

5.   Successful people figure out how to make a living doing what they love.  They follow their passion and they are enthusiastic about what they do.  This increases their energy and helps them build momentum that propels them toward success.

     Successful people often make an income by finding solutions to problems, such as inventing products or providing services.  They get paid for their ideas.

     To achieve financial freedom, many successful people work hard to obtain multiple sources of income.  This often includes both active and passive income.  They live below their means - they do not spend more than they earn. 

6.   Successful people use their time wisely.  They spend much less time watching TV or scrolling through social media than the average person.  This frees up a ton of time that can be put to good use.  Remember, giving up even just one hour of unproductive screen time each day is 365 hours a year that can be put toward building your best life. 

     Successful people often plan their days ahead of time so they can jump right into action instead of wasting time.  (This includes planning time for well-deserved rest, self-care, and fun!)  They like to make use of their down time, such as catching up on e-mails while they wait at the DMV, or listening to podcasts while they commute to work.

   Successful people spend less time doing things they don't want to do (aside from what they plan to do to reach their goals, of course!).  They set boundaries about what they are and are not available for.  They say "no" without feeling guilty.  Successful people delegate tasks that they don't want to do or could be done more efficiently by somebody else, so they have more time to be productive and focus on their passions.

7.   Successful people take action.  They decide to do something and then don't entertain any opposing thoughts.  They get started even if they aren't feeling motivated.  Once they take action, they build up some momentum which causes them to feel motivated.  As they make progress, things that seemed difficult or overwhelming start to seem easier.  Taking action also provides valuable feedback and opportunities to learn, which help to accelerate their growth.

8.   Successful people are aware of how their thoughts determine their future, so they make sure to take control of their mindset.  For more about the mindset needed to succeed, view my blog about that here you haven't already.

Suggested:  31 Lessons I Learned By 31,

Are Your Dreams Worth It?

Mindset for Success (13 Beliefs/Thought Patterns)

     I did some research to learn what it is that makes some people highly successful while others are not.  The good news is that it's usually not through "luck" or natural born talent that people find success.

     The main thing that nearly all successful people have in common - that influences everything they do and every choice they make - is that they have the right mindset.

     Here are 13 beliefs/thought patterns that are common among  people who build their best lives.  (Note that these apply to the vast majority of successful people, but not every single case.)  I will post about all of these things in more detail in the future.

1.   Successful people have a clear vision in mind.  Some people don't end up living their best lives simply because they haven't decided exactly what they want.

     Successful people know how they want to feel and what will make them feel that way.  They decide what their most fulfilling future would look like and they visualize it often.

2.   Successful people dream big.  They aim for the best instead of settling for the good.  Average people tend to cut themselves off from reaching their dreams by believing "big" things are not possible for them.  Successful people know it's not through luck that people find great success but through hard work, dedication, and the right mindset.

3.   Successful people have faith in themselves.  They believe they can be, do, or have anything.  This mindset is what drives them to take steps toward their success that they never would have taken without it.

4.   Successful people operate out of a growth mindset.  They know that their skills can be developed to help them reach their goals, and they are committed to self-improvement.  Successful people are eager to learn.  They seek out advice from experts by reading books, taking coures, attending seminars or workshops, and/or hiring coaches.

5.   Successful people are future-oriented.  They think long term.  They start with the end in mind and always have their eyes on the prize.

     Because of this mindset, it is easy for them to pass up on fulfilling their short-term desires if it will lead to greater happiness in the long run.  Average people often put their day-to-day wants over their long-term goals instead.

6.   Successful people are conscious of how their thoughts create their reality.  They know that their inner world determines their outer world, so they take control of their thoughts and their programmed beliefs.  They are mindful of whether their thoughts are helping them or hurting them.  They learn to reframe negative thoughts into constructive ones.

     Successful people are aware of the power of their subconscious minds.  Therefore, they are very careful about the inner conversations they have with themselves.  They know that when the subconscious mind "hears" something, it goes to work to help make it true - whether it's good or bad.  They make it a point to avoid thoughts that don't align with their goals.

7.   Successful people have personal accountability.  They don't make excuses.  They know they've created their current circumstances.  While many people look to blame others for things they aren't happy with, successful people often like to take 100% responsibility.  They ask themselves what they could have done differently so they know what they can do better in the future.  They don't see themselves as victims.  This mentality leads to more satisfaction and happiness because it gives them a sense of control.

8.   Successful people are self-aware.  They know their true selves - what they love, what they dislike, their values, their strengths, and their weaknesses.  They stay true to their most authentic selves with every choice they make.  Successful people know that they are on their own unique journey that is not meant for anyone else to understand.  They are not concerned with the opinions or expectations of others.

9.   Successful people stay positive.  They focus on the good instead of the bad, what they have instead of what they lack, and what they can do instead of what they can't.  They know that unnecessary, unproductive worry drains energy that could have instead been put toward something they are passionate about.  They find something positive in nearly everything they experience, and they don't dwell on the negatives.

10.   Successful people are grateful for all they have and all they experience.  They are thankful for every person, every thing, and every opportunity that has ever brought them joy or helped them in any way.  This includes having gratitude for events or circumstances that have been less-than-desireable, but have taught valuable lessons or contributed to personal growth.  This mindset provides a boost in mood that helps propel them toward success.  Successful people are also grateful in advance for everything that they know is coming their way.

11.   Successful people are mindful of how valuable their time is.  It is important to them that they make every moment count.  They minimize time spent on meaningless activities so they can have more time to spend on their passions.  They are very conscious of how limited time is so they feel a sense of urgency to make the most out of their lives.

12.   Successful people are mentally tough.  They don't let obstacles deter them from achieving their goals.  While average people tend to view problems as roadblocks, successful people accept that obstacles are a normal part of the process that they will push through.  They focus on finding logical solutions to issues without getting caught up in the emotional aspects.  Overcoming obstacles makes them stronger and prepares them to conquer more in the future.

     Successful people don't let fear stand in their way.  They recognize that fear is just an emotion they will feel at some points throughout their journey and they will move through it.  This gets a bit easier every time they take action in the face of fear.

     Successful people don't let the fear of failure stop them from trying new things.  They know that they must risk failure in order to succeed.  If they fail, they don't quit - they try different things until they figure out what works.  Failure provides valuable feedback.  Successful people view failures and mistakes as learning opportunities.

13.   Successful people believe in doing what's right.  They like to pay it forward.  They operate out of abundance-based mentalities - believing there is more than enough out there for everyone - so they are not concerned with getting anything in return.

     Many successful people were raised to have more limited mindsets and had to learn how to shift their thinking in order to succeed.  They empathize with the fear-based or scarcity-based mindsets that many people operate from and they want to help and/or inspire those people.  Successful people often have a desire to have a positive impact on those around them.


     As stated earlier,  a person's mindset influences every choice they make.  It is a series of choices that determines what they experience in the future.  See my next post for more on the choices that successful people make.

Suggested:  Finding Your Passion,

Rewire Your Mind:  How to Change Your Thoughts (and Improve Your Life),

The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz: Review & 10 Quotes