My journey over the past five years to where I am now, personally and professionally, had a few different kickstarts, which led me to different waves of growth. It was gradual and it didn’t happen overnight, but it has truly changed my outlook on life, business, and everything in between.

Now, I want to start out by admitting that I’m not an expert by any means, but my goal is to share some things I’ve learned in regards to “success”… And if one person can gain a little something to better help themselves, then that’s the cherry on top.

Self-Help is Not a Dirty Word

“Poverty, I realized, wasn’t only a lack of financial resources; it was isolation from the kind of people who could help you make more of yourself.”
― Keith Ferrazzi, Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time

The first wave of my focus on personal growth begins with Jonathan Keyser and his recommendation that I venture into the world of life coaches and self-improvement.

A lot of people are turned off by the word “self-help” because they think it means they are weak or pathetic, but that could not be further from the truth. In fact, it takes more strength to ask for help than it does to sit back and do nothing.

We all have flaws, yes, but self-help/self-improvement is about making yourself open and willing to adjust–whether it be your mindset, your daily schedule, or your habits.

Jonathan, who has been extremely instrumental for my growth, introduced me to his personal life coach (who I will discuss in more depth in part three of this series) and he also gifted me the book Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi. Both of these things have left a lasting impression on how I do business/interact with those around me.

After reading that first book, it ignited this desire to fill my brain with as many books as possible on bettering myself and I strayed drastically from this “going through the motions” mentality that a lot of us find ourselves in.

When I made myself open to these books and this newfound knowledge, I found myself connecting on different levels with people and I felt those conversations shift. I started to attract people who also wanted to grow.

One of my best qualities (if I do say so myself) is that I am extremely coachable. I’m always looking for different ways to grow and expand my mind. So, my advice to anyone will take it is to always be open to everything–people, books, new experiences,–because you never know what could be gained.

What are some books, podcasts, etc. you have found beneficial of late? I’d love to know. And be sure to read part two of my Help You, Help Others series where I detail the ways I hold myself accountable in my day-to-day life.