Self-Improvement Handbook
A handbook for effective self-improvement.
This handbook is currently in progress. To receive updates on my writing and be notified when this handbook is published, subscribe to my newsletter.
Why This Handbook Exists
After years of reading self-improvement books, I've recognized a clear pattern: they all present the same fundamental principles, just packaged differently. This handbook is my response to that redundancy. It's a personalized framework that consolidates these core concepts, allowing me to stop revisiting the same ideas and instead build upon them. I am to create a system I can revisit and evolve for my lifelong personal development.
The Core Model
My core model for self-improvement is a concentric circle with 3 layers that represent how beliefs, behavior, and life experiences flow from the inside out and evolve from the outside in.
1. Beliefs (Core)
This is your internal compass: your mindset, worldview, values, identity, intentions, and assumptions.
Beliefs shape your perception of reality and directly inform behaviors.
2. Behaviors (Middle Ring)
These are your day-to-day decisions and actions. They're the visible expressions of your beliefs.
We'll differentiate between proactive behaviors (deliberate actions we choose to take) and reactive behaviors (actions we perform automatically, often triggered by our environment).
Behaviors impact beliefs and experiences (both postively and negatively)
3. Life (Outer Ring)
This is the external life you experience: your career, health, relationships, lifestyle, and environment.
It’s what others see—and what you live within.
Life experiences and environmental conditions feedback into behaviors and beliefs
Feedback Loops
Life → Beliefs
Life → Behaviors
Behaviors → Beliefs
Beliefs → Behaviors
Behaviors → Life
Resources
This section contains a curated list of books, articles, and other materials that contributed to this handbook:
Coming soon!
Have thoughts on this topic? I'd love to hear from you! I'm @RickLindquist on Twitter.