Self-Improvement Through Mental Clarity
I’m transforming my life by following the four cardinal points for mental clarity
For me, mental clarity can be described as ‘clarity of the mind’ or ‘a clearer state of mental health’. But in order to really dive into the effect that searching for mental clarity has had on me, we need a universal, accepted definition to be on the same page.
I’ll break the term, mental clarity, into “mental health” and “clarity”.
mental health (n.)
A state of emotional and psychological well-being in which an individual is able to use his or her cognitive and emotional capabilities, function in society, and meet the ordinary demands of everyday life.
Mental health is our state of well-being.
clarity (n.)
clearness or lucidity as to perception or understanding; freedom from indistinctness or ambiguity.
Clarity is freedom from ambiguity.
Therefore, mental clarity is freedom from ambiguity when it comes to our well-being. Easy enough.
‘Brain fog’, ‘stuck in a rut’, ‘depressed’, ‘anxious’, etc. These are states that people experience all the time. They are also all negative impacts on mental health. They are ambiguous states of the mind.
We owe it to ourselves to seek out the best version of ourselves. We only have one life so we need to take care of it.
That starts with mental clarity.
How does one become more mentally clear?
I’ve broken it down into what I call the Four Cardinal Points of Mental Clarity. They consist of Exploration, Knowledge, Health, and Connections. Improving each of these categories will contribute to the success of becoming more mentally clear.
Exploration
Exploration is the epitome of self-growth in my eyes. Exploration is seeing new cultures, locations, and experiences. But, it is also an exploration of yourself.
1. Travel to a new location
- You will learn more about yourself and what you enjoy.
- You will see uniqueness around the world that will inspire you.
- You will meet people that could provide you with strong opportunities.
2. Take up a new hobby.
- You could discover a new life-long passion.
- You will be constantly seeing what the world offers.
- You will embrace the uncertainty of life by being adventurous.
“We have to establish our credentials as an explorocracy; so to survive and rule ourselves, we have to explore.”
― China Miéville
Knowledge
The power of knowledge is an important element in mental clarity. It is the north star of your journey.
1. Read for 20 minutes every morning.
The average person can read 200–250 words a minute. This means that you should be able to finish about 15 pages. That is a fantastic start especially if it happens every day. Invest in yourself by learning more with little commitment and effort.
- You will have more talking points with people.
- You will be constantly learning and becoming more intelligent.
2. Listen to audiobooks while driving.
This is a perfect way to passively lean into the power of knowledge. Use your pointless commute on the way to your job, to work on yourself.
Listen to a fantasy novel or maybe even a textbook on the global economy. Find something that sparks interest in you.
- You can take advantage of a necessary but time-wasting task like commuting and getting to another location.
- You will find inspiration and knowledge in the words of others.
3. Watch YouTube videos.
YouTube doesn’t have to be a waste of time when used with intention.
Watch Ted Talks about random topics. Watch Matt D’Avella discuss ways for self-improvement. Listen to photographer, Peter McKinnon, vlog and talk about his craft; you never know what you might learn.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
― Socrates
Health
Take care of your body. Like I said, you only get one life… Make it count.
1. Exercise and Diet
Anyone can do it. Walk around the house, go for a run, lift some weights, mow the lawn. Get your body moving and take it from there.
On top of that, eat healthier. Eat less processed foods and eat a more well-rounded diet. You don’t need to indulge any crazy dietary fads. Just treat your body well with what goes into it.
How helpful exercise and diet are to your mental health is well-researched so engage in it!
- You’ll be more motivated.
- You will look and feel better.
- You will have more energy throughout the day. You might be able to finally be “a morning person”.
2. Take time for yourself.
Give yourself 5 minutes a day without technology, multi-tasking, stress, etc.
Meditate, breathe, or maybe look out the window for a little bit. Take a moment to reflect on yourself. These acts of internal mindfulness will promote a better state of well-being and love for yourself.
3. Improve, improve, improve (yourself)
There is no better time than the present to work on yourself. Pick something that you feel you need to improve on and go for it!
Bad sleep habits? Procrastination?
Whatever it may be, try to improve little by little each day. After a year, it will add up.
“The first wealth is health.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
Connections
The section, “Connections”, is the most difficult to improve in. Mostly, because there is more at stake. Connections involve more than one entity. Your improvements in the “Connections” section will impact not just yourself but others too.
1. Let unhealthy relationships go.
It’s difficult, I know. I’ve seen it time and time again; you have a toxic friendship or relationship but the comfort or fear of it all is too much to get past and move on from.
When you realize that you are stronger than you know and that you are worth more than an unhealthy relationship, you’ll be ready for a better future for yourself. Leave those connections in the past and move on. Look back on them as a learning experience.
- You will be less stressed, anxious, and depressed without the wrong people.
- You will value yourself more.
- You will be truly happier.
2. Seek people that build you up and don’t keep you complacent.
Don’t look for the people that will tell you,
“It’s fine if you can’t do it. It just wasn’t meant to be so don’t feel bad.”
Find the people that are going to say,
“OK, you didn’t succeed it this time… When are we trying again?”
These are the people that want you to grow and be your best self.
- You will find out who you truly want and should be in your life.
- You will grow more than ever with unconditional support, push, and motivation.
- You’ll inspire them as they inspire you.
3. Seek out connections without motives.
Meet people just to learn. Not to get something from them, to start a potential relationship, or to make a new friend. Talk to a stranger and listen to their story. Experience this new connection without any expectations of what you might get out of it.
- Your relationships will be more fulfilling.
- You will live a life without expectations.
- You will meet people and have experiences you never would have without actively looking for them.
“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”
― Brené Brown
Help yourself grow into the person you want to be. No matter where you are in life or where you have been, you can always focus on becoming your best self going forward.
