So now I’m tempted to take an each-way bet – since you’ve raised the point.

I’m keen for very people to upgrade and improve themselves authentically i.e. relative to their own talents, gifts and potential, rather than following someone else’s program. Sure, we can learn from others and their experiences, but our self-improvement journey is unique.

Some of us are designed for steeper and more dangerous paths. Others, longer and more measured. Others still, confusing and complicated paths. The key is to be true to OUR path – and that may mean taking our eyes off of what others are doing long enough to see it.

Thanks for making an excellent contribution.

Best, Robin

I’m tired of bloggers who are essentially talking every day about “why you should be like me”

This stuff is far better. Oh yeah, thats right, it’s because it’s actually real!

As far as my personal 2010 new & improved features & benefits upgrade, I have a long wish list; however, they can probably all be root-caused down to one central quiddity: remain constructively discontent.

That’s my number one self-improvement goal for 2010. Discontentment.
Ceasing to fall back on the rationalism of Good Enough. 2009 was a good year for me, but maybe a little bit too good, a little bit too easy. I started to sink back into the couch and put my feet up on the coffee table. And guess what? Now I’m bored.

Probably because I wasn’t “just being myself”- I was listening to other people telling me, relax! slow down! don’t worry mate, it’s Good Enough! So, although I’m sunk so deep I may need an elderly ejector seat, I’m getting off the couch now.

Carolyne

I really appreciate your distinction between openness and curiosity. I’m a bit the same myself, often staying open only to the point that I’m not threatened in any way. Hmm, another point for me to improve on. Maybe in the 2011 model me.

Best to you, Robin

Great contribution.

Thanks, mate. Robin

This is a generous comment and one worthy of publishing as a separate post. Thank you so much for this excellent and leading example of a personal upgrade programme. Generous in words and generous in actions is how I describe you.

You’re a man of high integrity, passion and someone with unbelievable people skills. To read your list of improvements is testimony to your humility as a leader.

Please let me know how I can help you implement your upgrade programme.

Best to you (a healthier model you)

Robin

‘Light touch’ is something that has become more important as I get older. So much of life IS funny. Not in a negative and destructive sense, but in a light and joyful way. It’s just so good to be around people with a positive sense of humour – and more productive too.

Becoming more emotionally available is a reminder to myself to share more than the logical, analytical side. I get such pleasure out of objective focus and scientific rigour that it can be easy to become cold and distant in my communications. This is an upgrade that is long overdue.

Best to you, Kate.

Robin

Yes, we are not islands, and our actions affect those around us – either positively or negatively. So, I’m with you and prefer to see waves of improving help, assistance and encouragement radiating out into our tribes and communities.

Best to you, Robin

Thank you for this post, I could use a reminder for every one of the points on the list – in both my professional and my personal life.

For me, there’s one more point I must concentrate on and that is to stay open. While I’m ever curious (a good thing) I’m not always open. And in many of those times when I’m not, I get a deserved smackdown (self or otherwise). I DON’T always have the answer, even when I think I do.:-)

I love Ben’s community concept. I know that community and collaboration are where we all find the most value and it’s so rewarding to find part of it here.

Thanks for bringing all of us together, it’s so interesting to read everyone’s thoughts.

Kristina

You got me thinking about answers to all those questions you’ve asked:

Q: What are the little things that will make a big difference to your performance right now?

A: Persistence and Determination – as quoted by Calvin Coolidge.
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “press on” has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race”

My interpretation of this is to “fail, and fail often” – by doing so, improved performance and success will come.

Q: What are the little actions you can take that will improve people’s experience of you?

A: Listen, don’t talk. Ask questions, let people’s responses guide and inform your questions. Remember things about people you meet – be memorable.

Q: What are the small changes in behaviour you can make that will bring out the best performance in the people you connect with?

A: Applaud the efforts people make – don’t criticise, belittle, or be negative. Make suggestions where you can, but try to make other people feel good about themselves – this will enhance their performance.

Q: What are the tiny attitudinal shifts that will empower you to make the best of every situation that comes your way?

A: Don’t dismiss new thinking and ideas too quickly. When a situation presents itself, be open to change your own thinking and embrace it. It’s ok to fail – be prepared to. Again and again.

Q: What micro-improvements you can make to your super-skills and knowledge to take them to the next level?

A: Find a mentor – someone who’s experience and skills you can learn from. Ask the mentor if they would take a meeting with you. I like the approach Carol is taking with her 3 Lunches program. See http://twitter.com/3lunches

Q: What are the tiny but critical changes that your most loyal friends, fans and followers have been waiting for you to make?

A: For me, it’s improved health. Slowly, but surely. Everything else will follow.

Q: What are the subtle but significant things that will make you easier to approach?

A: Alway make newcomers welcome – ask them about themselves, get to know their interests and passions. Try to connect them with others. Let people know, you are always available – give your contact details out to everyone. Trust people not to abuse this.

Thanks for posting – you’ve really motivated me tonight!

Cheers
Tony Hollingsworth

This post was mentioned on Twitter by Robin_Dickinson: NEW POST: How to instantly upgrade yourself to a best-ever you | RADSMARTS | http://bit.ly/5apgf4...