In any field, there are a few ideas that are core to understanding everything else. Biology makes little sense without <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_selection">evolution </a>. Physics without <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symmetry_(physics)">symmetries </a>and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservation_law">conservation laws </a>is baffling. All mathematics can be built out of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Set_theory">sets </a>. Self-improvement isn't usually regarded as an intellectual field. It's mostly an assortment of various gurus and pundits' suggestions on how you ought to be more successful, happier or wise. Thus it might seem like self-improvement doesn't really have core ideas at all-just opinions.

Goal-setting has also been studied by psychological research and generally found <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1981-27276-001">to be helpful </a>. However, it also seems clear that just having the idea of what you want to achieve usually isn't enough (although it may be a necessary start). Thus, goal-setting on its own needs to be paired with plans, systems or habits if it is going to be successful.

In any field, there are a few ideas that are core to understanding everything else. Biology makes little sense without evolution. Physics without symmetries and conservation laws is baffling. All mathematics can be built out of sets. Self-improvement isn't usually regarded as an intellectual field.

What are the Core Ideas of Self-Improvement? | Scott H Young

Eugenio Pergolizzi