To be honest, I really am not a fan of self help or those people who claim to know the secret to productivity. I'm aware, though, that there is serious advice out there and some of these tips are actually very helpful. It's just that the atmosphere surrounding the whole scene can be really holier-than-thou, and I use this phrase on purpose. I mean, if you really follow some of these people and/ or methods, it can seem almost religious.
When it comes to self improvement, acknowledging that what works for one person will not work for everyone is what I feel is the most important. Comparing yourself to others and panicking because you are not getting the same results is just a waste of time. But, then again, I'm not writing this to give advice. I just think its important that we listen to these productivity gurus, podcasts, and writers while understanding that they by no means no the secrets of the universe. 

With that said, I have accepted some pieces of advice that have lead to rather positive results, so I would like to try out a few more. This journal is one of them. SO many bloggers and MEDIUM writers talk about just writing. Just start writing, especially in a public forum. Even if no one reads it. 
Well, I just so happen to enjoy writing, and while I usually focus on writing my articles in English and Japanese, I figure this would give me a good chance to practice my English, my native tongue. 

And I am not exaggerating when I say that it needs work. I speak Japanese more than 50% of the day, even as an English teacher. It's great because I can improve my Japanese and I feel that, particularly in terms of listening, my skills have increased. BUT, speaking to my co worker or my Ai, it has come to the point where they both understand what I am saying, regardless of whether I am speaking correctly or not. 

Before I go off on a tangent, I'll just list some of my goals here

1. write more
2. get into shape
3. read more
4. develop my bass skills
5. improve my Japanese
6. learn how to do more in the free time that I actually have

Basically, I have started taking on all these goals in some aspect. Of course, I should probably make small achievable goals for each one instead of these vague over all goals. I'll do that later. 
Now I'll try my 7th goal.
Relax.