The definition of self-help may vary depending upon who you are asking, but the best ways of pursuing it are the same. The following advice and techniques are effective methods for you to develop a sustainable, calculated, self-help strategy no matter what your age. Here are the techniques and advice to help you on your way:

• Maintain your health and well-being – It is prudent to keep up on medical check-ups and preventative tests as you cannot live life to the fullest if you are not healthy. Most insurance plans cover physicals and diagnostic tests, such as mammograms and routine blood work. Taking these measures will keep your mind at ease and help thwart any issues you might need to deal with.
• Go out and meet people – Making new connections allows you to open up a new world of opportunities whether personally or professionally. You might find a new friend or romantic interest while getting to know yourself better. Additionally, this is a great way to get to know yourself better and make improvements in the way others perceive you.
• Make the most of each day – Make every effort to wake up early while still getting enough sleep. The old saying the early bird gets the worm summarizes this thought. There is no changing the fact there are only 24 hours in each day therefore you must use as much of each day as you can and give each day you all. Once a day is gone, it is gone forever!
• Develop a positive personality – Knowing what your priorities are so you may focus on them will help you to develop and maintain a positive attitude. Avoiding procrastination is a must as the longer we wait to do something the less likely it is for us to do it in the best possible manner. Plus remember it takes more energy to frown than it does to smile and smiling makes everyone feels better.
• Accept responsibility – Do not blame others for the things which happen in your life; your decisions are responsible for your current situation not theirs. Once you accept responsibility for your situation you will be able to start making positive changes in your life and you will definitely have more control over your future.
• Treat your body as a temple – Listen to your body as it is constantly sending you messages. Your eyes can tell you they are sleepy, your stomach will notify you when you are hungry, and your throat may be saying you are thirsty. Listen to your body and accommodate as you depend on it for everything you do.
• Do not attempt to guess how people perceive you – Guessing might cost you a potentially valuable friendship. Allow yourself the opportunity for a great friendship by being yourself and not worrying what others think. Be yourself; be honest and let time the ability to produce the truest of friends.
• Focus on the positive – If you need assistance focusing on the positive, place a rubber band on your wrist to aid you in thinking positively. If you find yourself having negative thoughts snap the rubber band. This will hurt and eventually your brain will equate negative thoughts with the pain from the snap of the rubber band. This certainly should help you to maintain positive thoughts as opposed to painful negative thoughts.

The most effective self-help processes are those which are well organized and thought out. The preceding techniques meet these characteristics and if practiced daily will become habits which will empower you to become the best you can while moving you in a decidedly positive direction. While these are applicable to any age, the sooner you start using them the better