It’s very true, what the Beatles said …. money can’t buy you love or happiness. Self improvement and happiness don’t just ‘happen’ when you’ve saved up enough money to upgrade your car, house or children’s school. Also, much as the feeling seems convincing at the time, happiness is also not a new pair of shoes or a bout of retail therapy. Here are some ten self improvement tips that can help you find lasting happiness.

Mitigate morning madness

Set your alarm so that you have plenty of time to have breakfast, a shower, and tidy up after yourself before you leave the house. Then, tell yourself before you go to sleep that “I am going to wake up when my alarm rings. I will press the snooze button once, and then get out of bed”.

Pencil it in

Create a realistic priority list of tasks that you want to achieve for the day, and make a concerted effort to tick every one of them off. The key to using this self improvement tip is not to overload yourself and to also schedule some relaxation time.

Weekend maximiser

Do you ever find that you’ve spent an entire weekend stressing about work? No wonder we all feel that weekends aren’t long enough! Check tip #2 above, and pencil some ‘fun’ into your weekend schedule so turn off your computer and stop checking your Blackberry.

Generosity killed the ‘sads’

Humans are social creatures, and helping the people in your society is a wonderful personal development strategy to make yourself feel good. You don’t have to become a homeless shelter volunteer … but do take your co-worker’s teacup to the sink on your way, hold out the bag of sweets to your neighbour at the bus stop, and make dinner for an overworked friend.

The serenity to accept the things that you can’t change, the courage to change the things that you can

It’s a little trite nowadays – but if you think about this concept for a while and try to apply it to situations in your own life, you can find plenty of inspiration to either let go, or move forward.

Parlez vous …?

Learn a new language! It takes a while, but when you have the reward of a holiday in a country that has the language you’ve chosen as its native tongue it becomes much easier to motivate yourself.

Mix it up

Deliberately try to do things in a way that you usually don’t. The simple act of walking a different way to the bus stop or going to a new bar for after work drinks can really broaden your experience. Aim to achieve this on a larger level as well – to visit places you’ve never been, to speak to people that you usually wouldn’t or perhaps changing careers.

Face your fears – take a plunge

Deliberately doing things that put you outside your comfort zone are essential to personal development because they force you to look at the world in a new way … from a position of strength, courage and personal power.

Beauty is as beauty does

For many of us, thinking about our appearances takes up a significant portion of the day. Remember when your mother told you that true beauty is on the inside? She was right. Self improvement is about what’s on the inside, and you’ll have more energy for that without the distractions of excessive grooming. Spend your weekends without makeup, and wear clothes that make you feel comfortable.

Bend it, stretch it, just a little bit

Exercise is what our bodies were designed for – work that requires you to spend an entire day sitting down is a very recent social development. You’ll feel better able to deal with problems, more energetic, be less prone to depression and have a higher level of cognitive function if you make the effort to exercise every day.

Happiness has little do with the things you have, and so much to do with how you feel inside and what you do with your life! Try incorporating these self improvement tips and strategies into your life every week, and see how much difference it makes to your personal satisfaction level. Because in the end, who makes the most difference in your life? You do!

Exploring and enjoying the great outdoors at adventure travel destinations is the ideal way for many to let loose of our fears and inhibitions and push our limits to the max…

Planning an outdoor adventure holiday this year? We’re researched some of the best adventure travel destinations all over the globe so if its adventure you want, it’s adventure you’ll get.

African Safari

Safari outdoor adventures can be enjoyed in Africa and witnessing the so-called ‘big five’ in their natural habitats is as thrilling as it gets. See a pack of lions up close and personal in the Serengeti or a herd of wild elephants in the Kruger National Park with adventure travel in Africa.

Rock Climbing

Got a head for heights? Why not see the world from a different angle as rock climbing gets the adrenaline pumping and can be done in destinations around the world such as Krabi in Thailand; one of the ultimate adventure travel destinations.

Sailing and Cruise Destinations

Sailing or cruising your way around the world is a unique experience and one that can be done by anyone. The feel of the fresh sea air is unbeatable and you will find a new zest for life in the warm seas around the Caribbean and Asia. All aboard!

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling

Clean your face mask and flap your flippers; it’s time to explore the underwater world in all its natural glory! Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and Thailand’s south coast boast unbeatable chances to see beautiful corals and colourful fish and both are considered to be two of the best adventure travel destinations.

Adventure Travel Tours

Tours promising their customers an adventure offer a wide choice of activities from jungle trekking in the Amazon to kayaking ay Niagara Falls. Enjoy a true adventure as part of an exploration or relax with some family fun!

White-water Rafting and Kayaking

Feeling the full force and power of a river with white water rafting is unmatched for those seeking adventure! Adventure travel destinations offering kayaking is another great way to experience the African Zambezi and South American travel on the Chilean Futaleufu River is ideal for those seeking water-based fun.

Hiking

Polish off your walking boots and throw on a rucksack; it’s time to go hiking! Get a 100% natural rush from conquering a peak with hiking holidays that can be enjoyed around the world from the mountainous Himalayas in Nepal to the varied landscapes of New Zealand.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Taking to the powdery white slopes with skis or a snowboard is an awesome feeling and the views alone are worth the odd slip and slide. Visit Val-d’Isere in France and Aspen in the USA if you enjoy extreme sports.

Fishing and Hunting

Hunting and fishing are enjoyed by more than 800 million people worldwide and relaxing while reeling in a frisky salmon in Canada is a great outdoor activity. If you prefer to hunt down your prey then take a trip with a hunting ranch in Texas and make it a holiday to really remember.

Swim with the dolphins, conquer a mountain or take to the piste; whatever type of adventure travel destinations you are looking for, there will be one to suit you at a budget you can afford. Speak to your travel agent, look on the internet or through travel magazines to find your next outdoor adventure.