I wouldn't be publishing this today if it wasn’t for the discussion I had with a sister weeks back.
She asked questions about personal development and wanted me to share my story.
I had to postpone the response as I couldn’t fully process it at that time.
This newsletter is all about what I think personal development is, and what it means to me. I hope it helps someone, too. All thanks to her :)
Personal development is all that the formative words entails. But deeper.
I'll define it as a conscious and deliberate intention to engage in actions that are beneficial towards becoming the best version of yourself that could ever be.
It is all about working on yourself to become a better, happier, and more successful person. It involves measures like setting goals, learning new skills, and improving your life in various areas like relationships, career, finance, and health.
The personal development journey differs for different people.
Mine?
During the lockdown in 2020, I was deliberate about being more self-disciplined and productive.
What worked for me was writing a to-do list the night before. It was effective and helped me stay on track. In addition, it built my self-discipline and self-denial skills as I knew there was a reward after I ticked off all I had on the list.
About 3 months later, it didn't work that well. I felt guilty each time I failed to tick off all the items on the list. Several times, this was due to circumstances beyond my control.
The guilt made me conclude that it was not what I needed. A night came when I forgot to write my to-do, and that kind of snowballed into nights, weeks, and months.
Thereafter, I chose to act based on how I felt. There was no drive and no restrictions. I just did what I wanted when I felt like it.
I read an article one day about how writing what we intend to do triggers a section of our brains that inspires us to act. I love topics that discuss how neurology influences our habits soooo much, and this inspired me to keep up with it.
Since I thought a daily to-do was haunting me, I upgraded to have a monthly “what not to do” list.
So, there was the daily “to-do” and the monthly “not-to-do.”
It was hard to stay consistent.
I started reviewing my actions and making amendments when due. If I reflect now, I should admit that I was a bit too hard on myself. No regrets.
Although it appeared small initially, I began to see the changes.
For example, I didn't realise I wasn't a good listener until I read The 21 Days of Effective Communication by Ian Tuhovsky.
I practised the insights shared in the book, and was more than pleased to see improvements.
3 Tips To Get Started With Personal Development.
1. Set Clear Goals For Yourself
Define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for different areas of your life, such as career, health, and relationships.
2. Have a Routine
Establish a routine that includes time for self-reflection, exercise, learning, and relaxation. Consistency can lead to significant personal growth.
I shared a post on establishing routines last December. Access it here.
3. Read Regularly
Make reading a habit, especially books related to personal development. It's a great way to gain new perspectives and insights.
4. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Challenge yourself to try new things and take risks. Growth often occurs when you push your boundaries.
5. Seek Feedback
Be open to constructive feedback from others. It can help you identify areas for improvement and fast-track your growth process. Never forget the need to filter, as not all Feedback is beneficial. Pick what works and discard what doesn’t.
3 Book Recommendations For Beginners in Personal Development
1. Atomic Habits by James Clear
This book discusses how tiny habits can make big changes. Learn how making small, consistent changes can lead to significant personal growth and success over time. It's all about the power of incremental improvements.
PC: The Improvement Space on Pinterest
2. Who will cry when you die? Life lessons from the monk who sold his Ferrari by Robin Sharma
"Who Will Cry When You Die?" by Robin Sharma is like having a chat with a wise friend. It's full of practical tips for living a better life. Robin Sharma covers everything from finding your purpose to managing time and building strong relationships.
The book encourages you to reflect on what matters to you and gives you simple steps to make positive changes.
3. The 5 am Club by Robin Sharma
In this book, you'll meet a billionaire, an artist, and an entrepreneur who join this 5 AM club and change their lives for the better. They discover that getting up early can supercharge their personal growth and productivity. It's like a fascinating adventure where you learn the magic of those early morning hours.
PC: Bring the best in you on Pinterest.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more insights in subsequent posts. Do you have any suggestions on what I should discuss next? Or you have any questions? I’d be here.
Until then, keep smiling, stay awesome, and stay hydrated.
Till the very next time,
I enjoyed every second of this! Thank you so much!