Since the emergence of COVID -19 pandemic and lockdown protocol, we have been able to see how people have creatively created new ways of life and are growing with it. Other than survival and staying healthy, things like personal growth and development and improved ways of sustaining these developments has taken the lead in the minds of people.
Self-development, also known as Personal development can be defined as activities that improve awareness and identity. These activities develop talents and potential, build human capital and facilitate employability. It also enhances the quality of life and contribute to the realization of dreams and aspirations.
Personal development is a lifelong process. It is a way for people to assess their skills and qualities, consider their aims in life and set goals in order to realize and maximize their potential for the future to enable personal empowerment.
Although early life development and early formative experiences within the family, at school, etc. can help to shape us as adults, personal development should not stop later in life.
This is because when you think about your personal development, you begin to find ways in which you can work towards fulfilling your goals and reaching your full potential.
Here are 8 tips to self-development and growth especially at these times;
Stay honest with Yourself
No amount of talking about it will ever instigate true change. This is the hardest part for people. It’s far easier to buy a book on self-development, carry it around, and say, “I’m working on being more present,” while staying constantly on your phone to text your friends about how you’re trying to be more present. You have to really be honest about it with yourself. You are your own judge. You alone can determine if self-development is the route you need to take and truly be intentional about it
Find role models you can look up to.
Self-development is not easy, so it’s helpful to be able to look to others for inspiration, motivation, or even just daily reminders of how you can continue moving forward on your journey. Don’t be shy or afraid! Find that person today in your industry you admire and believe will be of great help and inspiration. Send them an email or DM today and you may not regret it.
Consistency is the key.
Self-development doesn’t happen overnight. It happens slowly and deliberately. Consistency is what creates true and meaningful change. This is what makes the process so difficult for people – The change. It’s not a pop a pill and you’re done kind of situation. You don’t do it once and you’re “fixed.” Self-development is a daily practice and lifestyle.
Start Now
Do something about your personal development plan today. It’s going to take some time to achieve lasting change so you need to start now. You can build on what you do today, tomorrow. Don’t become great at procrastination! 😉
“You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.”
– Abraham Lincoln
Baby Steps
To make a plan you need to include steps. Break a large goal into its smallest components. Keep the end result in mind as you focus on the smaller bite sized steps. If you can, take notes and track your steps… It will be great to celebrate the end results of small steps.
Be Intentional
Whatever you intend becomes your reality. Find your true intention before you resolve to do something and make sure you really want what you say you want. If your goal and your intentions are not aligned, then you’ll think up a lot of excuses and all sorts of situations or scenarios to prevent your progress.
Keep Going and NEVER Give Up
Life works in cycles and moves to a rhythm. You will have up and downs. When you hit a slow point or things don’t seem to be moving, don’t give up, keep going. There is no such thing as continual rapid advancement and that means your personal development plan needs to be achievable and balanced. Find your rhythm and go with the flow. There’s no such thing as finished personal or self-development. You can go on learning, changing and renewing for all of your life.