Nowadays, we often hear motivational speakers, life coaches, and even social media influencers talk about growth, maturity, or overall personal development. In our world, where there is great admiration for hustle culture, it is understandable to seek self-improvement to realize our fullest potential.
The UK College of Personal Development refers to personal development or personal growth as any activity or activities designed to improve an individual’s talents, potential, employability, and wealth. To unpack this definition, we must underscore “activities designed to improve…” From this, we can understand that “activities” and “improvements” go hand in hand. Thus, we must determine the tasks that will help us become better individuals, both for the benefit of ourselves and for the greater good.
Right from the get-go, there is no harm in pursuing self-improvement. In fact, it is advisable to desire personal growth because it benefits all aspects of life. However, with the vast sea of information made available on the Internet, we become unsure of what steps to take in starting our personal development journey. Hence, we curated the most effective and essential measures to help us begin this endeavor and stick to it while we enjoy the process.
Slow Down. Pause. Reflect.
Wait a minute. It’s only the first step, yet why do I need to do three things already? Perhaps this is what’s in your mind right now. The first step isn’t as intimidating as it appears. During this step, all you have to do is sit down, relax, and ponder how you have been living for the past months or years. Have you been living with a routine or not? Have you been living with a plan or not? Which do you prefer? These are helpful questions to ask yourself to understand what you want, which, in turn, will aid you in the next step.
Create a Personal Vision & Your Development Plan (i.e., Goal and System Setting)
In this next step, take the time to contemplate and articulate your personal vision—your ultimate aspirations, values, and the impact you wish to make. Then, translate this vision into tangible goals, breaking them into actionable measures. Establish a systematic approach by outlining the strategies, resources, and timelines necessary to achieve these goals. You can get creative with this one! In addition, consider implementing systems to support your progress, including routines, accountability mechanisms, and regular reviews to ensure alignment with your vision and adaptability to changing circumstances.
Start Today
Starting whenever you are ready is a trap because, in reality, you will never be ready, so better start today. You can do it!
Additional Note: Remember, keeping tabs on your personal development is crucial. Make a habit of revisiting your plan daily or whenever you need to. This consistent effort will pay off in the long run!
Celebrate Both Small & Big Wins
Since we were little, we have been accustomed to rewards, from getting a perfect score on a quiz to placing first in class. As we grow older, however, we start to think that we only deserve rewards if we accomplish something grand, but this should not be the case.
A study from Harvard Business School revealed that people who tracked their small achievements daily enhanced their motivation. After all, keeping track of your accomplishments, no matter how small, can increase your confidence by making you more aware of your progress.
Nevertheless, if something goes differently than planned, do not stress out. Breathe because tomorrow is another day to do things differently for the better.
Share What You Have Learned
There is no better way to master self-improvement than sharing what you learned from others and inspiring them to become better versions of themselves. With this, you do not just get satisfaction from their appreciation of what you told them about yourself but also the fulfillment of helping them find someone who is on the same page as them and willing to be their mentor. Sharing, indeed, is caring. Sharing your journey is also a way to spread positivity. Remember, wanting to do so, especially with good and genuine intentions, can never yield negative outcomes.
With these steps, we are confident that you are now well-equipped for your journey towards self-development. Always remember you are doing this for yourself and the betterment of the greater good. Take it one step at a time. Eventually, you will get to where you are going.
