Self Development Can Be Rewarding and Depleating All at Once.

In life, it’s natural to aspire to become the best version of ourselves, both professionally and personally. For me, this journey of self-improvement involves acknowledging my flaws, learning my strengths, and investing the necessary time and effort to grow. Growth is hard, and the process of personal development is no easy feat – it requires self-reflection, commitment, and an open mindset. Often, in a world of constant demands, pulls, and pushes, it can be hard to manage the daily grind and self-development.

I want to explore the transformative power of doing the work to become a better person and how it can pave the way for a fulfilling and meaningful life. I find that to do this work it requires you to explore your past, your thought cycle, and your unconscious patterns. These steps are the process of finding your path to a healthy self-development process.

Recognizing the Need for Change: The first step towards personal growth is an honest review of ourselves, acknowledging areas where we need to grow and change. This can be difficult because these areas often fall within our weaknesses. We might need to change our negative mindset or change our diet. It can take time and a lot of trials and tribulations. It is about Identifying behaviors, attitudes, or habits that no longer serve us. It is about taking responsibility for our actions and creating a foundation for change. To do that, you need to assess what is currently working in your life and what needs some fine-tuning. Ask yourself what areas you could improve on that would benefit you. You can also assess your habits and determine which ones are unhealthy. Here are some questions I like to use:

• • What are the things that are hindering me right now?

• • What are the habits that are holding me back from achieving my goals?

• • What are some negative thoughts or inner critic monologues that I would like to eliminate?

Self-Reflection and Introspection: Self-reflection is the backbone of personal growth. Taking the time to truly connect with ourselves and examine our beliefs, values, and motivations can help uncover deeper layers of our being. Through reflection, we gain valuable insights into our strengths, weaknesses, and areas that require improvement. There are a few resources I recommend for this process.

• • Journaling: I would recommend a few tools for this process. Getting a blank journal and journaling for 10 minutes a day. Free flow of thoughts so you can process that overthinking and let go of those subconscious thoughts lingering and popping into your head uninvited. I would also recommend using this journal.
    • • It Starts with You! By Dr. Marilisa Morea This is a great tool to work on your self-esteem and develop a strong of self.

• • Meditation: I am a huge fan of meditation. I try to meditate every day, but it can be hard with life coming at you a million miles an hour. I try to at least work on my breathing and take a moment to reset. I am a huge fan of Insight Timer App. I have been using it for a few years, and I find it so useful. I can do 1-minute meditations, listen to music, or find really interesting courses.

Setting Personal Goals: After gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves, it’s crucial to set personal goals that align with our values and aspirations. Goals give purpose and direction to our growth, acting as a guiding light during challenging times. Whether developing better communication skills, prioritizing self-care, or fostering healthy relationships, setting clear and achievable goals can accelerate personal growth. This can be hard if you are trying to find your purpose. I would recommend you work on developing small goals that you can find will lead you to your purpose or passion. I love using SMART goals for people trying to build momentum. I would recommend setting yearly, monthly, and daily goals. When dealing with a lot of transition and change, it is important to set aside time to set some goals. Here is a simple worksheet you can use. SMART GOALS

Personal growth is a lifelong journey that requires conscious effort and a commitment to continuous improvement. Remember, it’s not about becoming perfect but striving for personal growth and evolution. You can have great days and a lot of setbacks through the process. So, invest in yourself, do the work, and relish the newfound joys and fulfillment that come from becoming a better person.

 

If you would like to try the It Start with You Journal, here is the link: https://amzn.to/46tAxF9

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Until Next Time, 

The Ordinary Professor