When we ask the question
What is Self Development? one of the easiest ways to look at it is in terms of what you can achieve through undertaking self development and the activities associated with it.
- Self Development Activities are those which are focussed on enabling you to achieve the following which are most important to you:
1. Develop your strengths and talents so that you can achieve your full potential
2. Fulfill your aspirations and dreams
3. Become more self aware
4. Develop work based skills which allow you to increase your income
5. Helping you to develop your spirituality
6. Enhancing the quality of the life that you live
7. Improving your social skills etc.
Self Development When We are Young
When we were children self development was happening but we wouldn't necessarily have thought about it as such.
As youngsters, you more than likely had guidance from your elders to rely on, even if at times you didn't always appreciate it!
Parents that looked after you and offered guidance with the major decisions you had to make. When you were a lot younger, there were people making the decisions for you, and when you look back you probably think that life never seemed quite as complicated as it is today.
At home, you had your parents and at school there were your teachers who were taking decisions or making suggestions as to the route you ought to take, what you needed to study and so much more. So in many ways, your development was largely guided by external factors: your parents, teachers and others.
As we grow, that support system which made life seem so much simpler, loosens its grip and you start gaining full power and control over your own life.
First Steps in Self Development
Now that you are older, you are your life's master. You are responsible to yourself. Whilst you could rely on others to guide and direct your life when you were younger now you are the driver of your own path. Your success or failure will depend on you and the decisions you take in terms of what you make of your
Self Development.
The first thing you should think about is what you want to achieve in your life and write down your goals. When you carry around your aspirations and dreams in your heads it is all easy to lose track of them. so write them down on paper, in a self development journal, or on your computer. Determine what it is that you want to achieve and write those goals down.
Your Self Development Strategy - Self Reflection Questions
My dreams are within reach.
I am one of the fortunate few who are deeply aware of what they want in this wonderful life. Because of this, I can see my dreams clearly, and my dreams are attainable because I say they are!
I get to choose my actions and inactions. Ultimately, I know that I am responsible for my place in life. For this reason, I choose to do everything in my power to reach my goals.
Rather than sitting back and hoping that my dreams will fall onto my lap, I am a steadfast go-getter. Even if I feel some internal inhibitions, I move toward my goals and then graciously accomplish them. Whether internal or external, I put all obstacles aside.
While I certainly am strong, I realize that I am far from being Superman. I give myself adequate time to prepare for any goal I wish to achieve. By doing so, I increase my chance of successfully completing the task.
I always say that slow and steady wins the race. If I were to try to lose weight, I can get much farther by gradually altering my diet rather than going on a crash diet. The same logic applies to most other situations in life.
Change is gradual. The small changes I make are gradually helping me move a little closer to my goal each and every day.
- Today, I muster up the courage to claim what is rightfully mine! My dreams are within reach; it only makes sense to go after something that makes me happy.
Self-Reflection Questions:
1. Am I taking small steps each day to ensure that I reach my goal?
2. Are my loved ones serving as my support system?
3. Am I enjoying the little steps along the way, taking time to savor smaller accomplishments as I work toward the big ones?
Self development is a work in progress coupled with hard and focus.
Was this helpfull? Let me hear from you.
God help you archieve yourself development.
within.
As Dr. Bruce Demarest defines it, "Spiritual direction refers to the
ministry of soul care in which a gifted and experienced Christian
helps another person to grow in relationship with and obedience to
God by following the example of Jesus Christ."
