Personal growth: where to start

I was recently interviewed as a speaker for the Association for Coaching national conference Time to Develop. One of the interview questions concerned the need for everyone to take time out for personal growth and self development.  

In my experience building career and leadership programmes for many different professionals as well as supporting key individuals 1:1, this is true for ALL. The points below will apply equally well to entrepreneurs, creatives and anyone wanting to accelerate their career as well as make their life a bit better. Enjoy.

These strategies are based on some notes I once made about my own process of learning, my life journey to date and my career development having one of the most varied portfolio careers (to my knowledge) with significant responsibility and achievements on many fronts. I hope you find inspiration in it and I share it with you in that spirit. It is clear to me now that Make Time Count is a philosophy of being as much as doing.

Forward movement

Time moves forwards not backwards. Have a personal statement of purpose that outlines the impact you wish to have on the world and how you intend to make it happen. If that’s too big, then deal with what you can do right now.

The statement will change and grow as your personal growth and self development journey is an ongoing one. Review it, update it and marvel at all the things you have been through, the learning that enriched you and strengthen your spirit.

Relationship circle

Stay curious about what others do and how they go about it. Share your ideas with them and build ideas together for mutual growth and learning. Everyone has gifts and you might be lucky enough to be asked to help them realise their gift.  Aim to be generous and kind.  Don’t look for kindness to be reciprocated from those you give. Trust that the universe will return your kindness one way or another.

Create opportunities for personal growth

Take part in activities, read widely and see the world as a full glass. If you find yourself asking where the glass is, take as many steps back as it takes to see it again. Seek help of a professional counsellor, coach or mentor that can help you, or perhaps a wise friend.

Sometimes we are so close to the glass we simply can’t see it and the glass has grown a lot while you were busy doing things.  Say yes to things.

Self development is exciting: stretch yourself

Open yourself to new experiences so you can feel adrenaline, excitement and maybe a bit of panic.  Choose to be alive. Sometime the stretch comes from standing still as well. Always aim to learn. Take criticism and thank people for being brave enough to give it. They meant well and some of it may resonate deep down and be of use to you. Think on it.

Develop your knowledge and wisdom

Wisdom doesn’t take years. Wisdom is the work of reflection on what one has learned and experienced to date. Learn regularly and reflect regularly. Build in times for yourself without distraction. Where you can just be and hear your heart whisper to you. Think for yourself.

Support talent in all forms

I travel across creative industries, science, business and young people daring to change how I use my phone, local eatery and attend concerts. Seek out those daring to do something. Support them and their vision. Our world is made beautiful by those daring to take a risk and try something new.

Be authentic and kind to yourself and others

Use your heart and don’t be afraid to feel. Have courage. Everyone makes mistakes. Risks are worth taking. Remember we can only do the best we can with what we have at any time. Do your bit and accept others did their best. Let go of resentment, anger, sadness and grief. If you can fix it, do so. If not move from it taking the learning and resolve to do better next time.

Personal growth through Heart and Mind integration

Integrating your heart and mind is key to personal growth. If you’re interested in why heart and mind alignment is key, listen to my TEDx talk.

Ready to make a real difference in your life? Get a copy of Get Productive! and devote 15 minutes every week to tackling one of the exercises in there. It will help you get clarity and find answers that are within you.

No preaching, no telling. Just you and a few questions. See the magic of your own mind at work. Read about how many people have achieved personal growth and self-development on our Heart and Mind case studies page.

What would be some of your strategies to add to this list? Let me know.