Self-Development should be on everybody’s to do list. It can take a lifetime to truly master this feat, but there are things that you can do daily to improve your overall personal development.
There is no one size fits all when it comes to personal development, whether that be tangible improvements (gaining/losing weight or toning up) or intangible, think improved communication, having more patience, or simply being more present and in the moment.
See the below tips we have used in our office. Do you have a favourite, or do you do something different? Drop me a comment with your best advice.
1) Read Read Read
Do you wish you could be more productive? More outgoing/confident? Master a new skill? Nearly every topic that you can think of will be covered in a variety of different books that you can study and eventually master whatever it is that you want to improve.
2) Take time for self-reflection
Reflect at the end of each day and jot down your progress in a diary. Taking self-improvement seriously will require you to be constantly aware of your own actions, how you can improve, and where you have made progress. This can be done daily, weekly, or monthly, it’s just important that you take the time to check in with yourself now and again, to save yourself stagnating.
3) Buddy up for support and accountability
Work alongside a friend or trainer. This is particularly useful if you are trying to progress in a certain activity, such as going to the gym. By exercising with a friend or having a personal trainer, you will be held accountable to always show up and achieve your goals.
4) Make new friends along the way
Taking a class such as yoga or weight loss or joining a walking group with likeminded people will give you the motivation and confidence to continue striving toward your individual goals.
The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) also supports this claim, stating that people who take part in group weight loss and dietary advice lose 3.5kg more than non-participants. Although group-based activities aren’t right for everyone, the evidence clearly indicates that they can be extremely effective, in comparison to training alone.
5) Make your goals SMART
One of the most well-known goal writing frameworks is the SMART method (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely). This allows you to turn your ambitions into tangible targets that you aim to achieve in a specific time period.
When you use the SMART framework to set your goals, you will be able to identify areas where you excel and those in which you need to improve. As well as helping you to see the bigger picture, SMART goals will also allow you to modify your goals for the long run when the short term seems too unrealistic. If you follow them through, you will be sure to see an improvement in whatever area of your life you want to improve.
6) Take Action
A lot of people can buy a book or watch a video about a certain topic or talk about what they will do. You can only see improvements if you physically throw yourself into whatever it is you want to improve.
7) The 21/90 Rule
The 21/90 rule states that it takes 21 days to make a habit, and 90 days to make it a permanent lifestyle change.
