We get so swamped in the day-to-day that our own personal development is often the first thing to fall by the wayside. It’s time to ask yourself some tough questions!
We all have hopes, dreams and ideas for the future; what we would like to be doing, things we would like to have or places we’d like to be, but how often do we actively develop ourselves towards these goals? Or stop to reflect just how near, far or realistic they are?
Ask yourself these questions. They’re written in no particular order and we’d love to hear your thoughts on your favourite or other questions that you ask yourself!
1. How much time do you spend developing yourself?
It sounds brilliantly simple in practice: put aside a set amount of time each week / month for your own development…and it is! However, how many of us actually do this? Then, if we do it, how easy it is to keep nudging it back in our calendar when something else needs to take priority! If you have found yourself in this situation, look at other options for self-development, such as great books to dip into when you can, opportunities to develop on-the-job or simply by asking those around you for feedback. How often do you spend some time half-aimlessly meandering the Internet to seek out new ideas? Or take time-out to reflect on how your week has been?
2. Where do you want to get to?
What are you trying to achieve? This is a big question that too few of us seem to contemplate. Once you know what this is, you can then build your goals and targets against this. You can begin to measure your progress against these goals to see a demonstrable shift in your development and your achievements. Understand that we are each in control of our own development; no-one else is going to do it for you. Be empowered to get yourself to where you want to be rather than over-relying on others.
3. How do you best learn?
We see so many people shoe-horned into other people’s way of thinking or learning, rather than simply tuning in to how we each like to learn in different ways. For some, reading a textbook at bedtime will work wonders, sure, but it’s not for everyone. Similarly, many people are fired up by academic study whereas others will find this an extreme challenge. Try to integrate your preferred ways of learning into your approach: whether that’s getting stuck in, reflecting on your approach or searching for valid arguments and counter-arguments to back up your thinking.
4. What’s really important to you?
Our personal values are the characteristics and qualities that form the rules we live by. When we consider our own development, we often forget about our values, leading to many people feeling the need to develop in a way that goes against the grain for them. It’s important to identify your values so that you can make good decisions, otherwise you will lack the drive and motivation to really develop at all.
5. What can you do today that will scare you?
We loved these ‘12 Uncomfortable Things…’ that we recently shared on social media, and it’s true: how often do we truly push our comfort zone to the point of discomfort or fear? As long as we aren’t pushing ourselves to breaking point, this is where the great stuff (i.e. learning) happens!
