What is personal development?
It seems what is involved is different for different people. A common theme is growing in areas emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. For some one area is more important than the other. I feel this all depends on where the person is in their journey.
I know for me personal development is maturing my emotions and my mind to be strong, wise, and clear. The last two years I have been on a journey of self discovery and self-love. I started going to therapy and I found it effective. I got to get out a lot of things that were bothering me and I had built up. I got to cry without being ashamed. She gave me info to see more in depth what I was going through regarding my depression and trauma.
Strengthen The Mind
One thing that we tried that had a tremendous impact on my personal development journey was meditation. Meditation is an ancient practice of concentrating on your breathing to get to a calm state. Once you get to a calm state all the chatter inside your head dissipates. Getting to a calm state helps reduce anxiety and overthinking. It does take practice. I did not get it my first couple times because I am an overthinker. It takes effort for me to quiet my mind.
Taking time to be still and quiet your mind aids your thinking. You can start to see clearer. This in turn can strengthen you emotionally and mentally. This is two areas of personal development that are being improved. All it takes is 15 minutes a day set aside for meditation.
I’m Emotionally Complicated
I do not know about you, but I am a highly sensitive and emotional person. I feel things deeply and personally. I do not think there is anything wrong with being in touch with your feelings, but it is a problem when it disrupts your peace. I can let something get to me so deeply that it will knock me back. I break down and relinquish control of my emotions, and thus my mind, to someone else. No one else should have control over my emotions.
Therefore, personal development is important. You need to be insightful and honest with yourself about what you need to work on. Personal development does not work without transparency.
“You can lie to them, but you can not lie to me” is what your spirit is telling you.
What would you like to improve physically?
The way you dress. The way you smile. The style of your hair. The way you move or just being physically fit. Whatever the direction, when you look good you feel good. Personal development includes taking extreme care of your temple, your body. I started exercising to get in better shape after having my last baby. I have more stamina to get through my day and after a thorough workout I sleep great. Once I see the result I want I know it will boost my esteem. Personal development in a physical aspect can be a confidence booster.
My Spirit Hears Me
In my opinion personal development should definitely include some type of spiritual enlightenment. We are spirit beings. God put us here for a reason. God put certain people, places, and things in our path to lead us to the ultimate goal. What that goal is is for you to find out. This is stepping into your purpose. Whether you choose a religion, choose spirituality, or don’t believe at all, stand in your conviction. Learn as much as you can. Become enlightened in whatever you choose to believe in.
Having strong values and beliefs are great for your confidence and personal development. You won’t be swayed by other people’s opinions. You will be able to stand up for yourself. Personal development is not hard, but it takes a lot of work. It also takes discipline, commitment, consistency and faith.
“You are your only limit.”
I picked a journal in a store with this title. It spoke to me then and still speaks to me now. Most times we are in our own way when it comes to healing. I wrote more about this in How a self-defeating mindset is toxic. Personal development doesn’t have to be completed in a day. It takes time. Sometimes a whole lifetime because we never stop growing. We never stop learning. Who we were yesterday may not be who we need to be tomorrow.
Personal development builds character and strength which you will need to make it through this world. People will try to tear you down, make you feel low, but with your personal development skills on top you can walk straight on by them. They will no longer phase you because you know who you are meant to be. You know where you working to get to.
As Always,
Be You Confidently