Personal development is a mindset more than anything else. At least it starts there and can move outward. To really get to know yourself is a life long journey and I am not necessarily suggesting that we will ever find out who and what we really are but by inquiring we may get closer. Why should we try to get closer? From my own experience and perspective (which is all I can offer) it is similar to getting closer to natural joy, true peace of mind and purposeful enthusiasm to each and every day. I also believe that by finding our own joy and excitement we can serve the world in a more complete way. Everyone has a natural gift and talent they can offer themselves and the world. Moving towards more joy, compassion, connection and empathy is mature path.
As morbid as it may sound I think death can be a wonderful teacher for us. Life on earth is not permanent and the more we embrace that reality the more we can decide how we want this experience to go and what impact we want to leave, not just for our families but for life itself.
Personal development is not all Ra Ra. That is only one side of the coin. The other side of it is really doing some hard work and looking at what blocks us from achieving and doing things we really want to do. This can be a very long road and we need consistency, patience and we have to give a damn. Usually our fears, the bigger ones at least are exactly our lessons in life to embrace and make space for. Running and hiding feels safe but its only avoidance, which is not freedom. Running and hiding also can make us tired and angry. You deserve the best of life and life deserves the best of you.
First month recap:
The first month we worked on making a list of things we want to accomplish in the next 1-10 years (or more). This list can include things to do, be, have, go and share. For example, if you have always wanted to get your degree in economics, obtain your real estate license, drive a Porsche, live on the beach, find a soul mate, etc, etc this is the list for it. Dream big, really big. Make it a stretch but think of these things when coming up with the list:
What excites you??
What do others say you do well?
Who do you look up to?
What do you spend your free time doing, studying, learning?
What brings you joy?
Also refer back to the first article for more information on making this list for yourself.
You can always reach out to me for help.
Month 2 Homework
“Organize your list of goals”
Label the list based on when you think you could realistically accomplish those goals.
Less than 1 year, 4 years, 7 years, 10+ years, etc. Go ahead and make an honest educated guess but also don’t let yourself off the hook. If it is really important to you then you will find a way, if not you will find an excuse.
Ex: If I want to get a 4 year degree then it is realistic to put 4-5 years down as the goal, unless you know you will be taking a part time load of classes so then you can decide that maybe it will take 7-8 years to accomplish. Being realistic is important. Now there will be things you can accomplish right now that will apply to that goal. Example would be that I want to start saving x amount of money each week to help with student loans/ or I want to research the best online programs and compare them, etc. Things like this wouldn’t take much time to organize and to start seeing some results from. Get real organized with your goals and keep making your list!
Another example that these goals may be your stepping stones. As an example, If one of my goals is to make X amount more money each month, that may stem from a goal to have more financial freedom to travel. Where do you want to travel? And why? Where are you being called to serve? What major/minor problem are you good at solving and helping with? Where can you start with that? These are all just pathways to deeper callings.
So now organize your list into a timeline. So you will have a list of things you can accomplish in 1 year or less, 3 years, 5 years, 10 years, etc. I would guess that some of your longer range goals are very close to your highest dreams. Those goals that are shorter and easier to achieve are the beautiful stepping stones to get there. Not always but usually it works that way and those short range goals are on a perfect trajectory to keep you on the path in the day to day. The day to day is what we will be moving into for month 3 but feel free to reach out or dive in and start working that. I use the 12 week year process. More info at our next meet up at the end of October.
Make a list. Its important you start a list and then don’t stop! Keep redefining that list.
It will evolve and you will probably find a few major themes. The list never stops.
It happens now
We will spend far more time on the journey then with the triumph at the end.
So celebrate and learn from “Defeat”