Personal development? Very important, but where do you start?
In today's busy and demanding life, it is sometimes easy to lose yourself in the daily grind and routine. We strive for material wealth, social recognition and professional success. There is nothing wrong with that, those goals are important too, but it is also crucial to make time for personal development. Investing in your own growth and well-being leads to a fulfilled and happy life and also allows you to become your best self and do a lifetime of work that you enjoy.
But where do you start? Let me help you get started with the four steps listed below.
1. Awareness
Start with an examination of yourself. It is important that you have a clear idea of what you can already do. What are your qualities, competencies and skills? What do you like and dislike? How would others describe you? What are your strengths and what are your weaknesses? And what would you really like to work on? (Tip: make a SWOT analysis.) Can't figure it out? Then ask family, friends or your manager what ideas they have for you.
Then choose one area you want to focus on.
2. Setting goals
Setting a goal will get you a lot more motivated. The more concrete the goal, the better. It lets you know what you are working towards to and when you have reached your goal. The SMART method is a good way to help you do this. This method ensures that your goal is specific, measurable, acceptable, realistic and time-bound. Your goal will not remain a vague wish with this method.
3. Personal development plan
You have a clear idea of what you want to develop yourself into and you have set your goals. Time for your personal development plan (PDP). This plan contains everything you need to achieve your goals. With your PDP you give yourself a handle and a clear planning. This can be a plan for 2 weeks or a plan for 3 years. Important here is that you focus on the process of getting better and better. Deal with mistakes positively, they are there to learn from.
4. Learn and grow
Look for opportunities to gain new knowledge and develop skills. This can range from attending workshops and courses to reading books and listening to podcasts on topics that interest you. In addition, it is valuable to expose yourself to new experiences and perspectives. Step out of your comfort zone and embrace change. By learning and growing, you not only expand your knowledge but also develop as an individual.
Conclusion
Personal development really helps you to move forward! By starting with self-reflection, setting measurable goals, creating a PDP and learning and growing, you build a stronger and better version of yourself.
At ENTER, we think the personal development of our colleagues is very important. So we have regular conversations with our colleagues to help them become more aware of themselves. We offer courses and set goals with them. And of course we monitor their progress together. This enables our colleagues to get the best out of themselves and their careers.
Curious about what we can do for you? Give me a call or send me an email!