Oprah Winfrey once said “We can’t become what we need to be by remaining what we are.” This  powerful reminder speaks to the heart of personal development, the notion that continuous growth is  not optional, but essential for achieving your true potential, for enhancing your life and job satisfaction and for creating and leading the life you desire with confidence, clarity and integrity.
 
In today’s fast changing world, if you do what you’ve always done, you’re likely to fall behind! With the pace of change in technology, society and the workplace, what once worked will no longer be  effective. Clinging to old habits, practices or outdated beliefs can limit your potential, your opportunities and your impact, both personally and professionally.

So, what exactly is personal development and why is it important to be on the quest for continuous growth? 

Personal development is:

• The ongoing process of learning, unlearning and re-learning. This can be through activities such as reading books that prompt you to explore new thoughts and ideas, listening to podcasts, self-reflection, investing in skill-building programmes and working with a coach who will help you notice your blind-spots and uncover your hidden potential.
• It’s the conscious and intentional process of evolving so you can get in the driving seat of your own life.
• It challenges you to move beyond your comfort zones, question your patterns and limiting beliefs, and cultivate new habits, skills, and perspectives. 

Knowing yourself after all, is the beginning of all wisdom, said Aristotle. And unless you invest in your personal growth, you risk becoming stuck in old patterns that no longer serve you. 

Investing in yourself will equip you with the mindset, the attitude and the necessary tools and skills to evolve with the times. You will lead with purpose, respond to challenges with unwavering resilience, and thrive amidst uncertainty with an easy and adaptable attitude.

In addition to these and even more importantly, you will enjoy exponentially better mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. In a world that’s rather uncertain and always moving, growing isn’t just beneficial, it’s necessary.

Whether you’re seeking to innovate, lead or inspire, your ability to do so is rooted in the level of investment you make in your growth and development which won’t happen overnight!

Here’s the thing… Personal development is a journey; it’s an attitude and a way of life! Being the leader of your own life and role-modelling best behaviour for your children and your team won’t happen by accident, but only when you intentionally choose to grow, and in that choice lies your greatest potential, power and freedom.

I’m curious. What’s your relationship with personal development and what’s the smallest step you’re going to take today, to invest in your personal growth, to invest in your future, and to invest in the future of your children and your team?

Article kindly provided by Personal Revolution, one of the fantastic businesses based in the borough who can help you enhance team engagement, wellbeing and productivity by developing your skills, your confidence and your motivation so you lead with purpose, clarity and joy.  They do this through 1:1 coaching, group training sessions and their mentorship programme.