What exactly is self-development, and where do you begin?

The essence of life is development. Life, and we as humans, would cease to exist if there is no growth and progression. The most important thing for any person to do is to constantly improve themselves so that they can progress and grow both personally and professionally.

This accounts for the experiences, knowledge, and wisdom that you accumulate throughout your life and eventually pass on to the next generation. “Knowing others is intelligence,” said Lao Tzu. True wisdom comes from knowing oneself. Strength comes from mastering others. True power comes from mastering oneself.”

What exactly is self-development?

Self-development is a deliberate decision to improve yourself in various aspects of your life, and it does not happen by chance. It takes effort and determination. You are committing to a life-long process. It could be to improve your personal skills, such as communication or conflict resolution. It could be practicing or developing your talents, or it could be bettering your education. Essentially, it is about constantly striving to be a better version of yourself on a holistic level.

Where do I begin when it comes to self-development? There are five steps to take.

1. Starting with self-discovery is a good place to start. You won’t know where to begin or where you’re going if you don’t know where you’re going.
2. As a starting point, select a few areas in which you would like to improve. Don’t pick too many. Limit your goals while putting in your all-out focus and effort.
3. Set your goals and plan how you will achieve them. For example, if you want to learn a new language by the end of the year, you must enroll in an additional course.
4. Obtain a mentor and some additional assistance. Don’t go through self-development on your own. You may lose sight of your objectives or become demotivated. To stay on track, you need someone to guide you and cheer you on. Get additional assistance, such as self-help books or online support groups. The more assistance you can obtain, the faster and better you will reach your end goal.
5. Form a habit out of it. Make sure that your methods for self-improvement become a healthy habit. If you get into the habit of, say, upskilling yourself in something new every month, you will continue to do so until it becomes second nature to you.

Personal self-development begins and ends with you, and it is entirely your responsibility. Determine what you truly desire from life. Whether it’s a promotion at work or improving your relationships, most people want to “do better,” and once you’re committed and into it, you’ll see how self-improvement can become addictive. Regardless of how you look at it, self-development to better yourself helps you grow and improves your happiness.

For more information on The Mindspa Institute’s Self-Development workshop.