I just started a new course for my graduate program this week. Part of each seven-week course is a growth plan that focuses on an area of our character and asks us to update and push ourselves each time we update it.
I remember when I first started this journey a year ago and I was unsure of what to even write down or what to focus on. As I reflected on this upcoming seven weeks, I looked back at some of my previous growth plans.
I was blown away. What seemed like a small and sometimes insignificant exercise at the time had amounted in a huge amount of growth over the course of one year.
Often when we are in the midst of something difficult or unpleasant it seems hard to imagine what the other side might look like. This is why I am suggesting you continue to focus on personal development even during these uncertain times.
WHERE DO YOU START?
Some of you might be wondering where you even begin. If you’ve never worked out a formal personal development plan it can be a little overwhelming.
If it all sounds like a bit much for you on top of everything you have going on right now, start small.
Something like a quarterly plan that you agree (with yourself) to update can be a good starting place. Sit down somewhere quiet. Map out a half hour. Work out a few development items you might want to work on during that time.
Add in some self-care strategies. Daily, weekly, monthly benchmarks for ways you might incorporate more of these things into your life.
If you are feeling ambitious, add a stretch goal for yourself and how you intend to meet that.
DON’T OVERCOMPLICATE IT
When you are just getting started you don’t need to make things more complicated than they need to be. You don’t need to start out with six- and 12-month goals. Shorter, more achievable goals are likely to keep you motivated.
If you don’t achieve everything on your list, it’s ok. This isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress.
CELEBRATE THE WINS
When you accomplish something, don’t forget to celebrate. We tend to get so focused on the next thing, and the next thing, and the next. Sometimes we forget to spend time in the present enjoying and celebrating each win.
Take the time and celebrate.
FINAL THOUGHTS
There were times during this pandemic that it was difficult for me to write out my growth plan. I felt selfish for focusing on growth while other people were suffering. What I came to realize is that there will always be suffering and that I can’t stop working on me because someone else is going through something difficult.
Continue to work on yourself even if it sometimes seems a bit selfish. If I can help, please reach out. To schedule your free call click here