Personal development means different things to each of us. Some consider it essential to their career progression, whilst to others it’s a way to work on themselves and reach personal goals outside the workplace.
But sometimes even with specific goals in mind, it takes a little inspiration to realise what your personal development should look like. There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to growing as a person and learning new things!
These are just three ways your can boost your personal development and become more fulfilled in all aspects of your life.
- Seek inspiration
Too often, we wait for our theoretical ‘best selves’ to emerge without taking any action towards it.
But becoming a better version of yourself is a slow process which can start small, and often it isn’t the changes we go looking for, but the ideas we discover by accident that prompt a new outlook or lead us to new opportunities.
Whether this comes from music, art, literature – inspiration can be drawn from just about anywhere if we seek it out! It’s all about expanding your horizons to discover your next direction.
If you’re looking for development in your professional life, business networking can be a great way to discover new inspiration. Many networking events have gone virtual in 2020, and networking hubs are adapting too, with organisations like Arise Innovation adding virtual offices to their services, which enable collaboration between businesses, professionals, academics and researchers.
- Find a hobby
It’s time to stop putting off that regular entry on your New Year’s Resolution list and finally take the plunge!
Whether it’s cooking, painting, learning a language or picking up a musical instrument, discovering a new hobby is easier than you think. Acquiring new skills has never been easier, with hundreds of online resources providing simple introductions
Can bring you closer to others, introduce you to new people – even if you’re currently unable to meet others, sites like meetup.com can introduce you to like-minded people, many of whom are hosting meetings virtually for the time being.
- Change your lifestyle
The idea of changing your lifestyle sounds complex and intimidating, but it doesn’t have to mean a complete and instant overhaul – Rome wasn’t built in a day after all. Instead, consider small changes to your habits and routine that will have a positive effect on your life.
For instance, research shows that those who read before bed sleep better than those who use their phones or watch TV. Just cutting down your screen time in the last hour of your day could have a vast improvement not only on how you sleep, but how you feel the next day.
Switching out your regular snacks for fruit and veg, or your sugary drinks for diet versions (or even better, water) are also small changes proven to have a hugely positive effect on our energy levels and overall wellbeing.
Whether you’re looking to progress in your career or are simply working towards a new you, these three tips should get you started.
