Okay, so this personal development stuff, if you’ve never thought about it before where should you start? I honestly don’t think there’s any correct answer, there are many things you could do, you’ve just got to stay consistent and disciplined if you want to achieve success, like with many new things.
One thing to note is that whatever you decide to do, make sure to remember that personal development isn’t a one time thing, and wonderful things don’t happen overnight. Although you can change direction over night, you can’t change destination, but as long as you’re heading the right way, I’d say your destination and your success is guaranteed.
Like I said, there’s no right or wrong answer as to where you should start, I think you could start wherever you want, but here are a few of my ideas:
Read
Yeah, those things called books. I read religiously, but not those vampire novels. If I don’t learn anything, I don’t go near it, and that doesn’t mean it has to be non-fiction, as long as it’s got something to teach I’ll go with it.
It’s definitely a habit I’d recommend, spending maybe 30 minutes a day reading something positive, inspirational and instructional (preferably in the morning) can give that all-important positive spin to your day. At the time of writing this I’m reading a book on blogging, which might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but I’m learning some important things! I think I’ll set up a recommended books section to this site in the near future, but for now I’ll leave you with two ideas: ‘Think And Grow Rich’, as well as ‘The Compound Effect’ (both excellent reads, although they’re both slightly more aimed at the financial side of things).
Listen
For those who aren’t that into books, audio programs provide a great alternative, or do like I do and take advantage of both! Some that I’ve listened to many times are ‘The Day That Turns Your Life Around’ and ‘The Power Of Ambition’, both by Jim Rohn. You might be able to tell that I’m fond of his work, and although he left this world in 2009, he’s been a pillar in my journey so far.
Watch
To complete the content cycle I thought I’d add video in here, as there’s lots of great content out there. One thing I’d recommend in particular is MasteryTV which is where I started out. They’ve got a fantastic 30 day video program (free, by the way) which takes you through all sorts of ideas and philosophies. Recently the site had a rework, and you’ll find loads of new material to help you out on your road to success!
If you’ve never started anything like this before, then the above recommendations are good places to start, and perhaps you already know what to do, whatever that is, but you might need some inspirational voice to get you going. Many of the philosophies that you could learn above are actually quite obvious (well, I thought so when I heard them), but as far as I know, we just never think about them, and subsequently never change.
You may not even need some external material, but these are some great places to start. You may even wonder why go elsewhere to find inspiration? Well if you didn’t know something could be changed for the better, why would you change it? That’s where external influences come in handy. I’ll do my own take on this in the future, but for now these are some great materials.
Anyway, let me know what you think, and maybe if you’re already well on your way you could share some of the places that got you started on your road to success, I’d love to hear them!
- Nick
Hey Nick, great post! I’m checking out MasteryTV now – it sounds awesome
There’s some epic content over there, and it introduces you to a whole new range of people, good luck! Thanks Sam
Hello Nick,
I just found your blog through Trever’s blog. It looks like we have similar interests when it comes to personal development. I think it’s essential we are always growing and learning. It’s a requirement for lasting success and reaching our potential. You shared three great ways a person can grow. Great post! I’m looking forward to connecting with you more.
Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate it! I guess we do, at the next opportunity I’ll definitely be making my way over to your site, it’s nice to hear that you have similar ideas. I full heartedly agree, there’s nothing to substitute growing and learning.
Thanks again, Dan, I shall also look forward to that!
The single book that has, without a doubt, molded me and gave me the greatest practical skills is Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” It’s a powerful book that may at times seem like common sense, but the way Carnegie writes it just clicks with me.
I’m sure you’ve come across it before, Nick.
I’ve definitely heard of it, but havent’t had the opportunity to give it a read, yet! I’ll add it to the list if you recommend it, sounds like a worthwhile read. Ironically the next book on the list is about reading (fast), so hopefully I’ll be able to knock the books out a little quicker
Thank you, Vincent