Personal Growth – Page 5

The New Year

It is that time again. Millions of people will make resolutions for the new year that they will never keep. Are you in that group of people?

I tend to make more resolutions than I should, and many I fail to achieve. That doesn’t mean I should stop trying.

This year I invite you to join me in making a resolution. Decide what you want to change for 2019. We can be successful this time.

Here is the question that could make the difference between success and failure. “What action do I need to take today to stay on track of achieving my resolution?”

Ask yourself that every day, and then take the action. Most people fail because they don’t follow through with the action that will help them.

Ask it every day. Because the second cause of failure with a resolution is the discipline and persistence needed to complete it.

Simple? Take action every single day. If you and I commit to that one plan, we will find success.

Another Mistake?

Confucius wrote, “the wise should not hesitate to correct themselves.” Everyone makes mistakes. A wise person quickly corrects their mistakes.

If we want to grow our influence, our authenticity, our credibility, our leadership ability, then when we make a mistake, we must clearly say, “I was wrong”.

A mistake does not show weakness. It only reveals that we are human. Our character is exposed by the actions we take after we realize we made a mistake.

Therefore, when we are faced with another mistake, we should be proud that we are willing to learn, and make corrections.

Being Diligent

Diligence is careful and persistent work or effort. It is such an elegant word. When striving for excellence or reaching for success. We should consider our diligence.

Synonyms for diligence include conscientiousness, assiduousness, assiduity, hard work, concentration, care, industriousness, rigor, meticulousness, and thoroughness. Don’t those words represent how you would want your effort to be described?

I want to keep that list of words in my wallet. When I get stuck I can pull it out and find inspiration in those words.

Samuel Johnson once said, “What we hope ever to do with ease, we must first learn to do with diligence.” Success follows diligence!

What We Believe

Gandhi said, “Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny.”

What we believe is our foundation, and building on those beliefs can transform our life’s journey. This quote can help us explore and develop specific personal growth plans for our life.

For example, select something important to you. It should be an area in which you want to grow. It could be faith, friends, business, community, or a specific skill. Then spend time reflecting on these questions starting with your basic beliefs, and narrow your focus to the area you selected.

1. Beliefs: How can we explore the foundation of our beliefs? How can we strengthen our beliefs? What opposing beliefs exist in current culture? What defining facts are the basis for our beliefs?

2. Thoughts: When do I take time to transform beliefs into thoughts? How are my beliefs reflected in my thoughts? Are my thoughts productive? How could my thinking be more aligned with my beliefs?

3. Words: Can people see my beliefs in the words I speak? Do I speak in a constructive and supportive manner? How can I communicate my beliefs and thoughts so that I am more understood?

4. Actions: Am I living authentically? Where are my actions not a reflection of my words? What do I need to do to follow through more consistently?

5. Habits: Are my habits aligned with my beliefs? What habit should I develop to live according with my beliefs? What habit should I break that is not in alignment with my beliefs?

6. Values: Do I value what is important and in alignment with my beliefs every single day? What values in my life need developed or strengthened? What values am I living, but not fully understanding?

7. Destiny: Where are my beliefs taking me? What development will help me reach the destiny that I want? What short term desires are pulling me away from longer term success?

These are generic example questions. This exercise really grows in significance when you can ask yourself more relevant questions based on your specific situation and your experiences.

This process has helped me broaden my views, and then re-focus on how to grow. Ready to get started? What area of your life would you like to work on?