Why We Need Personal Development
Posted by Mitch Mitchell on Feb 7, 2011
Last week I read and commented on a post by Nick Grimshawe titled Is The Self Development Industry Selling Snake Oil. His post was predicated on the belief by some that people who talk, write, and sell books about personal development are selling other people a bill of goods because in their minds they believe consumers are goaded into believing that everything is simple and easy to do, thus building up their hopes which will ultimately end in failure. We both agree that's not quite what these books do, although there's the possibility that a book here and there will do just that type of thing.
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I want to take two different directions in looking at this. The first is that personal development is a "must". No one grows by staying the way they are for the rest of their lives. Even if you're already pretty good and your process works wonders, if you recognize that there will be changes in your life because, well, you just might be forced into it, yet you're ready to embrace those changes and make them fit you in some positive fashion, then it's all good.
The second is that for some people who decide on personal development, it can be fast or it can take a long time for changes to occur. To me, personal development is more about feelings and acceptance than the actual learning part. I have had many moments where I've felt an immediate mental change, even if physical change took a little while longer. On many occasions a positive change in thinking has somehow resulted in something good coming my way. I don't know how it works or if it's just coincidence, but it's happened often.
On the other hand, sometimes it really is a process. I went through a test process with someone else where we worked on setting personal and professional goals for a week, a month, a year, and then 3 to 5 years. I had already been doing some of these things, but in a group setting, where you had to discuss your beliefs and thought processes, it's sometimes amazing how others view your thoughts, and can either help you clarify them or help you realize that your process is flawed in some fashion. When working with others in such a forum, you realize that everything you do is really a process that's going to take a long time; two heads might be better than one, but they also tend to slow down progress.
Speed should never be the main consideration when looking at personal development. Growth is the main thing, no matter what kind of growth one feels they need. Do you want to be happy? Do you want success? Do you want to create something and need some focus? Do you want to change your life for the better?
That's why you need personal development, and those things are way more important than making quick changes. Yes, some people can learn a thing or two that can make certain things change immediately. Overall, though, it's a process, and it should be a positive process at that.
I believe personal development can be of two kinds, sometimes it’s a slow process, one you gain through months, even years, and you don’t even notice, you just “get better”, so to say.
The other kind is more like a sort of videogame power-up, something you immediately become aware of, something that changes you definitely, suddenly.
Both cases, especially number two of course – and just for the old effort-reward need we all have – are very important for every individual, it’s part of what we need as human beings. After all, videogames and role playing games don’t include “levels” for sport, they are there to satisfy a necessity we all have.
Good stuff Gabriele; we’re on the same page here. Both will work wonders.
I agree that personal development is a “must” because life is growth!
Success is the ongoing process of striving to become more. It’s the opportunity to grow in every area in your life while contributing in some positive way to others.
Thanks for sharing,
John
Hi I second John, Personal Development is a MUST,
and it is in fact the basis of all human growth, achievement and enlightenment,
I believe Personal Development should be a Philosophy of Life? It lead to knowledge of self
That’s a good point, Lloyd. I think many people are scared of knowledge of self, which could be why they don’t like to think about this topic. I have probably been there many times as well, but I work on breaking out of that.
Thanks for your POV, Joh. You’re right, life is growth, and not being static is one of the positives of being human.
Now I got 2 precious words of wisdom from you, Mitch. Personal Development is a “must” and “Personal Development happens either way–fast of long time.”
They are just 2 simple thoughts; however, they affect the readers like me who is so concerned about personal development views. Honestly, your blog post had me perform self-introspection on the importance of self-development and how should it be done appropriately.
Glad to help push things along, Shaun. I hope your growth continues to be positive.