The Path to Personal Development
The aim approach to reaching your goals?! Practicing personal development.
I’m one of those people obsessed with making lists. Without my lists my life literally falls apart. So something I began doing a while ago was this: I bought a dry-erase board. Each Sunday, I write down my goals for that week (big or small), I pick 1 word that I want to practice daily (for example: faith, persistence, encouragement) and write it down, and I make a list of the things I legit NEED to get done (example: go to the doctor, pick up a birthday card, etc.) While this was effective at holding me accountable (everything needs to be crossed off by the following Sunday), I noticed I needed to take my efforts to the next level.
When I first got started in the personal development space I was completely OVERWHELMED. So many podcasters and authors actually made me feel more anxious and stressed out about all the things that I WASN’T (but should be) doing. SO - I narrowed it down to learning from a few people that leave me feeling empowered, inspired, and feeling good about myself and the opportunities out there. The first book I read that really shifted my outlook on life and accomplishing my goals was: The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale. Mindset is everything. I learned so much from this book - specifically, I learned that I was an extremely negative person and the only person that could change that was ME. Were there external factors causing me to be negative? Of course - but I can’t control that. What I can control is how I think, how I react, and how I handle the adversity. The ABSOLUTE first step in practicing personal development is getting off your high horse and allowing yourself to be open and honest with your current mindset and your actions.
I have always thought of myself as a confident person. Confident in my abilities, confident in my beliefs, and confident in my goals. Although I would tell myself this - I knew deep inside I didn’t truly believe it. The next book that absolutely changed my life was: Confidence Creator by Heather Monahan. This book made me realize that I was lying to myself. I was constantly living in my comfort zone and even began turning down opportunities that I knew I would find success in because I was fearful of change. Heather taught me that fear is a liar - and that everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of it. If there is one book I recommend everyone reads - it’s Confidence Creator.
Fast forward nearly a year later - I found the confidence to rid myself of relationships/jobs/social groups that I considered to be “playing it safe”. Never do something because its “easy” or “comfortable”. Every time you try something new - you are building your confidence and on the path to being your best you.
Start incorporating routines and activities that bring you joy and happiness. This weekend, one of my besties and I decided to make vision boards. We sifted through pages of Vogue and cut out the words and images that spoke to us. I plan to hang mine in my apartment so that I can see it everyday to constantly remind myself of the creativity that I aim to tap into.
Here are a few things I recommend you do to get started on your own personal development journey:
Focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Eat nutritious foods and stay active. Fueling your body with the right foods will rid your brain of fog and allow you complete clarity on your mindset. And as for staying active - exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't! (Legally Blonde anyone?!?)
Try something new! Last year I enrolled in an acting class as a fun way to tap into my creative side and try something challenging. Transforming into another person in front of a room full of people seriously took me out of my comfort zone. I also decided to become a certified spinning instructor. This was probably one of the best choices I made as teaching has taught me that I have a PASSION for motivating people.
Find leaders/mentors that not only inspire you - but challenge you as well. I have been following along with Heather Monahan’s journey as a successful saleswoman turned author and public speaker. Her book educated me BUT her Confidence Creator course prompted me to take ACTION. (Will eventually write an entire blog just about this course). While reading/listening to our mentors is great - it is important to go beyond that and Heather understands the significance of having guidelines to follow. You can access her course here: https://courses.heathermonahan.com/?affcode=320116_asiyv9hs
I can go on for hours about the importance of confidence in personal development, careers, relationships, and so on. But for now I want to challenge you to make ONE small change in your daily routine - get up earlier and meditate for 5 minutes, write down three things you’re thankful for, listen to a new podcast, or pick up a new book. Pick something and stick to it because keeping the promises you make to yourself WILL build confidence. Whatever you choose - just make sure you feel inspired.
I’d love to hear from some of you on this topic. What’s stopping you from achieving your goals? How do you build your confidence?
Comment or send me a message with your answers!
Til next time,
Aimee xxo