You – your weaknesses, strengths, and everything in between – are your greatest asset. Knowing who you are and investing in that is one of the best things you can do in life. Developing a personal development plan gives you the control you want to be a better human being, to be successful, and to make a positive impact in the world. Here are some tips on how to create a strong personal development plan that makes a difference.
Determine Your Strengths
Understanding what you’re good at, what you’re passionate about, and what makes you ‘tick’ will help you figure out what path you should be on – both personally and professionally. For example, are you detail oriented and organized? Are you passionate about serving people with empathy? Ask yourself important questions about your strengths and determine how this aligns with your personal interactions and your job/career. If you are having a hard time figuring out your strengths, work with a mentor or life coach to help you nail down some strengths so you know which areas you can invest your energy in.
Focus on Your Goals
Too many times, people get sidetracked on what they have determined as most important in their lives. So, focus on what you want your growth to look like. What things will make you flourish and reach your goals? Maybe it’s going back to school for a degree or additional certifications. Perhaps it’s learning a new language or an instrument or making a list of smaller items to tackle that work towards a bigger-picture goal. Create an action list and stay focused on working through those items.
Be Conscious of Where You Invest Your Time and Energy
Time is a gift and most people would say that the more time they have, the better. So, invest your time and energy wisely. Look at how you spend your time and how those things align with the goals you’ve set on your personal development plan. This doesn’t just mean staying busy to get things done. Instead, figure out what enriches you and fills your cup. Time is something you won’t get back, so investing it in things that are important to you is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
Most of all, take time to recharge and refuel. Someone who is burnt out and depleted has little to offer to the people around them. So, whatever it is that refreshes your mind and body – do that and build it into your personal development plan. This will help you meet life’s challenges with grace and gusto.