6 Ways to Focus on Your Personal Development

Small steps can get you where you want.

Researched, written by Amber & The Team
Updated on December 16, 2022

Woman Studying Books About Personal Development

Found in Intellectual Health • Self improvement

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Personal development is something that can take a lifetime. But if you take the time to be intentional about your development and growth, you may find you are more successful and happier. You will also be more successful in your career and have a more positive outlook on life in general.

There Are Several Ways To Focus On Personal Growth

1. Become a Lifelong Learner

No matter your age group, having a desire to learn can positively impact your entire life. Learning can take place in many formats, whether it’s studying, reading, or listening to others. It is critical if you want to focus on your personal development.

While education can feel like a thing of luxury for many people, there are many resources out there that can make it more affordable:

You can take out a personal loan to pay for educational courses and positively impact your earning potential;
You can apply for applicable federal financial aid;
You can apply for scholarships;
You can choose a work-life / study-life combo to fund your education.

2. Spend Time Volunteering

Volunteering can be an enriching experience because you are giving your time to other people – but you can also gain perspective and learn new skills along the way. When you volunteer, you can learn from the coordinator and the people you work with. You may have never learned these things otherwise. When you help others, you also increase your own empathy and emotional health, and you might find your whole worldview expanding.

3. Explore New Places

Traveling can help you put things in perspective as well. It’s easy to forget about places and individuals who are much different than what you experience on an everyday basis. Travel is a great way to grow and change the way you think. Going to another country is ideal for growth, but you don’t need to in order to see something different. Even going to another state or city could inspire new thought processes.

4. Evaluate Where You Currently Are

You need to be aware of yourself to grow personally, so set aside time regularly to evaluate your life. Consider the things you are happy with and the areas you could improve upon. Ask yourself what that improvement might look like and why you are motivated to do this. You can then set a timeline on how to do these things. Consider finding resources that will aid you in your journey. After you have faced any shortcomings, come up with a plan to improve yourself. Being aware of these faults is a great first step, but you also need to act to create the needed change. Small steps can help you get where you want.

5. Manage How You Spend Your Time

It is too easy to waste your time, and many people do it without thought every day. You might not even recognize that you are wasting your time. You might feel you don’t have time for something, but that is not always true.

By finding mindfulness activities that improve your routine and focus on actual needs, you can become more focused in your free time. For example, if you watch TV, consider watching less often. And when you do watch it, find a movie or show you are truly interested in instead of binging on something that is simply popular.

The same can go for internet time. You can set timers on your computer and phone, so you know how much time you have spent on it. Living more intentionally can even affect the way you spend your time with friends. Instead of mindlessly hanging out, consider doing something productive, such as doing a fun craft project, being in nature, or working out together.

6. Focus on Your Health

It takes discipline to take care of yourself, whether it’s eating right or getting enough exercise. It’s all about prioritizing the things that are good for you, even if they are not that easy. You need to respect and care for your body. This can aid your mental well-being and keep your body in good condition.

Getting in shape can also help your personal growth because personal growth often requires endurance and strength. Where to start? Research what a healthy diet looks like, and make time to work out regularly. Make sure to take your vitamins and get enough sleep each night as well. As you focus on being more intentional with your time, you may find it becomes easier to fit these things in.

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