Because personal development is a lifelong pursuit, each of us should consider ourselves to be a work in progress. Each and every day that we are alive offers us an opportunity to make improvements. There will never be a day that will not present you with choices. Will you be more today than you were yesterday? Can the people around you see that you are changing for the better?
For those who embrace the concept of continued personal growth and development, each new day is something to look forward to with eager anticipation, another wonderful opportunity to practice new life skills. Personal development is not about reaching a state of perfection; it’s about enjoying the process. Living is a truly amazing process; the secret is learning to thoroughly enjoy every step of the journey.
Is that how do you feel about your life?
The best opportunities in life are the ones we create. Like opportunities to become more on every level; emotionally, economically, and physically or to raise our personal standards and values to a higher level. Consider the opportunities we all have to contribute to the lives of others, to share in their challenges and breakthroughs.
Life is a huge smorgasbord of worthwhile and rewarding opportunities. But it is entirely up to us as individuals to reach out and take hold of those opportunities.
Take charge of your life
Each one of us is solely responsible for our own personal development. Yes, we can learn from others. We can and should seek the guidance of those who have gone before us. In the long run though, each of us must act on what we learn, and we must do so consistently.
To some that may sound like a lot of work, and it is. But in reality, it is the kind of work that can provide a sense of lasting value. It is the means by which we as individuals can raise the value of our own life, both for ourselves and for those around us.
There is no real joy in stubbornly holding our ground, refusing to reach out to become more. That is just stagnation.
You don’t need to settle
Why would we settle for ordinary when we could have extraordinary? Life teaches us that everything worth having is worth working for. What could be more worthy of our efforts than a life of extraordinary quality and value? A life that others dream about, but they are unwilling to reach for.
Your living experience can be whatever you want it to be, but it won’t just happen. You will have to make it happen. You will need to become the architect of your own reality, the planner and developer of your personal life. What could be more exciting and rewarding than that?
Ramp up your progress
Personal development is one of the ways we make our life really count for something. It is how we turn the journey into an adventure and make life fun. We all have a choice. If you would like a shortcut for learning the skills that will allow you to create the life you dream of, then I strongly recommend that you get a copy of TRUE SELF.
It took me a lifetime to learn and refine the strategies I teach. You can save years; even decades of your valuable time and make unprecedented strides in personal growth at the same time. Time is the most valuable asset you have, so why would you choose to waste even one more day?
Is your life a journey or an adventure?
Do you feel like the architect of your own reality?
Are you ready for more?
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{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Great article! This is very true — sometimes people forget that personal growth and development are not just one or two steps, but a life-long adventure on the road of life.
Thanks for sharing, Jonathan!
Hi Beth, I love to see my outcomes as having already happened, but the value of the journey is in the daily unfolding process. As you said, it’s an the adventure that counts.
Hello Jonathan,
Life is a winding, sometimes bumpy road that could be compared to the Autobahn. Personal development is a never-ending cycle on that highway.
The only map you have are the lessons learned to go by. If you take a wrong turn, you experience new destinations and find yourself lost for a while but can get back on the path again.
I feel each conflict, achievement and person that enters my life leaves an impression on my core which makes me stronger and focused on what is truly important. Being happy.
You said that so nicely Bunny, thank you!
The most important investment you can make is one in yourself. We all have so much potential to improve.
When you make an investement in yourself it always pays back over time, by a wide margin.
Daniel M. Wood recently posted..New Posting Schedule
Hey Daniel, I agree and fell that it is an investment that also benefits everyone else that we share our lives with.
You say it yourself, Jonathan – time is our most valuable resource and our efforts are how we spend our time. In our culture, we are blessed with an abundance of goods unrivaled in history – and yet it is the things that we spend our time and our effort on that truly give value. Do we invest this value wisely, in things that truly matter?
Thanks for the reminder!
Hi Barry, great questions for a little honest self-evaluation, which is always a good idea in my book.
Your excellent post reminded me of an admonition from Pema Chodron, who said that if we really realized how miserable our habitual patterns made us, we would practice [better habits] “like our hair was on fire.” I love that image, and I often think of it if I’m feeling lazy about my practice! Thanks for the reminder!
Galen Pearl recently posted..Three Kinds of Kindness
Hi Galen, that is certainly an image that calls for action all right. It’s a keeper, thanks!
Hi Jonathan,
Life long learning is something everybody should sign up for. Great post again. I see my life as a journey with some adventure thrown in. More pieces of the puzzle are moving in to place.
be good to yourself
David
David Stevens recently posted..Your Life can be as easy as 1- 2- 3……
Hi David, that’s the perfect mindset for turning a journey into an adventure, reasonable expectations and a positive attitude. I’m with you on life long learning. It’s one of the most exciting aspects of life and I love it.
I definitely feel like the architect of my own reality. Over the years, I’ve slowly changed the way I see myself and it has drastically changed the way I experience this journey called life. As you said, I think the word adventure is an even better descriptor- it reflects the twists and turns, ups and downs, plans and surprises, pains and pleasures that keep me on my toes.
Nea | Self Improvement Saga recently posted..So You Think You Don’t Have Anger Issues
Hi Nea, it’s sure is nice to know so many fellow adventures!
I generally agree with the wisdom that personal development is a journey, not a destination. However, I think a refinement of it is that there are a lot of destinations along the way — rest stops, landmarks, scenic views, etc. — and that they should be enjoyed and appreciated as well. How miserable is a long road trip in which you spend most of your time driving?
Some people get so caught up in the journey that they forget to stop and smell the proverbial roses. Yes, life is a journey, but if you don’t take the time to enjoy the little moments along the way — of accomplishment, joy, bliss, peace, even sorrow — what’s the journey really for?
Scott @ PSI Seminars recently posted..Live Like You Were Dying
Hey Scott, I totally appreciate your point and that’s why I actually prefer to view every journey as an adventure. When we are on an adventure we expect and fully experience all those things you mentioned plus we welcome the unknown and unexpected aspects as well.