Your personal development plan is the road map you’ll follow to become the person you want to be. The key is to create a personal plan step by step.
Step 1: Figure out who you want to be – This isn’t just about your job; it’s about your life. Do you desire a strong spiritual life? Do you want to have a successful business? What age do you want to retire? Do you aspire to be a parent? How about travel the world?
Step 2: Create a timeline for each item on your list that you want to complete while developing your personal plan. Your timeline will be very different if you are 28 compared to 54. You can begin any time, but ensure that you set a reasonable time span for the particular goal you want to reach. Timelines are an essential component of your personal development plan.
Step 3: iThis is where you will begin developing your personal development plan by writing it down. This is also where you will distinguish between needs and desires, and desires and dreams. For instance, if you have any weaknesses in your personality, such as fear of success, you will need to address it before you can continue moving forward.
If you still have unresolved trauma you will need to address them. You can’t write your future chapters until you stop re-reading your past chapters.
Putting Your Personal Development Plan into Action
After you’ve decided what you want to do, the next step in to create the STEPS you’ll need to move forward and identify the resources you’ll need to make it happen.
- If you want a deep spiritual life, you must explore until you find the right path for you.
- If you want to lose weight you’ll need to research diets, recipes, fitness plans and be inspired by others who have succeeded.
- If you want to be successful with online business you’ll need to learn social media marketing, website building, etc.
Don’t be discouraged if there appears to be a lot to do. That is why you are creating your personal plan with a time frame other than “NOW!”
TIP: Find mentors: If you want to make money as a blogger, look for someone who can show you how to do so. Stop by your local university if you want to get a degree. If you want to become a public speaker join Toastmasters. You get the picture. Make a point of including someone who is already successful at what you want to do in your personal development plan.
A quick note: Your personal development plan contains nothing original. I know we all want to be unique, and we are, but what you are hoping to do has already been done. Find them and learn how they did it.
Look for resources: There are literally millions of books, websites, and pamphlets available to help you with your personal development plan. If spirituality is what you seek, there are billions of resources available. As long as you stick to your plan, you can follow your heart. And, while creating your personal plan, don’t rely on a single resource. After all, it’s personal, so no one else but you is qualified for the job.
Include someone: You could include someone in your personal development plan such as a work partner or family members. Show them, get their ideas and ask them to help you stay on track. Allow them to participate in the creation of your personal plan. Knowing that someone is involved in developing your personal plan will make it that much more difficult to procrastinate.
Your success is just as important to those around you as it is to you. Everyone who understands how the world works wishes you the best of luck.
I want you to succeed, and I believe that your personal development plan will help you get there.
Download this FREE Personal Development Worksheet to help you get started.
All the best!