"In any given moment we have two options; to step forward into growth or step back into safety."
-Abraham Maslow
I propose that you think of self-development as the vehicle that empowers us to reach milestones and goals along our Life’s Roadmap to fulfilling our purpose and potential. In this post, let’s get tactical about what that looks like and dig deeper into the mechanics but before we do let’s remind ourselves of the big picture.
Fundamentally, planning always starts with the end in mind. You can check out the article on Long Term Goals and Life Stages for thinking in that direction while keeping in mind these end goals should be V.A.L.U.E.S. based - check out that article too - because both articles can begin to teach you to think about the future and paint a picture of what you want your life to look like 5, 10, 15, and 20+ years from now. You will need to develop a Life's Roadmap based on V.A.L.U.E.S. which is essential and should provide you direction. From there, you will want to identify milestones or building blocks that will help you reach your goals then create an inventory of supporting activities to accomplish each milestone. The inventory should include any major obstacles and/or skills and knowledge gaps which in turn become your laundry list for realizing your full potential.
Realizing your full potential and accomplishing all you are destined to do doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Let’s break it down into steps using these things to get started: an understanding of your purpose or a direction you would like to head in and an inventory of supporting activities noting major obstacles and/or skills and knowledge gaps it will take to get there (the big picture).
For self-development you will have to note that this is a never-ending cycle meant to get you to fulfilling your potential. It will take diligence, persistence, and commitment but will pay off in dividends.
1. Let’s talk about Focusing and on what to focus. When choosing where to put your time here are two options to consider:
a. Those with the highest return (Pareto’s 80/20 principle) – is there a strategic learning opportunity that you can undertake that will give you a huge return. For example, maybe cultivating your emotional intelligence will help you improve your relationships in various segments of your life including personal and professional – I would say that is a win and worth working on.
b. Those items that you will need to learn to overcome a roadblock – is there something you need to learn how to do because you are not able to progress in an immediate task. Maybe you have laid the groundwork and ideas for starting your own company but aren’t sure how to do so in the state in which you live – I would say that is an area requiring focus.
2. Do, learn, become - stretch out of your comfort zone to put into practice that area of focus. This will require arranging your time and environment for learning then doing the thing. The doing may necessitate reading, research, seeking out education, attending conferences & events, fostering key relationships, hiring a personal coach, practicing, and perfecting. This is an action step.
3. Review, reflect, and refine on all your immediate learning experiences
4. Search for support – can someone you trust provide candid feedback on your progress and areas of improvement. Are there other viewpoints on the subject that will enhance your learning journey, is there someone that has experience from whom you can glean.
5. Shift into next steps when you accomplish your learning objective or need to reevaluate your next course of action. If you have accomplished your objective, then you need to celebrate the win and figure out what you want to do next with your newfound skills. Perhaps you want to continue to the master level of learning, maybe you want to teach others. If you need to reevaluate your next course of action because you are stuck or aren’t at the level you wish to be then step back and figure out what’s next. You may need to cycle through the steps again and rethink your approach – what worked well, what didn’t; address your obstacles and make a plan for overcoming them and/or find someone to guide you through the process.
My hope and prayer is that you have many, many years to accomplish your goals and fulfill your God given potential.
While the potential is our gift, fulfilling it is our thanks and ultimately our mark on the world.
What lies in the gap between potential and fulfillment is self-development.
To know where your focus should lie, develop a Life’s Roadmap and a bucket list of goals aligned to your vision and purpose. Organize your self-development journey by priority then execute and refine. Make sure you engage support and then shift to the next step by celebrating the accomplishment and setting your sites on the new or regroup and cycle through the steps again. If you’re stuck address why – don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether you find a trusted connection to aid you through the process or hire a coach to guide you, it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Total Win Strategies is always available to help you in creating a plan for self-development, inventorying your bucket list of goals, and creating a Life’s Roadmap.
Total Win Strategies is always available to help you in creating a plan for self-development, inventorying your bucket list of goals, and creating a Life’s Roadmap.
Our mission at Total Win Strategies, LLC is to offer pragmatic solutions to overcome obstacles that have held you back. By implementing our 4 Disciplines for Actualization, we help you heal, explore, realize, and execute your God-given purpose, with tools tailored and structured specifically for you and to your destination of LIVING LIMITLESSLY on purpose with passion to leave a legacy.
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