This Is Your Life. Are You Actively Participating?
Are you waiting to see what happens or are you actively participating in the unfolding of your life?
When I began this journey of a nutrition and fitness transformation, I figured it was just as it sounded: a nutrition and fitness transformation. While I am in better shape now at 33 than I ever have been, that wasn’t the biggest transformation that went down.
It started with 10 minutes in the morning of brain fitness. 10 minutes of reading (or listening on the Audible app on my way to work) of something that would fuel my day for the better. Something that would inspire. Something that would challenge the ruts I had gotten myself into.
Not only did those daily 10 minutes change the entire course of my life, but I’ve seen the same results transpire with the challengers and coaches I work too.
So what are we reading/listening to exactly?
Personal Development.
Before you roll your eyes thinking I’m referring to the sappy self-help section, this is different.
Personal development is the categories of things we can do, such as read, listen or write, with the goal of developing our awareness, identity, skills, and ability to visualize the path to our goals.
Personal development comes in the form of books, writing activities, creative activities, podcasts, speakers and conversations. I like to rotate my PD between business inspiration, motivational speakers and activities, and idealistic teachings, depending on what area I feel is lacking. My best PD days start with a journaling of basic but important things: how I feel physically, how I feel emotionally, and any commitments, goals or to-dos that I am dedicated to.
I follow that with either a reading from a book or blog or a podcast.
Not sure where to start?
Below is a list of my favorite personal development options, sorted by topic. I hope this list inspires you to pick one up, evaluate your thoughts or actions, and commit to showing up. The magic on the other side is worth the participation.
IF YOU AREN’T SURE WHETHER PD IS FOR YOU, you’ll want to read/listen to:
A Ted Talk on any of your favorite subjects or an area of your life you’re interested in.
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
Anything by Brene Brown (Daring Greatly is my favorite)
Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins
IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO HAVE “ALL THE FEELS”:
Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis
The 4 Agreements
Oprah’s Podcasts
The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
IF YOU THINK YOU NEED SOME TOUGH LOVE OR NO-NONSENSE SUPPORT:
The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero
Unfu*k Yourself by Gary John Bishop
Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
IF YOU NEED SOME PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE OR INSPO FOR YOUR BUSINESS:
Thinking Fast And Slow by Daniel Kahneman
The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
When by Daniel Pink
WOLFPACK by Abby Wambach
Personal Development doesn’t have to be hours of dedicated time each day. Even just 10 minutes of this work will make a difference in your life. I promise you. When I started, I struggled to fit in more than 10 minutes. But slowly I stretched the time, because I wanted to finish the chapter, then the book, then make a plan. Personal Development doesn’t happen all at once. It happens consistently, over time, and it even happens in waves. You’ll find that your needs change with the seasons, as will your choices in development materia.
Do you incorporate PD already?
Are you planning to start?
Drop a comment letting me know what your relationship with personal development is!