Self-Development: 15 Tips for Personal Growth

You don’t need a makeover to improve your life and spur self-development. Making proactive choices and taking action will go a long way in helping you grow. Enhance your sense of wellbeing and find meaning and purpose by implementing these 15 tips for personal growth.

1. Be present

Today is the day you need to focus on. Of course, keep in mind the lessons you’ve learned from the past. However, it’s crucial to remember that today has its gifts, and you need to be 100% present to receive them. You can achieve this by practising mindfulness and living in the moment rather than waiting for what’s going to happen next.

2. Plan ahead

Before you go to bed, make a to-do list for the next day. This way, you’ll know what lies ahead, what you need to prioritise and how to optimise your time. Having a plan before you go to bed can also help you sleep better. 

3. Keep a journal

As you write your journal, you’ll gain insight into your thoughts. Additionally, you’ll be able to see patterns in your life that make you happy or sad, calm or upset. Knowing these will help you build self-awareness and emotional intelligence. In short, journaling is a practical way of learning more about yourself. When you know yourself better, you can identify areas for improvement.

4. Prioritise yourself

Do something that matters to you. By prioritising your needs, you can enhance your overall wellbeing. Yes, help others, but also help yourself. If you’re questioning whether you’re being selfish, then pause. Ask yourself if you’d encourage someone else to do the same. If there’s ever a time to follow your passion, it’s now.

5. Say “no”

To prioritise your self-development, you need to learn to say “no”. It may be just two letters, but this is your gentle reminder that “no” is a complete sentence. Burnout can happen easily, so it’s essential to spend time refuelling and safeguarding your wellbeing. If you don’t want to go to a party, don’t go. If you feel overwhelmed by your workload, speak up. Self-care is not selfish. It’s wise. You can’t be there for others if you’re falling apart yourself.

6. Try something new

Getting out of your comfort zone helps build resilience and boosts your self-confidence. It could be a significant step, such as travelling to an unfamiliar part of the world. Alternatively, it could be trying a new activity or simply taking a different route to work. You can start small and work towards something big. The point is that change is good for us. According to Psychology Today, it can help us develop “flexible thinking,” which contributes to psychological health.

7. Get moving

Get up and move! Exercise is good for us – it helps improve our physical and mental health. It also releases mood-boosting endorphins in our brains, which in turn improve our overall wellbeing. You need as little as 20 minutes per day, and you don’t need to go to the gym. There are numerous alternative ways to get moving and trigger a surge of feel-good chemicals.

8. LOL: Laugh Out Loud

As the adage goes, “Laughter is the best medicine”, and according to the Mayo Clinic, it is one of the most therapeutic things you can do. Some of the benefits include stimulating oxygen intake, reducing stress and tension, and improving your mood and immune system. Look for the ridiculous and unexpected things around you, and allow yourself to laugh out loud. It may be a funny meme, watching your favourite comedy or just spending time with people who make you smile. 

9. Count your blessings 

Gratitude is an attitude that positively transforms your life. One way to foster gratitude is to keep a gratitude journal, which will help you appreciate what you have. Once you start practising gratitude, you’ll be surprised to see how many small things go unnoticed or taken for granted. Research published in Einstein indicates that individuals who cultivate gratitude tend to have better mental health and less anxiety and depression.

10. Stop complaining 

When you count your blessings and actively seek things to be grateful for, you’ll be happier. Being happier means you’re less likely to be negative and complain. Of course, sometimes you need to vent to let off steam. However, complaining for the sake of complaining is counter-productive. Additionally, it can make you feel angry or upset. If you have something to complain about, follow it up with a constructive solution, and don’t dwell on a negative situation.

11. Stop comparing yourself to others

We typically compare the worst we perceive about ourselves to the best we presume about others, especially on social media. However, comparing ourselves puts the focus on the wrong person. You can only control one life – yours. You can’t live your best life if you constantly reinforce the worst aspects of yourself. If you think you need to improve on something, then figure out a way to do it and make it happen. Don’t get stuck in a “poor me” rut. Digital detoxes can also help to gain some perspective. 

12. Stay connected

According to the Harvard Study of Adult Development, individuals with strong family or social connections tend to be healthier than those without a support network. To stay connected, make plans with supportive family members and friends. You can also proactively seek out activities that allow you to meet new people, such as joining a club, class or support group. 

13. Pay it forward

Research published in Voluntas shows that lending a hand not only boosts mental health but may also lead to a longer life. Volunteering and giving also have a positive impact on quality of life, motivation, and sense of community. It also takes the focus off yourself and what you think you need to be happy. Overall, it helps you acknowledge and appreciate what you already have.

Seeking a mentor or working towards becoming a good mentor can also assist in self-development and personal growth, both personally and professionally. 

14. Get a coach

A coach is someone who helps you figure out what you want to do. Then, they help you plan how to achieve your goal(s) and encourage you, as well as hold you accountable. According to the ICF, coaching boosts self-esteem and confidence, which can further drive your personal growth. 

The process of coaching itself is a form of self-development, and there’s no faster way to kickstart personal growth than to have someone work with you on your goals.

15. Embrace lifelong learning

While it’s essential to optimise our self-development and personal growth, it’s also crucial to enjoy the journey as it unfolds. Adopting a growth mindset and embracing lifelong learning can help us maximise the time we have. By reading and enhancing our intellectual curiosity, we can continue to grow from strength to strength. 

Learn more about self-development and personal growth

If the power of personal growth inspires you to help others achieve the same, a career in coaching may be for you. SACAP (The South African School of Applied Psychology) offers several coaching courses. These will also help you obtain the necessary qualifications and certifications to become a recognised coach. For more information, click here or apply online.