Self-development or self-improvement is something that is expected of us in our professional lives. But self-development is far more than clocking up the CPD hours and reading a few books. Self-development can be an effective way to improve your leadership skills, knowledge, personal relationships, and overall outlook on life.
Why is self-development important?
Self-development helps you to understand yourself better, this enables you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and improve on areas that you need to work on. It helps you become more effective in your work and makes you more confident. Self-development also makes you more aware of the world around you, as well as your own values and beliefs. This can help you to make decisions, live by them, and help others.
HERE ARE 10 EASY WAYS TO BOOST YOUR SELF-DEVELOPMENT.
1. Express gratitude
Expressing gratitude is a good way to start each day. Expressing it publicly (through social media) can help you be more mindful and increase your positivity. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, write down one thing you’re grateful for.
2. Listen to podcasts while walking/commuting
We all have a busy schedule these days. You probably don’t always have time to sit and listen to a podcast or read a book. Podcasts are an excellent way to learn as you go, as they are usually about 30 minutes long and are a great self-development tool.
3. Set Goals
Set yourself a goal for each week and month, or even each year. Having goals will give you something to focus on and create a map of where you want to go.
4. Volunteer
This is a great way to get involved in your community and see how other people live. Volunteering will also help you gain knowledge and a perspective that you may not have had the opportunity to otherwise experience.
5. Set a morning routine
It’s very easy to get caught up in the day-to-day which can limit your growth. Set yourself a simple morning routine so that you can prioritise those self-development goals.
6. Find a mentor
Having a mentor is a great way to learn and understand how to work effectively. Mentors often have a wealth of knowledge and experience, which can be a great learning opportunity for you.
7. Keep notes on the go
Keeping digital notes of your ideas, takeaways and lightbulbs is a great way to improve your self-development. Isn’t it annoying when someone has shared some really valuable information with you but you can’t for the life of you remember who it was or what book it came from? Keep an online notebook such as Evernote to capture those important details.
8. Keep notes on the go
The most successful people swear by having good habits. Such as getting up an hour before everyone else each day, eating healthily, making time for exercise, and spending time with friends and family.
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9. Get enough sleep
We all know that we should be getting at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night, but many people are sleeping far less than this. Sleep is so important to our physical and mental well-being and can really have a positive impact on your self-development.
10. Plan your week
Planning your week means you can keep track of your progress and see how far you’ve come. Planning makes you more accountable and accountable to yourself. You can make it a weekly habit, for example on a Sunday evening. Planning ahead and being proactive improves your own self-development.
If you want more in-depth learning to enhance your career, then join the CIO Circle membership today. It’s free to join, or you can upgrade for a small fee for access to free masterclasses from experts in everything from leadership to wellbeing.
