Personal Development during Turbulent Times

The Importance of Growth during Tough Times

Jun 28, 2009

Personal development helps people to "step up" by being focused and developing strategies to meet the many challenges and obstacles presented by turbulent times.

The last couple of decades have led to unprecedented events ranging from natural disasters to social, political and economic upheaval. Most recently the world has witnessed major turmoil in the global financial markets impacting countless millions of people across the globe. Livelihoods have been wiped out or severely curtailed with many people facing a bleak and uphill struggle in many countries.

Such challenging times are leading many people to seek solace as well as solutions in an ever increasingly turbulent world. This is where personal development can play a pivotal role in overcoming personal and professional challenges. Engaging in personal development is not a “quick fix” solution and neither does it aim to cure the “world’s ills”, but what it does guarantee is the opportunity to “rise up to the challenge”.

What is Personal Development?

Personal development is engaging in activities aiding learning and growth but sadly many people tend to stop actively learning after completing their formal education even though many would benefit enormously by engaging in additional developmental activities. This can take shape in many forms and there is no one suitable model or “one cap fits all” approach to personal development in the 21st Century; what works for one individual, does not necessarily work for another individual.

Personal development can take place in many forms be it via books, audio, DVDs, group mastermind sessions, coaching, courses, physical activities, reflection, meditating, praying, art and music to name a few and the main aim is to keep on learning, developing and growing.

Many people feel as if they “hit the road running” from the moment they wake up the time they go to sleep which can leave them feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. Turbulent times can further exacerbate inner turmoil thus making it quite challenging to remain upbeat as a result of “low battery” energy.

This is where personal development can play a pivotal role in assisting millions of people worldwide in understanding, appreciating and proactively dealing with the many challenges as well as opportunities presented by these turbulent times.

Personal Development for all Times

The following scenario demonstrates why it is important to engage in personal development on a regular basis. Imagine there is a half filled glass of water in front and someone continues to pour water after reaching the brim of the glass. It doesn’t take Einstein to figure out what the outcome will be but alas, many people go through life in this overflowing state.

By engaging in personal development this overflowing state can be minimised (if not avoided) because consistent and constructive steps are taken in order to avoid the “overflowing” predicament. Personal development is not just for the good times, but for all times and it is not a “nice to do activity” but a “must do activity” because current challenges are requiring individuals to “step up” in dealing with many hurdles and obstacles.

Furthermore, the “old rule” book is no longer providing guidance or clear directions and instead, many people are “reinventing” new rules whilst navigating unchartered territories, which can be emotionally draining if the appropriate “inner tools” are not readily available.

Avoiding the Sidetrack Trap

It is so easy to get sidetracked with goals at the best of times but even more so when faced with multiple demands on time. Subsequently, goals and dreams can drift and days become weeks and weeks become months and months become another year.

Being sidetracked means goals and dreams fade into the background, wither away or die, but the good news is this is exactly where personal development can assist in dealing with both inner and external realities. Consequently, it is important to focus on what steps and goals need to be in place to avoid reacting to negative news or challenges.

Personal Development Checklist

Regular development and nurturing talents leads to feeling stronger emotionally and physically, both personally and professionally. Greater empowerment, confidence and self esteem are also because a solid foundation is laid to build further goals and dreams. Just by spending 30-60 minutes everyday will help reap very positive results and daily commitment to these activities will become habitual because it takes 21 days to develop a new habit!

Engaging in personal development doesn’t have to be a costly or cumbersome experience which is why it is important to select activities which are enjoyable. When engaging in personal development, consider the following:

Surprisingly the wisest and most content of individuals will continue to seek knowledge from cradle to grave.

The copyright of the article Personal Development during Turbulent Times in Personal Development is owned by Pervin Shaikh. Permission to republish Personal Development during Turbulent Times in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.