These days many people are reducing discretionary expenses in response to a faltering economy, corporate and government cutbacks, and declining investment savings. Despite a gloomy economic environment, personal growth can continue without breaking the budget. Following are several free or low cost activities that permit personal growth to continue despite poor economic conditions.
Start with a Personal Growth Plan
It's always important to begin lifestyle changes with a plan, but even more important to have a plan to get the most return for the money and time expended. Having a plan ensures that precious resources are applied consistent with a person's stage of personal growth and are therefore most effective.
Seven Stage Personal Growth Plan
The journey of personal development and self improvement can be divided into seven stages, each with its own characteristics and needs. The seven stages of personal growth are as follows:
Healing: Personal growth is forward looking. Traumas and incompletions of the past may impede the forward progress of personal development. Healing actions may include learning meditation, yoga, and cognitive behavior modification for self reflection, along with the generous ear of a close friend.
Foundation: The individual intent on growth in this stage should build strong boundaries, clarify personal standards, and develop a support system that satisfies personal needs.
Maturity: This stage of personal growth involves becoming emotionally and mentally mature, internally motivated, responsible, and self sufficient.
Expansion: In the expansion stage a person reaches out to build and strengthen relationships with others.
Values & Strengths: During this stage the individual focused on personal development clarifies core values and strengths.
Fulfillment: This is a stage of enjoyment and appreciation of all aspects of life.
Legacy: At this highest level of personal growth, appropriate activities will focus on sharing wisdom, experience, and material acquisitions.
Consistent with the stage of personal growth, the frugal individual can follow the following tips to continue growth at little or no cost.
Use the Buddy System
Personal growth flourishes on an individual's motivation and initiative. Finding a partner can help to counteract normal dips in motivation that can cause a person to slow or cease personal growth efforts. Buddy-systems are often effective because they combine accountability and inspiration and have the added advantage of shared expenses.
Barter for a Coach
A personal growth coach is trained to support, encourage, and challenge an individual to achieve personal goals. Some coaches may be receptive to bartering for their coaching services. Coaches often require administrative support, web design, copy editing, marketing, printing, and facility rental.
Free Self Help Materials
Self help books, CDs, and DVDs are often available at public libraries. Take advantage of these free resources, purchasing only those suitable for a personal library
Book Store Offers
Many book stores encourage lengthy browsing with comfortable chairs and refreshments. Sample new releases of personal growth materials, purchasing only those with ongoing benefit.
Free Newsletters and Teleclasses
Many personal growth gurus offer free newsletters and teleclasses as a means of demonstrating their expertise and ability to help. Though they hope to eventually attract paying customers, the free information is often a useful introduction to their programs.
The individual committed to personal growth can continue the journey without breaking a budget by following these tips.
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