Jerry Lopper's Blog
Posted by Jerry Lopper
Each person is on a unique journey of personal growth and development. For most, the journey is only recognizable in hindsight, looking back over decades and seeing the growth resulting from events, choices, circumstances, and even hardships.
A more effective life journey of growth is one that is planned in advance, with enough flexibility to add and subtract as experience dictates conscious shifts from the plan.
The Sample Personal Development Program is a nineteen week, structured plan for growth with one focus of self improvement each week. Dedicating five short months to intentional personal growth can make a world of difference to your personal development.
Following is a very brief summary of each of the nineteen weeks' topics, with links to articles expanding on the topic to further support those following this structured program.
- Week #1 – How to Begin a Personal Development Program describes the self-assessment process necessary for clarifying your starting point.
- Week #2 – Get into the swing of personal growth with a focus on life purpose in Find Life Purpose in a Personal Development Plan.
- Week #3 – Get a handle on what you're good at and the things you love to do with Personal Growth Plan – Interests and Strengths.
- Week #4 – Devote this week to meditation and yoga with Meditating and Yoga in a Personal Growth Plan.
Personal Growth for Month Two
- Week #5 – The present moment is precious life itself. Learn to appreciate it with Grow in Spiritual Awareness and Mindful Meditation.
- Week #6 – Self awareness training will help you stay on track. Learn how with Mindfulness Training for Personal Awareness.
- Week #7 – Spend this week on your personal values and core beliefs with Personal Growth and Self Improvement Program and Probe Core Beliefs in Self Improvement Programs.
- Week #8 – Fear is a powerful barrier self-limiting personal growth. Address these limiting fears with Overcome Fears in a Personal Development Program.
Self Improvement Focus in Month Three
- Week #9 – Spend this week in developing positive thinking and a positive attitude.
- Week #10 – Setting and achieving goals successfully will be a snap with these goal setting tools.
- Week #11 – Gratitude is an important ingredient of personal happiness, learn more with Good Health Expressing Gratitude & Thankfulness.
- Week #12 – Devote this week to better self-care, both mental and physical, with this self-care guide for your personal growth.
Month Four's Personal Development Focus
- Week #13 – Work on managing and utilizing your time effectively with Time Management Strategy in Personal Growth Plan.
- Week #14 – Learn to listen and be known and respected as an excellent communicator with Effective Listening Skills for Personal Growth.
- Week #15 – Good relationships are an important ingredient of a happy life. Work to improve relationships this week with Improve Relationships in a Personal Growth Plan.
- Week #16 – Learn to cheer up by using generosity to feel good. For more, see Generosity, Philanthropic Giving and Being Happy.
Fine Tune the Personal Growth Journey
- Week #17 – Set and enforce your personal boundaries to keep your life on track with Improve Relations in a Personal Development Plan.
- Week #18 – Apologize and forgive to reduce the stress and burden of guilt and regret. Forgiveness is an act of healing. See Forgiveness Healing in Personal Development Plan.
- Week #19 – Reflect this week on the tremendous gains you've made. Resolve to return to areas needing further effort and plan for even greater growth in new areas. Reflect on Gains from a Personal Development Plan provides suggestions for this week's activities.
Posted by Jerry Lopper
Being successful in a career is not a matter of luck. Though some may stumble into a successful career, the processes described in the following articles will give you the best opportunity to consciously select an occupation direction that maximizes your chance for success.
The Keys to Career Success is an introductory article describing the first three very important steps to career success.
The Foundations of Career Success describes the important components of a successful career often overlooked in the literature.
Align Employment with Life Purpose for Success defines the critical role of life purpose in successful careers.
Find Passion for Work Using Personal Strengths delineates two foundational factors that make work more enjoyable.
Personal Values and Beliefs in Career Success indicates the need for good alignment between occupation and these personal characteristics.
How to Have a Balanced Life, though not directly addressing success in work, provides additional perspectives on the important foundational characteristics of success in any life area. You'll also have access to a free self-assessment tool.
Success is a journey, not a destination. As in any journey, advance planning can help to make your trip enjoyable and successful.