A Plus Attitudes

By guest author Sheila Johnson of wellsheila.net

Individual Quest for Personal Growth

The first step in your quest for personal growth is to identify exactly what that means for you. The keyword in the phrase “personal growth” is “personal,” as in unique to you. Where are you now? Where do you want to be in five years? What do you see yourself doing? These are questions only you can answer. Once you are clear on this subject you can avail yourself of numerous strategies that assist you in reaching your personal development goals. Here are some tips from A Plus Attitudes to get you started!

Staying Focused

Many people allow themselves to be distracted by the media, particularly news of world and national events. On the surface, there seems to be very little reason for hope in the world, until you realize a few things. First, the majority of these events have little or no impact on your immediate life. Second, the purpose of news is not to inform but rather to sell products by inciting fear and dissatisfaction. Third, there is a great deal of good going on in the world that is seldom reported in the news. 

Change your focus and keep your eye on the prize, whatever that is for you. Eventually, you will notice positive changes within and without.

Doing Something New

If what you are doing these days is working for you, keep doing it. Otherwise, you should consider a change. This may involve a new job or career, returning to school in order to learn new skills, or taking up a new sport or hobby.  If you’re thinking about a career change, you should update your resume. It’s not difficult to do. Get started with a resume builder. With a few clicks, you can quickly create a professional-quality resume in a few minutes, incorporating your own text and images.

If you decide to go back to school, earning your information technology bachelor’s degree is a great way to get involved in a growth industry with a lot of potential. Best of all, if you choose to take advantage of the flexibility afforded by online programs, you can learn at your own pace without having to juggle your schedule or take time off work!

The Role of Meditation

Many people hearing the word “meditation” think of hippies or Eastern mystics seated cross-legged on the floor and chanting a mantra while burning incense. While these accouterments can be part of it, they are not necessary. Meditation can be virtually anything that allows you to empty your mind of all thought, essentially giving your mind a rest. Lying or sitting comfortably with your eyes closed and listening to white noise is effective, or you can use binaural beats. These are easily obtained from many online sources.

Coaching and Mentoring

For some of us, having a life coach or mentor can be helpful. Such a person can offer an objective, outside point of view and point out obstacles we may subconsciously build for ourselves. A mentor has also been down the same path and can provide insights that can assist you in reaching your goals.

Taking Care of You

It has been mentioned many times but bears repeating: take care of your own needs first. This is not selfishness; only by practicing self-care can we effectively help and care for others. This includes learning to say “no” to the demands of others, especially when they do not align with our own values. In addition, the importance of exercise and proper nutrition cannot be overstated.

The key to personal growth and development is defining goals and focusing on them. The methods are less important than the outcome; by using and practicing some of the techniques outlined above, you can truly become anything you want to be. 

I am so thankful for the collaborative effort Sheila and I have established. This is Sheila’s second article she has written for A Plus Attitudes. If you read this article, please show your gratitude by visiting Sheila’s blog at wellsheila.net

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A Plus Attitudes is all about loving life. It’s about inspiring, motivating, challenging, rejoicing and sharing our life experiences with anyone who feels they need an attitude adjustment, needs to rejuvenate their spirit or just wants to join in on the fun. Feel free to reach out with any comments or questions!

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