In This e-Class…

In this e-class we’ll begin the Personal Development Module and start to create your Personal Development Plan.

We’ll focus on Reading & Learning More, and take action in 2 areas:

1. Books
2. Skills.

Module 1: Personal Development

We’ll work with the Personal Development Module for a total of 5 weeks.
Over these weeks you’ll create your customized personal development program, including:

• Reading and learning more
• Personal growth
• Courses & training
• Personal habits
• Spirituality & mindfulness.

In some ways this module is the core of your self-care program.
You’ll be prompted to consider the challenges you want to take on, as well as ways to start building your
skills and broadening your horizons.

Introduction to the Personal Development Plan

Is this an area of your life that gets neglected? In the face of daily pressures, family challenges and the holy grail of life-work balance, many people never stop and think about their personal development.

Yet it’s personal growth that keeps us fresh and alive. Without nurturing our own development we can run out of fuel and start to feel like we’re running on empty in our commitments to others.

Without stopping to foster our own growth we become stagnant. We get fed up with ourselves and maybe even resentful toward the people we see as standing in the way of the things we ‘always wanted’ to do.

This is the place to stop all that unhealthy stuff, to recover the childlike part of you that wants to explore, to re-kindle the fire in your belly.

And to help you stay motivated, many of these areas include space for you to note ‘Personal Development Gains’. These are the changes you’re looking for – such as being happier, more confident or calmer.

Reading & Learning More [Personal Development]

A1 Books

One of the easiest ways to freshen up your thinking is to read. Why not start compiling your list of stimulating books – fiction and non-fiction – to read here. It’ll feel wonderful to tick off those titles!

Personal development gains

The books we’re focusing on in this section are ones that contribute to your personal development. Look for books that do any of these:

• Broaden your vocabulary
• Stimulate your thinking
• Teach you a skill
• Inform you
• Expand your understanding of human nature
• Challenge the way you see the world
• Motivate or inspire you.

How to find fiction ideas

• Fiction titles could include the classics. Writers like Charles Dickens and Jane Austen offer great character insight as well as much-loved tales.
• Modern fiction literature generally has its own area in bookshops, so you could browse the section for something of interest.
• Bookstores often employ book lovers – ask for recommendations from staff.
• Keep a lookout for local book clubs where you can tackle your reading and make new friends in the process.
• Visit your local library. Librarians can be a wonderful source of author and title suggestions.
• Ask friends for their favorite fiction titles.

How to find non-fiction ideas

• Keep an eye on the book review sections in magazines and newspapers.
• Browse bookstore shelves. Management, Motivation, Science and Health generally contains interesting choices.
• Ask friends for suggestions.
• If you watch or listen to talk shows, note interviewed authors who sound interesting.

Finding time for reading

• If you commute, read on the bus, train or ferry
• If you’re a frequent flyer, have a selection of books ready to stow in your cabin luggage.
• Investigate audiobooks on CD or MP3 for listening in the car, at the gym or while doing mindless errands.
• Swap TV viewing for an evening of reading.
• Read at lunchtime – in a park if it’s sunny; in a café if not.
• Keep a book in your bag or briefcase for those unexpected delays and waiting periods.
• Get a nightcap or hot chocolate and treat yourself to some reading time before, or in, bed.

A2 Skills

If you don’t immediately think of skills you want to develop and you’re not inspired by the worksheet ideas, let it sit. You’ll soon start to see the skills you want everywhere – in movies, on the bus, in friends.

Personal development gains

The skills we’re focusing on in this section are ones that contribute to your personal development. Look for skills that benefit you in any of these ways:

• Refresh and rejuvenate you
• Help your career
• Help your business
• Help your relationships
• Improve your health
• Increase your confidence
• Increase your productivity.

Ideas for skills to develop

• Public speaking
• Speaking another language
• HTML
• Surfing
• Making sushi
• Dancing
• Negotiation
• Typing
• Cooking
• Blogging
• Social networking (online)
• Assertiveness

How to develop new skills

• Read a book
• Take a course
• Attend a workshop
• Hire a private tutor
• Take an online program
• Ask someone who knows to teach you
• Teach yourself
• Join a group