Comments on: What is Personal Development?

By: Jeanie Marshall

Jeanie Marshall — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 21:42:32 +0000

Steve, thanks for your blog, your article directory, and your web site.

I’ve been involved as a participant and consultant in personal development, dating back when we called it the “human potential movement.” I find it helpful to make a distinction between “personal development” as a process and “personal development programs/techniques/consultants” as available resources.

I think the best personal development is self-directed. Sometimes that might be messy or confusing to those who are observing, as the person may move from one technique to another or appear to have no organized methods at all. Many different paths and approaches can be useful, even if only explored partially. Everyone is different. I love your idea that personal development is an attitude, because I think that really captures the essence.

Personal development programs are usually organized — whether they are effective or ineffective — and many of those are designed to benefit the author/developer more than the person who wants to develop himself or herself. Not all, by any means, but as you say, there’s a lot of junk on the Internet as well as off line.

I personally think that the very best of the programs and teachers direct the person back to trusting himself or herself. The best express ideas like “you can do it” or “trust yourself” or “try this and see how it works for you.” The actual words that are used don’t matter as much as the intention to make personal development programs truly self-empowering.

Make it an Empowered Day!
Jeanie

By: Alex Shalman

Alex Shalman — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 01:32:21 +0000

I’m going to quote the home page of my blog for the definition - if that’s okay with you.

“Personal Development is a condition in which you actively seek, gather, and utilize information in order to enrich your life. It�s similar to an exam at school, where being more prepared will get you a better grade. In this case, you�ll have a better life.

Personal Development covers a broad field of subjects, and if you�re already here, and seeking answers, than you are ahead of the pack. Subjects include (but are not limited to!):

* Health and Fitness
* Productivity/ Goal Setting / Motivation
* Communication/Relationships
* Accelerated Learning
* Wealth and Abundance
* Spirituality
* Self improvement, self help and personal growth
”

That is what personal development means to me. Seeking the knowledge and then taking action.

By: Kristian Hahndel

Kristian Hahndel — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 02:14:52 +0000

Hey steve
Awesome blog. Its great how you can define personal development as many people have a skewed perception on what personal development really is. I have personally been involved in human development for many years and find that it is the greatest source of fulfillment i have in my life. I have first introduced to personal development books at a very young age. The first book i ever read was “The magic of Thinking Big”. Later on in my life i attended many Tony Robbins seminars and went to alot of courses that were specialised on specific areas which i wanted to improve in. I love to share my own experiences with you in my personal blog over here if your interested.
cheers.