Personal Development Should Be Personal

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"Be strict about your goal, but flexible in how you get there."
So you've decided to change your life. You are finally going to lose the weight, write the book, go back to school...or maybe your goal is to start by simply being showing up on time to things (I believe this is called punctuality...I'm actively working on this, myself).

I'm sure you don't need a vocabulary lesson, but just for clarity's sake, I want to make sure you understand what the title of this post is referring to. Any time you are actively working on yourself, it's considered personal development. Your decision live a healthier lifestyle? Personal Development. Your newfound commitment to no longer be the person everyone expects to be late? Personal Development.

This decision to do better for yourself is amazing. You should be proud that you even care enough to want to reach your full potential. That is an admirable thing. The problem, though, is that so many people try to emulate what they see others doing. I'll use weight loss as an example because it's the one that I have the most experience with:

You make the decision to lose weight, buy the workout gear, sign up for the fitness program, and even buy containers for meal prepping. You got all of these ideas from that super-fit girl you follow on Instagram who swears by her 2-hour long fitness routine combined with counting every micro and macro calorie that goes into her temple. (I exaggerate to make a point). You have decided that the only way to lose this weight and finally have the body and energy you've always wanted is to do exactly what this girl says. After all, it works for her so why reinvent the wheel right?

Wrong.

If you haven't worked out since your senior year in high school (or ever), you may be able to do that first 2-hour workout, fueled by your sheer motivation and willpower, but you will NOT be able to do it again the next day, much less everyday after that.

Friends, personal development should be personal. That means tailored to you, your interests, and your motivators. Of course you have to make some adjustments. The only way to get something you've never had (i.e. abs of steel) is to do something you've never done (abdominal exercises), but it should be realistic for you and where you're right now.

The best thing you can do if you're determined to be the best version of yourself is to first get to know who you are and where you're at right now. Let that be what guides you. It's OK and even necessary sometimes to get your inspiration from others, but you have to do what works for you if you're going to see real, lasting results.


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