Attend Your Own Private University

Personal development is a huge field. When I look back at all the time spent on my own personal development, it has been more like attending a university course of life. Any type of development has one motive, to improve. We all wish to improve on ourselves personally and that usually starts with practising and disciplining ourselves in certain subjects to become more efficient and effective in chosen areas.

It may be the way we talk. Self-talk after all is huge in relevance when we undertake pursuits that challenge our confidence as we venture into unknown territory. Optimism is paramount when it comes to self-improvement. We must feel good about what we are starting out to do and we must set high realistic goals and timeframes that form a map for our journey.

Any great personal challenge should be designed to bring out the very best in us. To do that we need to view challenges, setbacks and learning curves in a positive light knowing that we are not yet the finished article in our aims, but that we are making progress in given areas to make that happen.

Time frames and daily disciplines are crucial. How we spend our time each day and how we look at the value of time can catapult the progress we make. For example, 25-minute stints can go a long way in making consistent steady progress. I usually chop my day into what I must do that day, but additionally I also make the given time to attend at least 3 personal study classes that day consisting anywhere from between 25 minutes and 1 hour to work towards improvement, knowledge and growth.

At the end of each week my diary looks like a university timetable and I am in complete control of what classes I attend and choose to amend. This gives me a steady progress map when outlining my weekly, quarterly and yearly goals.

Progress is not a mountain, it is a series of small hills that with consistency and discipline, can be accomplished steadily until you graduate in certain areas. If your long-time goal means settling in for the next 3 years then map out your own education programme, don’t miss a class and work your way steadily towards your achievements

Being disciplined frees up more time for you. In the words of navy seal and podcast host Jocko Willink, ‘discipline equals freedom.’ Mapping your days ahead free you up to work and enjoy other pursuits outside of those targeted areas as you know exactly what you must do that day and you are able to prioritise what you need and want to work on. This is also good when starting new businesses and organizing stuff like social media posting.

It also builds confidence in that you are doing the work. Greatness happens behind the scenes and every successful person will tell you that they are very particular with their time and how they spend it.

Have you been struggling to find the time to commit to your goals and dreams?

Start moving yourself forward now with these 3 easy to implement steps. 

Here are 3 ways you can start organizing and attending your own private university:

• Seek out relevant courses, lectures, public events and seminars that contribute to your knowledge and education base regularly as you build your skills.
• Discipline your daily diary by scheduling 3 short classes targeting areas of improvement and tasks in given subjects. Watch the progress you make and how quickly you start to grow!
• Take a weekly progress review analysing how your week has gone, what you covered, and what are next steps are.

Every step you take in life when you bring discipline to your diary gets you closer to your goals. Take joy in it and know that you are edging forward steadily and persistently, and the goals you desire will be a foregone conclusion. Discipline needs dedication and dedication needs discipline. Attend your own private university, focus, and revel in your pursuit of personal improvement.   

If you have enjoyed this blog post please share it with someone you think may benefit from it. I would also be delighted to hear of your own progress so please leave your comments in the section below.

Author Maxwell Muir is Co-founder of The Professional Speaking & Business Mastery Academy where he delivers frequent talks and keynotes on the topic of personal development, mental preparation for overcoming the fear of speaking and building self-confidence in his clients to bring their best mindset to their game.