CHAMPION OF SELF-DEVELOPMENT: ALWAYS EVOLVING

Learning all there is to know about it is a lifelong proposition. So, along your journey of continuous self-improvement, take stock of your progress from time to time, and identify areas of learning that have become priorities for the next phase of your leadership career development.

Select one or more overarching leadership competencies for your self-improvement strategy from the options provided below. Alternatively, blend recommended skill clusters or specific competencies from various sets in this list with aspects you've independently recognized for enhancement, incorporating alternative terminology where applicable.

v Prioritize you. In truth, authentic personal advancement stems from introspection—a deep dive into self-awareness. It involves understanding oneself. Personal growth is precisely that—it's individual. It's an intimate journey between you and yourself. Your uniqueness and circumstances set you apart. It's not self-cantered; it's grounded in science. Prioritizing self-care is essential. No external force will step in to resolve this for you.

v Become aware using a holistic approach. A holistic approach to personal development recognizes all areas of wellness. I invite you to think about how you are doing and how you hope to grow in these eight dimensions: physical, emotional, intellectual, social, environmental, financial, occupational, and?spiritual. Ask yourself what you can do to bring yourself closer to your goals and closer to the person you want to become in each of these areas. There is no one right balance that will benefit two people the same way.

?v Make room for your past. Your way forward is not defined by your past. All the things that you have weathered in your life are events, not characteristics. Trust yourself that you handled your life the best you could in the moment with the tools and resources you had. You have not only gone through hard times, but you have also grown through them too.

v Limit social comparison. Many of us are familiar with Theodore Roosevelt's statement, "Comparison is the thief of joy." While drawing inspiration from those who motivate us is beneficial, it's crucial to be aware that the path ahead won't unfold uniformly for everyone.

v Build healthy habits consistently. Consistency compounds. Commit to doing one activity, every day, even for just five minutes, that will bring you closer to your goals and the person you want to be. Having goals and something to work towards helps to maintain our drive and gives us a sense of fulfilment.

v Build the team to support the dream. Assuredly, obstacles, moments of diminished motivation, and unexpected challenges will arise. Recognizing this, we all require an advocate, someone firmly in our corner. A robust foundation paves the way for the necessary room for personal development.

v Embrace the discomfort. Being comfortable doesn’t help us develop. If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you. As the popular saying goes, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten.” Change is hard and noticeable. It is supposed to be.

v Celebrate your progress. Are you proud of a recent accomplishment? Are you handling or approaching situations better today than you would have five, or even just one year ago? Celebrating even the small wins in our change journey brings awareness to our progress. And it feels good.

v Take it slow. In a society characterized by rapid pace, there's a constant push to achieve more, be better, and excel at any expense. However, this approach isn't sustainable. You don't have to undertake a monumental life overhaul. Grant yourself the freedom to pause intermittently. Ultimately, personal growth is an enduring expedition, not a fixed endpoint.

?v Notice your allies. When you commit to personal growth, some people may not support or agree with your choices. Don’t let that deter you. Real allies want to see you living your best life.