For as long as I can remember, I always loved learning something new. Learning was exciting, inspiring, energizing and at some times challenging but it always brought fulfillment to my soul.
Prior to the internet, taking in-person classes and reading books were really the only vehicles available for learning. We had to actually take written notes (no laptops back then) and get our books from the library. Encyclopedias were our friends as well as the card catalog. Card catalogs, for those who are too young to remember, allowed us to locate books on the library shelves. I loved the library and at one point, I actually wanted to become a librarian!
Once the internet was born the number of possibilities, to learn, exploded. Listening to podcasts or audiobooks, taking live or taped virtual classes and watching YouTube videos became the easiest and the most convenient way to learn. Even finding an answer to a simple question is now handled by Siri or Alexa.
It's funny because once I graduated from college, I remember saying "I'm so done with formal education. I never want to take another course or read another text book, ever!". Don't get me wrong, I loved school especially college but going to school for 17+ straight years was exhausting. But I was ready to learn about life!
As you've heard ... Never say "never" and never say "ever". Once the universe hears those words uttered from your lips, it will go out of its way to prove you wrong. So here I am 40 years later with more credits to my name then I could ever have imagined, including a 500 RYT, Primordial Sound Meditation certification and COPE certification. Not to mention all the books, conferences, conventions and other courses I've completed over the years. Never? LOL...
But I am so glad I didn't commit to "never" or "ever". These experiences have increased my self-confidence, improved my health, allowed me to develop new friendships, provided inspiration and creativity, gave me a rewarding side career, opportunities and so much more!
The best project you'll ever work on is YOU.
Life is supposed to be a journey with lots of mountains to climb, obstacles to overcome and detours to get sidetracked. But it is also about discovering new things about the world and ourselves. We are always a work in progress so the best project you'll ever work on is YOU!
The benefits of learning and working on YOU are many.
Improved focus and concentration
Better brain function
Increased happiness
A sense of direction/purpose
Motivation
Improved skills
Increased creativity
And so many more!
Personal development is the belief that you are worth the effort, time and energy, needed to develop yourself.
YOU are WORTH the time and effort. And personal development can be fun!
Think you have no time? I bet you do have time. Somewhere in that crazy schedule of yours you have 5 minutes to an hour a day to pick up a book, listen to a podcast, watch a YouTube video, participate in a self-paced virtual course, sign up for a LIVE in-person course, subscribe to a great informational newsletter (like mine), or even head to a museum. Sorry, but scrolling through social media platforms doesn't count!
Spending consistent time in personal growth activities benefits your own health, physical and mental. Who knows, you might discover a new hobby, career, friend (or set of friends), or actually have some fun!
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