Most people have experiences that cause them to create barriers between their inner self and the outside. Some of these walls are necessary, they protect us from the world, and ourselves. Other walls stall or even stop us in our own personal growth.


I have built and dismantled more than a few of these obstacles myself, in regard to my own life. Time and life will continue to move forward even while we stand still. Most people spend their lives shackled to many chains; the ones that secure us from free falling through life, and those that hold us back from the things we could achieve.

Assessment

Take a long, deep look into yourself, do it often, and be honest about what you see. It is difficult to fight a battle if you are unaware one exists. Know your inner self. Know who you are. Stand face to face with the best and worst of all you have been, the sum of your experiences. This is the start, the first day, and place to begin.

Define

Now that you have taken a deep look inside, it is time to sort out the good from the bad. Good experiences can help drive us forward, while a single bad experience may take a lifetime to overcome. Guilt, damaged confidence, lack of knowledge, and fear. These are things that may dramatically affect our ability to grow and thrive as an individual. In contrast, hope, a strong belief in self, and patience at persevering can help greatly in steady ongoing personal development.

Deciding which elements diminish or encourage you toward your potential is a very personal evaluation. Only you can determine which pains and tragedies from the past you are strong enough or prepared enough to conquer.

Vision

Who do you want to be when you grow up? Knowing and envisioning the person you wish to be will help in finding a path to your destination. As with most things in life, without a set goal and destination, we seldom advance. Clarify the qualities and values you want for yourself and commit to them. Be solid in your conviction.


Action

Without action, there can be no progress. The process of personal growth requires self-participation. No one can do it for you, many times the first steps we take are the most difficult, but often provide the momentum to proceed to the steps that come next.

Tags & Keywords : Growth, challenge, determination, evaluation, assess, define, vision, action