Striving
to make ourselves better, were thought of as "new age phenomenon",
but actually it dates back to ancient history. There are multiple societies
that spoke of developing oneself as the only true vocation in life and that
philosophy (knowing more about oneself and the universe), was the best way to
live a more fulfilling life.
As
we look into the history of personal development, it may have been called by
other names such as, "virtues", or "moral character", or within
the Christian era, "ethics."
No
matter where we find the roots of personal development, whether it is in
ancient Greece, or more recently in the teachings of Benjamin Franklin, where
he created possibly the first Self-Improvement
Course. The traits that he spoke of are as follows…
1. To Practice Self-Control and Exercise Discipline, then to use these
traits as a means of improving the individual…
2. Quiet Yourself and Listen: Become a better listener,
and exercise silence…
3. Maintain Order: Arranging our lives in an orderly
fashion, and not procrastinate…
4. Work Ethic: Putting forth your best effort daily…
5. Money/Time: Understand how we spend our time and
money…
6. Work: Learn to work and play hard, striving to
bring a smile to others…
7. Do unto Others: Always treat others, the way you yourself
would like to be treated.
8. Small Steps: to look at life with moderation, and to
avoid extremes…
9. Cleanliness Both
Inside and Outside: To be clean in body, mind and spirit…
10. Peace: Live life at peace, enjoying the beauty
that surrounds us…
11. Serve Others: no matter your station in life, take the
time to help others in need…
12. Humbleness: realize that we are all equal in the face
of the Almighty…
13. Honesty: Strive always to speak the truth both
yourself and those you come in contact with.
While
this is simply a brief example, of what one of America's historic figures
offered, personal development is not a destination but a path you should walk.
Personal
development should become ingrained in every part of our lives, both
physically, mentally, and spiritually. Life is a continual movement from birth
to death, and along that path we should always strive to move ourselves
forward, to become better people, and to never settle, but always strive for
excellence.
We
live in a fast-paced world, with deadlines to keep and bills to pay, it's easy
to lose sight of the fact that we are physical as well as spiritual beings, and
to truly be fulfilled we should not put one in front of the other, rather seek
excellence for them both.
Personal
development, which could be measured by setting and reaching goals, can be
thought of as a measurement of our success in life. It does not matter whether
we seek the summit Mount Everest, or simply to walk to a neighbouring hill,
rather it is the setting of our sight upon that goal, then moving steadily
forward to reach the infielders.
In
conclusion, in personal development we should seek both short-term and
long-term goals, with short-term goals being achievable, which offers fuel to
our very essence, allowing us the strength and motivation to move forward with
long-term goals.
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