by Amber Rolfe
Need to work on your development? It’s time to get personal…
Personal development is a vital part of an individual’s growth and progression. By allowing you to explore key areas of self-improvement, you’re more likely to feel fulfilled in your personal life – and it could even benefit you from a professional perspective.
To find out exactly how it could help you, here’s everything you need to know about personal development (and five reasons to get started):
What is personal development?
Personal development is the process of self-improvement, which focuses on building up your own awareness, knowledge and skills, as well as an overall sense of identity.
Typical activities could include anything from developing a talent or fulfilling personal aspirations, through to improving your health and lifestyle or learning a new skill. This can be achieved through your hobbies, or by taking a CPD course.
What is professional development?
Professional development refers to the learning of professional credentials, which can be achieved independently, or gained within the workplace.
It could involve taking a course, such as an academic degree, a professional qualification or a regulated qualification. Attending conferences and events is also a great way to develop your knowledge within a particular sector.
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How can I track my personal development?
You can track your personal development using a personal development plan.
This is a written account of self-improvement, which also covers the goals you aspire to fulfil – whether they’re career-based, personal, or academic.
It can be created independently, or with guidance from a manager or tutor.
Personal development planning: What you need to know
Benefits of personal development
Working on your personal development is not only essential for your own self-improvement, but can also help you thrive professionally.
Here are four key benefits of personal development:
You’ll figure out what you want to do
By carrying out ongoing personal development, you’ll be learning more about your abilities and aspirations.
You’ll figure out where your values, beliefs, and values lie, not to mention uncover a clearer purpose for what you’re doing – both on a personal and professional level.
You’ll be able to make clear goals
By figuring out more about yourself, you’ll be able to set clear and well-informed goals.
Whether it’s that taking a course helped you realise what career you’d like to pursue, or learning a new language made you want to travel – expanding your knowledge is a great way to help you make good decisions about your future.
Not only will you realise what you do want to do, you’ll also be able to rule out paths that might not suit you as much as you thought.
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You’ll be motivated
With clear and achievable targets, you’ll be more motivated to actually fulfil them – especially if you have a personal development plan to track your progress.
This means you’ll be more productive in carrying out the tasks you set yourself (whether it’s at work, study, or home) – and you’ll be more likely to complete them to a high standard.
After all, it’s the only way you’ll achieve your goals.
You’ll get a better work-life balance
If you’re not feeling fulfilled in your current job, allowing yourself some personal development time is a great way to improve your work-life balance.
By carrying out your own learning and development, you’ll not only be improving your morale, confidence, and knowledge, you could also be improving your career prospects – whether it’s to gain a promotion, new job, or a career change.
Doing something you love and boosting your CV at the same time? It’s basically a no-brainer.
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You’ll improve your career prospects
Whilst personal development might seem separate from your professional life, it could actually be a great way to achieve your career goals.
And it’s not just what you learn that could help you thrive at work; by making your commitment to personal development clear to employers, you’ll be able to demonstrate dedication and an ability to learn and grow.
With most employers seeking candidates who are willing to progress within an industry, you could be well on your way to landing your dream role.
Ready to start working on your personal development? View all courses now.
