Change happens daily but growth is optional says John Maxwell, New York Times best-selling author and speaker. Every trial, tribulation and mistake in life is another opportunity for personal growth. Learning how to process and handle these seemingly negative events helps us on our growth journey. Here are some ideas and tips on how to take advantage of your next personal development opportunity.
One of my favorite concepts taught to me by John Maxwell is that the learning is not in the experience we endure. The learning comes from when we reflect on the experience and that gives us insight. Sadly, many of us are too busy doing, doing, doing to take the time to reflect on the day, or even to reflect on the event we just came through.
If you want to change your outlook on life, try keeping a gratitude journal. Did you know that you can rewire your brain to be happy by simply recalling three things you’re grateful for everyday for twenty-one days.
Another way to move your mood is to make time for what you enjoy. Maybe it is time to reevaluate a few things and take control of your life. With concentration and intentionality, you can lead your life and stop leading the life the world implies you should lead. If you are unhappy with something, change it or change the way you think about it. The late Jim Rohn said so aptly, “If you don’t like where you are, change it. You’re not a tree.” Try to lead a life doing what you love, even if that means taking some risks.
In his highly recommended book FOR, author Jeff Henderson askes two wonderful questions, The first is: “What do you want to be known FOR?” Which can be focused on most any area of your life. The second question is: “What are you known FOR?” The difference you find between those two questions will give you a clear path for growth.
If you want to be a better leader… find a simple way to serve others and bring value to them in their work or in their life. It’s serving others that leads to becoming a better leader. It is also important to remember not to ask someone to do something that you would not do yourself. Great leaders strive to serve and help others.
Another strategy to lift your mood is music. What type of music do you enjoy listening to? It’s been said, “Music is the voice of the angels” and it is also very harmonious to the soul. Listening to your favorite music or playing music can be very “instrumental” in your healing process. Try listening to music, and feel the soothing that can come with it.
When someone does something remarkable or demonstrates improvement, call them out on it! Our society makes it increasingly difficult to recognize everyone for their progress and abilities. If your waiter or cashier was friendly and attentive, make a special effort to call the business and pass along that information to their manager. Give them a positive online review because getting recognition, even for the smallest things, has the power to completely make someone’s day.
Personal growth is not always easy; in fact, sometimes it involves a lot of personal pain before the growth and development begins. As we make our way through life, it helps to maximize each challenge and look for the good in it so that we can continue to get better at finding true happiness inside ourselves.
