6 WAYS TO GROW INTO A BETTER YOU

Yes, you’ve heard it a thousand times, but there IS someone waiting on your obedience and your stepping out of your comfort zone and doing what you need to do consciously (or unconsciously) sends a signal to those around you to do the same. So, what are some ways to ensure our personal development journey is not aborted. Look at the tips!

Pray for Direction

“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” - Isaiah 30:21

Some of the times you may be unclear on the path you should take. You know you desire more, but somehow the way to get there still seems muddy. As a Christian be reminded that you have access to the Holy Spirit. He lives inside you and is a guide.

Why not take him up on that offer? Ask Him what your next steps should be. Express to him the desires of your heart (if you’re yielded to Him chances are, He put them there) and ask, “How do I approach this?”

I wish I could say that you will hear a loud booming voice from heaven to confirm. Doesn’t quite happen like that.

The answer may come from an impression, a conversation from a friend or sometimes that answer will come from taking that first step of faith to do that thing that’s on your heart.

Spoiler alert: sometimes you may fail. Fall flat on your face and wonder if you heard Him correctly. Unfortunately, that comes with the territory. However, because we know our steps are ordered by Him and He is ultimately working ALL things together for our good we can rest assured that our failures are never fatal.

Count the Cost

“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” Luke 14:28

One of the biggest mistakes people make on their personal development journey is to try and do everything at the same time. They overhaul their diet, start CrossFit training and but ten courses to up level their skills. While they started with the best of intentions, they soon become overwhelmed and confused and before you know it- mission aborted.

Don’t let that be you boo. Step by step is the name of the game. In other words, “count the cost” while setting those goals. Yes, you should challenge yourself, but you shouldn’t set yourself up for failure. Properly assess your current responsibilities. Look at where you have some slack in your time to work on your goals and plan accordingly. Set a schedule and stick to it. Consistent action over time will yield results and give you the drive to keep pushing forward.

Grow your Network

“Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?” Ecclesiastes 4:11 So, you wanted to be a lone ranger on your personal development journey? That’s cute. Let me stop you right there, community is important, we were not meant to journey this life alone.

There are persons who have walked the path that you are currently on and they can show you the pitfalls, so you don’t have to learn those lessons from scratch. That means you have put yourself out there. LinkedIn is a great way to network, especially as a professional.

Start Using Your Gift

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” 1Peter 4:10

There are several useful groups on this platform where you can get useful information to help you. Do your research and find persons on this platform (or another social media network) , engage with their content and send them a (meaningful) message perhaps about how their article provided insight on a question you had or corrected a misconceptions. Just like you would try to build a meaningful relationship offline apply that same approach online. Don’t let your first conversation be one where you ask for a favour.

We all have at least one gift. That thing that comes to naturally. Whether it be writing, speaking, being able to break down complex issues so a five-year-old can understand.

The truth is, the things you find easy other people find daunting.

The challenge usually comes in knowing how to channel those gifts into meaningful action. Some persons know exactly how to do that, but for some of us it may take a bit of doing.

Also, ensure your first interaction is meaningful and you do that by being prepared with good questions. Do some research on the area you ae interested in so you can be prepared.

That means trying different things to see what works for you. Are you a great writer? Start freelancing in that area. Great at math? Offer to tutor. Clarity comes through action and as you step out of inertia and start using your gifts you would be surprised how the path unfolds.