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Personal Development

BY: T. Franklin Murphy | February 2021 (edited January 17, 2022)

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To flourish, we must progress, not stagnating in the present. We must establish a pattern of improving mind, spirit and body.

What is Personal Development?

Life is dynamic. We live in a sphere of complexity. The recipe for human flourishing would be simple is life was static. It is not. The rules keep changing. Feedback loops are mysteriously concealed, diluted by unrecognized factors. We may be on a roll, doing everything we know we should do, and still get spanked by unforeseen misfortunes.

A part of the answer to flourishing is fostering a growth mindset, dedicated to personal development. Here at Flourishing Life Society we devote much of our efforts to provide insightful explorations into ways to develop and sharpen individual skills, thinking, and efforts to experience greater joys and fulfillment.

Key Definition: Personal Development

Personal development is a process, not a crowning achievement. Personal development is the process of assessing skills and qualities, considering life objectives (values), and setting goals to realize and maximize potential.

Personal Values and Personal Development

Personal development is, well, personal. Certainly there are plenty of general categories to assist in our unique journey of growth. However, our innermost desires (values) must significantly play into the equation.

"The key to personal development is taking the right steps — steps that help ensure that you reach whatever goal you are pursuing."
Tchiki Davis, MA, PhD | Berkley Well-Being Institute

Unless we know what we want, what gives us purpose, it is impossible to devise a plan to get there. Values seem to curiously hide from superficial inspections. We need a more consciousness examination, mindfully attending to events and dreams that bring joy. Only through careful attention to our reactions do we begin to zero in on the things that bring personal fulfillment.

Key Concept:

Successful development requires a goal and a workable plan.

We Need a Plan

Personal development isn't a haphazard process. We need a target and well designed plan. A person's system of goals, strategies for motivation, and surrounding support systems make or break dream fulfillment.

Flourishing Life Society focuses on many aspects of the personal development process. Our expertise lies in the realm of psychology and human wellness. We offer a variety of articles on psychology, wellness, relationships, and achievement. This page is one of Flourishing Life Society's key topic areas with article links updated frequently.

May your flourishing journey in personal development bring joy and happiness.

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T. Franklin Murphy

Wellness. Writer. Researcher.
T. Franklin Murphy has a degree in psychology. He tirelessly researches scientific findings that contribute to wellness. In 2010, he began publishing his findings.