Sometimes I forget that personal development isn’t just personal.
While becoming a better emotional and spiritual version of myself certainly benefits me, it also has a ripple effect. Everyone I interact with, from my closest friends and family to the checkout clerk I meet at the grocery store, is impacted by who I am and who I’m becoming.
I’m not saying I can make anyone grow or change. That power lies with each of us alone. And like you, I’m bombarded on a daily basis by bad examples of how to be human. But my personal development efforts can help me set a good example of what a healthy, growing human can look like. Though wildly imperfect, I can still be a useful guide for others to follow, as so many have done for me.
When I’m tempted to slack off on a personal development habit, be it better eating/sleeping/exercising, volunteering, nurturing meaningful relationships, spending time in prayer and meditation or sharpening my mind, I remind myself of this quote:
Be the reason someone believes in the goodness of people.
karen salmansohn
Remembering that my personal development journey is for the good of others as well as for myself often gives me the motivation I need to keep going.
So how about you? What kind of example are you setting for those around you? When people look at your life, are they inspired to become better versions of themselves? Do your words, actions, attitudes, behavior and how you spend your time, money and energy leave people discouraged by humanity or filled with hope at what an intentional person can be?
Your life gives off ripples. Everyone around you is effected. Choose simple, healthy habits for your heart, mind, body and spirit. Work them into your routine. Ask others to keep you accountable. Remember the quote above. If you do, you’ll not only enjoy a more peaceful, energized and fulfilling life, but you’ll help others do the same. And you’ll take another step toward Becoming Yourself.
Sometimes I’m not very smart. In my search for meaning, joy, and a life well-lived,…
One of the main reasons I started this blog in 2017 was to map my…
I’d never written a eulogy before. My 82-year-old mom fell on February 18, 2024. She…
Life is hard right now. My mom's serious medical issue that I mentioned in a…
Spoiler alert—the needs of the world are endless. Poverty. Disease. Human trafficking. Food shortage. Climate…
It’s Easter. While for many of us, Easter is a time of bunnies, chocolate eggs,…