I’d been a runner for about thirty years when I was sidelined with a lower back injury. Not being able to get the physical, emotional, and mental lift that came from running really discouraged me. Then I discovered that running stairs didn’t hurt my back. My new routine became jogging up and down the six flights of steps in our apartment building. It was a great substitute.

But that recently changed. While running the stairs, I started feeling sharp pain in my knees (hello, 51 years old). My initial response was stubbornness and denial. I’d take it easy for a day or two, then be back at it, only to aggravate the injury. My rest and recovery periods became longer between each flare up. I finally admitted that my days of running steps are probably numbered. Time for another change.

For years my daughter Kennedy has recommended that I try yoga, but I’d always put it off. Desperate for another workout option, my wife and I started a 30 day beginners program on YouTube (Yoga with Adrian – highly recommended, she’s amazing). It’s only been a few days, but so far it’s going really well and doesn’t hurt my knees. 

This experience reminded me of an uncomfortable truth about personal development – sometimes practices that once served you well no longer work. What was wonderfully helpful in one season of life is not helpful in another. In order to keep growing, you have to listen to what your body, mind, or spirit is telling you. To move forward requires a willingness to let go of something you loved and try something new.

That kind of admission and change is hard. As a routine person, I’m slow to switch gears. That’s why I ignored my knee pain for too long before listening to what my body was telling me.

I should know better. Years ago, I taught classes on how to connect with God through spiritual practices. I intentionally provided my students with a wide variety of techniques because different practices appeal to different people. Also, I knew from personal experience that the effectiveness of practices change over time. For example, a prayer technique that at first felt fresh and invigorating became like sawdust in my mouth a few years later. Conversely, a meditation practice that felt useless when I first tried it became a lifeline in a different season.

So as you pursue your personal development goals, try adopting these steps:

1. Listen to what your mind, body, or spirit is telling you

You may need to slow down a bit and practice tuning in to the voice of your True Self, but you can hear it.

2. Be willing to let go of a practice that’s no longer serving you

Be grateful for the role it played in your life, and remember that its usefulness may come around again.

3. Try a new exercise, routine, or habit in its place

Sometimes this can feel scary, but it can also be really fun and refreshing.

If your struggle or goal is physical in nature, you might try a new piece of exercise equipment, adjusting your sleep routine, or changing how you eat. If it’s mental, it may mean taking an online class, learning a new skill, or playing on lumosity.com. If it’s spiritual, you could try listening to new teachers (a few of my favorites are here and here), studying a different religion, or changing up your prayer practice. If it’s emotional, it may mean starting, working on, or ending a relationship, volunteering, or prioritizing an activity that fills your emotional tank.

Personal development is not a destination. It’s a life-long journey toward a beautiful horizon. The tools, techniques, and practices that help you will change along the way. Be mindful. Listen to what your True Self is telling you. When needed, let go and try something new. If you do, you’ll take another step toward Becoming Yourself.

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