But did you know Personal Development, or Self Development as its also known, has been around for over two thousand years, but in those days what was it known as?

The following quote can be found on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop in Westminster Abbey 1100AD).

“When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world.

As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.

But it, too, seemed immovable.

As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt,

I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.

And now, as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize:

If I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family.

From their inspiration and encouragement,
I would then have been able to better my country, and who knows,
I may have even changed the world.”

The point here is that if he had changed himself first then by example he could go on to change his family, and with their support would be able to go on to greater things.

Remember, change comes from within. You can not change outside influences without changing your thoughts and beliefs first.

So what did these people call Personal Development long ago? We have all heard of the word Faith which means believing in something not yet seen. So believing you can change is the key here.

I will leave you with a quote from Aristotle. (384BC-322BC). “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom”

Written by Dave McPherson.

Below are 4 ways in which we can achieve this and if carried out you will find your motivation levels will increase as your focus improves.

1. Make your goals clear, defined and visual.

Many people when asked what their goal is they say they want a new sports car or a big house. This is too vague as it doesn’t allow the creative forces to work. As an important part of setting goals is visualisation, how can you visualise the sports car you want for example when there are hundreds of models around.

You need to define your goal more clearly. Know exactly what make, model, derivative, colour what extras you want. Then find a picture of this car from a magazine or dealer’s brochure and place where you can see it everyday.

When you feel down or discouraged look at your picture, feel you already own it, imagine yourself behind the wheel driving in the country. Immerse yourself in your goal.

2. Prepare a daily action list.

To be successful you must remain focused. To remain focused you must plan. To plan you must write down your daily action list.

At the end of each day write down your tasks you need to accomplish the next day. By writing them down and ticking them off as you complete them you will experience a sense of achievement.

This schedule must be done daily to be effective.

3. Keep a positive mental attitude.

Always focus on the good things the positive things in life. Keep your thoughts positive and you will feel better about yourself. Believe your goals will come true.

Write an intangible goal on a piece of card and read it at least twice a day. For example ‘My thoughts always remain positive and I only see the good in all situations’.

Reading inspirational books will also help to keep your motivational levels high. These can be self development books or autobiographies. Reading these types of books will make you feel encouraged and be instrumental in motivating you to achieving your goals.

4. Surround yourself with positive successful people.

If  you associate with too many negative people they will eventually bring you down to their level of thinking and this will affect your self esteem and you will start to question if you have what it takes to be successful.

Don’t listen to them, or better still do not associate with them. To keep yourself motivated surround yourself with positive people.

Written by Dave McPherson

1. Smile.

Some people say it takes less effort to smile than to frown. In other words it is much easy to smile. Smile at every occasion. When someone says hello to you say hello back with a big smile. Of course the smile has to be genuine. You will feel better and you will make the other person feel better about themselves.

2. Be grateful for what you already have.

They say be grateful and thankful for what we have in our lives, and that is so true. Think about all the good things in your life know. Your family, friends life itself. Remind yourself of this everyday.

3. Avoid negative people.

Avoid people with only negative things to say about life. If you talk to them and join in their conversations they will bring you down to their level and you will become one of them, a negative thinker. Associate yourself with happy, positive people and you will feel better for it.

4. Love makes the world go round.

Show you feelings and affections to people you come in contact with. Express your love and friendship at every opportunity.

5. Feel alive – get out and about.

Take regular exercise, even if it is just going for a walk. The fresh air will make you feel alive and you will feel better for it.

6. Make other people happy – pay them a compliment.

If you make other people feel good about themselves you in turn will feel good about yourself. If your wife/husband buys a new outfit say how great they look. If your work colleagues do a good job on a project, tell them. If a sales person gives you good service make a point of telling them you were impressed. Pay compliments at every opportunity and do it with a smile. You will walk away knowing you will have made them feel better about themselves.

7. Laugh.

They say laughter is the best medicine. Watch your favourite comedy film or comedian and laugh as loud as you like. You will feel better for the experience.

Make a decision now to become a happy person. We all have choices in our life and they are down to your thinking. To be happy is quite simple – just make up your mind to be.

Written by Dave McPherson