Personal Development Just How Is It Defined

Personal Development Just How Is It Defined

Personal development can be defined as self improvement. It is a process of moving from point A to point B in ones own life and the course between the two points is usually considered to be in an upward direction.

Personal development is important to not put too tight a definition on the term. This is because it is a highly individual process of self improvement. Too often, personal development ends up being measured against the progress of others, but this misses the true purpose. The process is to move from Point A to Point B. Point A is defined as where you are now and Point B is where you want to be in the future.

It is not really personal development when Point B is defined for you by the standards of others rather than your own goals. Even the determination of where you are now needs to be kept personal. If you feel, or are told, that you are already at a higher than average level in your life, it does not mean that you could not benefit from working on yourself.

So, we are talking about individual self improvement, usually according to a set plan or program that helps a person improve the overall quality of their life by attaining goals that they have set for themselves. Within that definition, there is a lot of wiggle room for understanding the concept. To some people it may be connected with professional or financial improvements and to others it might mean improvement in relationships.

Although this definition might seem to simplify the process, it involves a very honest self evaluation to form a very clear understand of where you really are now and an equally clear vision of where you want to go. Then, it takes a great deal of will power and self discipline to push yourself forward to your goal.

An important part of the personal development equation is the plan. The PDP, as it is often called, is the blueprint or road map of the journey from where you are to where you want to be. Although the ultimate responsibility for the success of the PDP rests on the individual, they are not alone, either in formulating the plan or getting help and support during its implementation. Friends, family members, professional life coaches, spiritual advisors, and even inspirational literature are all available to lend a hand.

Aazdak Alisimo writes about personal growth issues for ProfessionalDevelopmentConsultants.com - where you can find professional development consultants near you and across the country.