Comments on: Investing in Yourself: Personal Growth

By: Maggie Shaw

Maggie Shaw — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 15:10:40 +0000

Hi Trent. I find this the best entry in this series. Because if you’re not happy with yourself, how can you truly be happy? I find that the times I am happiest are when I am working with Habitat for Humanity. I’ve been doing Global Village trips since 2002 and am co-leading my first team in May.

I’ve also set a big goal for myself: to compete in a Men’s Health event in September of this year. To do this, I’m working with a trainer and a nutritionist two days per week, and running the other days. I also write down everything I eat and highlite the bad foods (although you have to treat yourself once in a while). Taking this on step further, I’ve typed up a list of goals for the year and taped it to my refrigerator. A constant reminder is a wonderful thing.

By: InvestEveryMonth.com

InvestEveryMonth.com — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 12:50:56 +0000

If you can’t afford to travel to a new place each year, use the internet to take a virtual tour. I use Google Earth to look at the geography, wikipedia to learn about the location, and then I do searches for pictures and videos.

The internet has become a great tool for life long learning.

By: Sally

Sally — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 11:22:42 +0000

I’m a long time reader but a first time commenter. I just wanted to say that I’ve really enjoyed your ‘Investing in Yourself’ series. Thank you!

By: Lisa

Lisa — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 10:42:44 +0000

I think personal growth is what makes life fun, and even bearable, when things aren’t going my way. It’s nice knowing I can change things for the better, that I have the power. Little successes fuel the fire for more growth, so I keep my steps small. My blog is my latest series of steps. I’ve had to break that down into pieces, as it’s quite an undertaking! I applaud your great success here. The seamlessness of it on the surface, shows all the hard work behind it.

Lisa

By: Susannah

Susannah — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 07:34:47 +0000

There are a lot of talented artists, writers, actors and so forth who think they can’t afford to take their creative side seriously. It’s a terrible waste. Part of the problem is that we buy into the “can’t afford the artistic life” business and start sinking into American consumer debt.

You say your friend would prefer working the art store job. That’s legit, but it treats the art like a hobby or an interest, not a vocation. The focused artist may choose the extra $3 at Home Depot to help afford more studio space, invest in publicity, or save like hell so she can float herself a few months to work. THAT’S focusing on core values. Success as an artist requires taking yourself seriously as an artist. That’s not all it requires, but it’s one of the prerequisites.

By: Miguel Wickert (Pineiro)

Miguel Wickert (Pineiro) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 06:15:18 +0000

I just started a site covering various topics, among them are personal development. I like the comment about outward focus. It’s great to invest in ourselves, but apart of development and growth is looking outward. I recently found out about this movement called the “Love Alliance.” The aim is to raise awareness of social injustice. Thanks a refreshing post!

By: The Innovative Traveler

The Innovative Traveler — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:06:41 +0000

Love your travel suggestion. The Dalai Lama says to visit one new place a year. I think it really serves to open your mind and horizons to how others live, think, and feel.

I also like your suggestion on exploring other religions. I have a set core of religious beliefs I practice, but it’s been invaluable to learn from other’s religions. It’s really served to better my understanding of the world.

http://www.theinnovativetraveler.com

By: clevelis

clevelis — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:24:36 +0000

Good points! I love a good challenge. Particularly in the area of reflection, I attempt to take an honest assessment of the year on New Year’s Day and again on my birthday. For the birthday, the focus on how have I truly changed. As my birthday approaches, I just read a great book (The Shack by William Young) that was challenging but excitingly thought provoking. I’ve found that one key for me is that I can be free to change and try new things b/c my core values serve as the paradigm and anchor.

By: Frugal Dad

Frugal Dad — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:24:32 +0000

A friend told me the other day that she was happy when she finally finished her masters because she didn’t have to “read anything for learning ever again!” How sad. I don’t think we should ever stop learning, or growing, and one of the best ways to get educated on a subject is to read about it.

By: RSA

RSA — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:20:46 +0000

Are you a Joe Tye fan?

By: WeSeed Editor

WeSeed Editor — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:58:40 +0000

I think change is a big stumbling block for people but it can be a great way to grow. It’s hard but it’s worth it.

As for a challenging book that is still entertaining (A MUST for me) check out Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace—it’ll blow you away.

By: Brent

Brent — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:34:10 +0000

As for reading challenging books, check out this blog: http://www.200books.com
Has a lot of interesting ideas.

By: Never the Same River Twice

Never the Same River Twice — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:21:09 +0000

This is a great post to finish out this series. The explosive growth of the personal development blogosphere (my site is just one of thousands of examples of this) is a testament to the fact that many people are trying to improve themselves. The biggest problem that I see with people is that they haven't taken the time to figure out their core values. It's great that you've suggested that as the first thing to do. I personally don't believe that we have only one overarching life purpose, but I DO believe that we all have values that resonate with us. Pay attention to your response to lots of situations, write those responses down, and after a while you'll begin to piece together what you fundamentally like and what you want to avoid.