Personal Development

Personal development can be undertaken in a variety of ways and making use of a range of tools and teaching techniques.  It is possible for a person to work on their own personal development independently of others by using self help books, videos and a range of other materials available.  Other individuals could choose to make use of professional personal developers such as counselors or life coaches.

At the individual level it includes improving self awareness and self knowledge.  Attention is given the ways that can be found to improve wealth and health and lifestyle. 

An individual’s personal skills are worked upon to improve the person’s social ability.  Improvements in this area as well as the person’s enriching performance in social situations can also improve the individual’s employability. Some individuals choose to focus their spirituality to improve their quality of life.

Beyond self help personal development includes developing other people.  This form of personal development may take place through the role of teachers.  Education systems are designed to enhance personal development and self growth. 

The academic teaching given in institutions runs parallel with the assistance given by teachers to enhance the personal development of their charges. 

Mentors offer enormous scope in the area of personal development and can be paid individuals or working in the voluntary capacity such as a fellow colleague or relative.  Some people choose specifically to employ a life coach to help them plan out their personal development program and to guide them through it. 

Professional development is also a field of practice and research.  The methods employed include learning, programs, assessment systems, tools and techniques. 

Like any form of development, personal development makes use of frameworks or criteria to assess whether change has occurred.  The frameworks include goals, strategies, levels and feedback systems.