My Top 10 Personal Development Success Tips

I dedicate this post to my Father who passed away exactly one year ago today. Rest in peace Dad.

If you know me, have been reading this blog for any length of time, or follow me on Twitter you know that I have been on a personal development journey over the last twelve months. As a hiker, I view life as one long hike on a trail that is often easy to follow and not overly exerting. Sometimes you hit a big uphill that you simply understand is going to take more effort. Every now and again, a nice gentle downhill that takes no effort at all and you feel carefree about everything.

Sometimes, however, you stop paying attention and end up way off the trail and lost. I realized I was in that exact position late last year and began trying to find my way back to the trail. There is no true final destination on the trail but I was getting tired of walking through all the pricker bushes. I will not lie to you, it takes a lot of effort to change behaviors and redirect your life. The payoff is worth it, so without further ado here are the ten things I have found most helpful in finding my way back to the trail.

10. Place positive reading material everywhere in the house you are likely to sit for a few minutes throughout the day. (Yes, that place many of us call the library is one of the places I am talking about). I have found books like Easier Than You Think or The Last Lecture with short inspirational chapters are best.

9. Visit inspirations web-sites like Daily Motivator … well Daily.

8. Get into Twitter and read the blogs of people you follow, trust me you will know you are not alone in your daily journey once you start doing this.

7. Learn to say no, or “I’d love to help you, just not right now.” If you select the later approach follow through, your word matters.

6. Apologize and admit it when you screw up. Then, get over it and move on. While we can’t forget the past we also can’t live there.

5. Assess decisions in your life with my Real, Authentic, and Sustainable methodology.

4. Exercise. Yes, it’s important enough I ranked it #4 on the list.

3. Put community before yourself. I’m talking about the little stuff here, hold the door for someone with an armful of packages. Helping others does amazing things for the soul.

2. Put your family before everything but #1 below. Family means different things to different people. I have been blessed with a big amazing “traditional” family. I have friends who have been forced to create their own family. Either way, I’m telling you without family your life will be empty.

1. Belief in something bigger than yourself (for me this is God).

Find one or two of the ten ideas listed above that are not already part of your daily life and work them in over the next week or so. In thirty days you will start to see your attitudes and behaviors changing. If you are firmly on the trail today I hope one or more of the items help you stay there and appreciate the journey more. If you are lost in the pricker bushes, grab hold of all ten on a daily basis. It will be hard work but you will end up back on the trail.

Good Hiking!