Whether you have contemplated your unique purpose in life, tried to deepen or build on your spiritual development, or sought to enhance your own self awareness, chances are very good that at some point in your life that you have tried to further your personal development. The quest to better oneself seems to be innate in humans.

Break big goals into little ones for personal development success. When you start setting goals, the goals you choose may seem unachievable. Do not let this slow you down! To reach a lofty, ultimate goal, you need stepping stones along the way. Identify smaller achievements that you can and should reach, in pursuit of your greater goal.

If you are working to ward off depression, the remedy is simple. Just take out a clean piece of paper and write a letter to yourself, outlining some past challenges and how you have worked to overcome them, and how proud you are of yourself. Once the letter is finished, review it and you will feel an instant surge of pride, at all that you have overcome.

Be true to yourself. Everybody has core values and beliefs that help define their worldview. Be flexible, but also stick by your convictions. Identify the best parts of your character and be sure to keep developing them. If you play to your personal strengths, you may find yourself excelling in ways you never thought you could before.

Do what makes you happy. When you find something that you are passionate about, success comes naturally. Most people do what is practical or what is expected of them. As a result they wind up unhappy, stressed out and unfulfilled. Don’t make that mistake. Instead, choose something you love and pursue it with passion. Not only are you far more likely to find long term success by doing so, but you will be able to live a joyful, fulfilling life.

Personal development also means being thankful for what you do have. Be gracious for the wonderful things in your life, and use this knowledge to propel yourself to your goals. The support systems you already have in place offer several venues to continue to work on your self-confidence.

There is much truth in the adage ” “As you help others, you help yourself.” When life seems bleakest, it can be useful to know that there are always people who need what you can offer. Volunteering yourself and your skills, time and compassion, is a powerful tool to pull you out of your own funk and get you thinking about other people and their problems. It is remarkable ” and often life-changing ” to realize how much help you will get yourself by changing your focus to someone else in need.

The quest to better oneself is as old as time, and numerous philosophers, religions, and industries have offered their perspectives and commentaries on how to best achieve this goal. Lasting change is possible, but it will take strength, determination and patience on your part. We wish you success on your journey!