Blog
Many people strengthen their personal development skills through education, mentorship and self-help advice. Understanding the best ways to improve your personal development skills can help you reach your full career potential.In this article, we discuss personal development skills and how you can develop these skills for career success.
Personal development skills are qualities and abilities that help you grow both personally and professionally. In other words, they are skills that help you nurture your personal development. Understanding and improving these skills is a process also known as self-development or personal growth.
Personal development skills are important because they allow you to create strategic and tactical plans for personal and professional growth toward your goals. It can be helpful to hone personal development skills so you can naturally work them into your daily routines and use them to:
Related: 5 Steps To Advance Professional Growth in Your Career
You can enhance your personal development skills in several ways, such as by taking classes and learning from the people around you. Here are seven strategies to help you develop your skills:
Fear can prevent you from growing and progressing. If you are afraid of public speaking, take a class or join a group that helps people become better public speakers. If you are afraid of taking risks, find a mentor who can help you make good decisions and build your confidence. Grow and learn by trying things you might not be comfortable doing. If you are shy, try starting a conversation or introducing yourself to new people at a reception or workshop.
Reading can expand your knowledge and vocabulary and keep you informed. It can also stimulate your mind and can improve your critical thinking skills. Try reading at least one educational or motivational article a day or book a month.
Whether you do it yourself or sign up for a class, learn a new skill or topic. You might, for instance, take courses to learn another language, a new software program or how to write creatively. Consider watching a webinar on professional development topics such as entrepreneurship or social media marketing.
Approach a family member, friend, colleague or manager, and ask them to give you feedback on a recent project or accomplishment. Use their positive comments as well as their constructive criticism to find ways to improve. Sometimes you need an outside, unbiased opinion to get a different perspective.
By interacting with many people, you can learn new ideas and understand how to communicate and work with different personality types. You can also meet people and develop relationships that might help you in the future. Network through industry organizations and shared interest groups, or attend conferences and events on topics that interest you.
Writing in a journal every day or week can help you gain self-awareness and reflect on recent events, decisions and conversations. You might keep a hand-written, private journal or choose to share your thoughts and experiences by blogging. Use it to set and assess goals and progress.
Talk to a mentor if you need help identifying ways to build your self-development skills. This individual could be a manager, professor, someone you admire or a professional personal growth mentor.