What Is Personal Development And How Does It Relate To The Characteristics Of An Entrepreneur?

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Personal development is a theme common among network marketers and online entrepreneurs alike. Everywhere I turn I am constantly reminded to work on my personal development.

So just what is personal development all about? Let’s start by demystifying this ubiquitous terminology and see how we can practically apply it in our lives.

Personal development refers to a series of actions geared toward but not limited to the following:

• improving self-awareness
• improving self-knowledge
• building or renewing identity
• developing strengths or talents
• identifying or improving potential
• enhancing lifestyle or the quality of life
• realizing dreams
• fulfilling aspirations

What’s both intriguing and interesting about personal development is that these actions extend beyond the scope of the personal or individual and include the development of other people (inter-personal). As entrepreneurs, it is necessary to position yourself as both a leader and an authority figure within your niche.

As we strive to better ourselves in the areas mentioned above, a true leader lifts those whom they work and interact with as a result of their own growth. This is the mark of a true leader who takes on the role of mentor to his/her colleagues.

Some important characteristics of an entrepreneur are that of an ambitious leader, a team builder, problem solver and a person who creates value through offering a product, service or information specific to their niche.

To expand on the qualities of a true leader, we must understand that the person who assumes such a role has the power of social influence which affects the individual thoughts and actions of other people.

With this in mind, the relationship between entrepreneurship becomes crystal clear. Not only is it important to diligently work on improving yourself personally so that the qualities essential to being a successful authority figure in your niche manifest, but you must also be the “rising tide that lifts all boats”. Personal development in a broader scope is not personal at all.

No man or woman is an island and the fact that we often feel separate from the world at large is but an illusion. Whether we are conscious of it or not, both the joys and the pains (successes and failures) of others belong to us personally as well.

In order to bring the leadership, influence and ultimately change to the world, it is very much a personal journey considering it starts with you as an individual. Let’s explore some of the topics above and see how they can relate to us both singularly and collectively.

Self-awareness is based on being conscious of our past, present and future thoughts and actions which define our personal identity and personality. This includes being aware of one’s traits, feelings, and behaviors. The key word here is “conscious”. As entrepreneurs, we can leverage our strengths and intentionally position ourselves as leaders.

Self-knowledge is related to self-awareness but refers more to the process of becoming aware. Knowledge of self or becoming self aware can be done through introspection, quiet contemplation and meditation. The mark of a true leader is one who is constantly pushing the limits of “knowing thyself” through conscious action and practice.

Identity relates to one’s self-image, self-esteem, and individuality. In addition, this may also refer to one’s capacity to self-reflect. One’s uniqueness can also be used to describe personal identity.  As we become more conscious and build new and improved versions of ourselves, this will lead quite naturally to the characteristics of an entrepreneur, especially being able to positively influence one’s peers.

Strengths or Talents are skills developed by our capacity to both learn and implement what we learn in an efficient a manner as possible. Our ability to manage our time productively as well as work with team members are skills we develop. This also includes our capability to self-motivate. The greater our competency in these areas, the more fitting our role as an entrepreneur and leader will be.

Potential directly relates to the quality of one’s life. The possibility exists for each of us to achieve excellence and find fulfillment by living a happy and creative life. As we begin to discover our own untapped power, it is natural to guide the actions of others to find and release their own innate abilities as well. Overall, positive change becomes manifest both for ourselves and our peers as potential is first indentified and then unlocked.

Quality of life generally relates to one’s level of well-being and happiness. This goes beyond the scope of material wealth, but includes overall health, level of education, availability of free time and social acceptance. There is a natural tendency for all human beings to enhance their lifestyles and this desire is intensified within the individual seeking entrepreurship.

Realizing Dreams is when the process of conscious goal setting reaches its desired end-point. Milestones are achieved and objectives fulfilled, often reached within a set time frame.

In order to achieve the desired outcome, plans and intentions must be set followed by action. The realization of dreams is when the fruits of our labor become manifest.

Fulfilling aspirations is all about accomplishing your objectives. The intense desire for personal achievement through ambition. Striving to be the best at what you choose to do. Very closely related to the realization of one’s dreams.

All of the above are not actually separate from each other but closely integrated into a complete working model for both the individual and the collective. As we learn more about ourselves, we can nurture the seeds of positive change having indentified our strengths. We become conscious of our actions and actively set and implement our plans.

As our own growth unfolds, others grow as a result of interaction. Everyone benefits from this dynamic interplay of positive change. It becomes the catalyst for the manifestation of our desires and as each milestone is achieved new and greater boundaries are set and broken.

Entrepreneurs are the embodiment of this process. They become both the student and the master in a unique personal dichotomy. Accomplishment is always met with a fresh new set of challenges and desires. Desire becomes the fuel for growth and change. It is dynamic in the sense that without it, there would be complacency.

Improvement through personal development is often measured by the individual. By setting strategies, attaining benchmarks or goals as well as defining and reaching specific milestones, an assessment of progress can be determined. Feedback is also important to provide information on changes that can guide your actions and note your progress.

Are you hungry to achieve and willing to work on YOUR personal development and uplift others in the process? Then you have the mark and the spirit of an true leader, mover, shaker and the characteristics of an entrepreneur. So what are you waiting for? Get to it!

I would love to know your thoughts regarding your own personal development and what you’re currently doing to grow and help others around you. Leave me a comment below and share your experiences. If you found this post of value, don’t forget to use the “share this” feature at the bottom of this post and choose your favorite social media site to share the content.

Sincerely,

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