The Social Seed Podcast

Over time, advice and wisdom have been shared, guiding us towards personal growth. Engaging in self-development unlocks boundless opportunities. However, various reasons prevent people from embarking on this journey. Today, I’ll discuss six different areas of personal development for people who are just beginning:

1. What is personal development?
2. Reasons beginners hesitate to start personal development.

3. Who is personal development meant for?
4. Why you should start personal development?
5. Suggested Books from experienced individuals
6. How to get started

What is personal development?
Personal development or self-improvement consists of activities that develop a person’s capabilities and potential, build human capital, facilitate employability, enhance quality of life, and facilitate the realization of dreams and aspirations. -Wikipedia

Reasons beginners hesitate starting personal development
There are several reasons why beginners may hesitate to start personal development. While this list is not exhaustive, here are a few examples:

Firstly, some people may be unaware of the need for personal development, especially if their life is going well and they see no reason to make any changes. Others may be reluctant to begin because they are currently enjoying a luxurious lifestyle, such as traveling the world on a boat in the Caribbean, and they question the value personal development could bring to them in such circumstances.

Furthermore, concerns about how personal development will help and whether it’s worth the effort can deter individuals from starting. Ego can also play a role, as people may worry that seeking help implies weakness or invites ridicule from friends.

Additionally, the concept of stepping out of comfort zones can be daunting, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed or having insufficient time to devote to personal development pursuits. Some individuals may prefer to avoid dealing with their issues altogether, while others may feel overwhelmed by the multitude of choices available and struggle with the challenge of where to begin.

Lastly, the desire for instant gratification can hinder personal development, as it may be more enticing to spend time on enjoyable distractions like scrolling through a smartphone or avoid investing time and money in endeavors that appear to have little immediate benefit.

Who is personal development meant for?
Personal development is a journey that is meant for everyone, regardless of their current state of awareness or self-perception. It is for those individuals who may not even realize their need for it, as well as for those who believe they don’t require it.
Personal development is also for professionals who acknowledge that there is always room for growth and improvement. It is important to remember that nobody is perfect, and personal development provides an avenue for continuous learning and the nurturing of talents and skills.
If you have a genuine passion for learning, aspire to enhance yourself, and strive to become a better person, then personal development is undoubtedly meant for you.

Why should you start personal development?

Starting personal development is crucial for several reasons.

Firstly, it appeals to individuals with curious minds who yearn for more from life. These individuals possess an inner feeling that they’re capable of greatness but lack the knowledge to actualize it.

Secondly, personal development enhances self-awareness by opening up a world of possibilities. Acquiring knowledge and skills in various areas allows individuals to discover new paths and options. As Sheryl Sandberg aptly stated,

“We cannot change what we are not aware of, and once we are aware, we cannot help but change.”

Personal development serves as a catalyst for positive transformation, facilitating personal growth and unlocking one’s true potential.

How to begin
Exercise: Begin an exercise program. You don’t need weights or a gym membership to get in shape. Use Google to find a free program and start working out at least five times a week for 20 minutes. Keep it simple, but ensure that you elevate your heart rate to work your heart. Exercising will greatly boost your self-confidence and motivation.

Quit smoking and drinking: To make significant progress, you need a clear mind and initiative. Drinking and smoking will impede both of these objectives. Exhange these habits for healthy habits. Try drinking a glass of sparkling water with ice and lemon when you want a drink or every time you want a cigarette deposit $.50 into your savings account. By creating these new healthy habits you will rewire your brain, save money and become healthier.

Improve your diet: Consuming meals with whole foods, fruits, and vegetables will enhance your well-being, providing your body with the necessary nutrients to power through physical exercises and mental activities.

Start saving money: Although saving money may feel like you are stowing it away forever, you are actually purchasing your future freedom. When you’re young, it might not mean much to think about yourself when you’re older, but that day will come, and you’ll need the money even more. Additionally, saving money will offer you the opportunity to fund your interests as new opportunities arise.

Pursue Your Passions – Engage in activities that you’ve always wanted to try. It adds excitement to your life and enables personal growth as you develop new skills, gain self-confidence, and connect with people who share your interests.

Expand Your Perspective – Listen to a Jordan Peterson’s podcast, which offers a unique outlook on life. You’ll gain fresh insights, challenge your current beliefs, and broaden your understanding of various topics. Here’s the link to one of his podcasts.

Read a Book – Set aside time to read a book that piques your interest. Reading expands your knowledge, exposes you to different viewpoints, and stimulates your mind. It’s a more productive use of your time than aimlessly scrolling through your phone. Immerse yourself in a book and enjoy the growth it brings.

Personel development books that have inspired practicing individuals.
As a person who understands your interest in personal development, I wanted to provide you with some valuable insights. I recently conducted a poll to gather suggestions from individuals who have been inspired on their personal development journey. Here are their book recommendations:

• “The Naked Truth”
• “The Way of Integrity“
• “A Value Driven Life”
•  “The Power of Now“
•  “Clearing Clutter and Feng Shui“
• “Habits of Health“
•  “Your Lifebook“
•  “3% Man“
• “Magic Mindset Mastery“
•  “Dr. Gabor Mate”
• “Think and Grow Rich’
• “Man’s Search for Meaning“

Along with their recommendations came responses; here are a few:

Jeff Danjou wrote:
“Man’s Search for Meaning” for humility and perspective. “Think and Grow Rich” for a blueprint to be studied and followed, not just read.”

Nicole Mcguckin Responded:
“The Compound Effect or Atomic Habits because they make the idea of forming new habits simple to implement and explain why it’s so important.”

Other’s wrote:
“Habits of Health, 2.0, and Your Lifebook completely turned my life around and put me on a perpetual path of personal growth and development! Your greatest asset is you, and it starts with taking care of your health! From improved health, so many other doors will open.”

“A Value Driven Life available on Amazon. Begin with the basics of values to sort boundaries-its a pathway to true happiness.”

“It’s a process and you have to trust it. I would add meditation and journaling out how you feel to let it out plus also reading and also physical exercise like jogging and lifting some weights. Also don’t lock yourself out like a hermit. Go out [there] and do something that forces you to face your fears everyday. Small things at first. It will help you realise that it’s not about getting rid of the feeling but not adding fuel to it and being able to self regulate and self soothe. Good luck and you will do it.”

While everyone’s preferences may differ, I believe that “The 5 AM Club” by Robin Sharma is an excellent additional starting point for beginners. I hope this helps you in making a choice and embarking on your personal development journey.

There are numerous sources and avenues to explore for personal development, including podcasts, YouTube, and books. When asked in the poll what they would say to their younger selves, one person replied,

“Well, Well, Well, it’s about time.”

So, don’t hesitate; have faith in yourself to find the guidance you seek and embrace the journey ahead to live the life you want and deserve.

Words of Wisdom

Today’s topic was inspired by Robin Sharma’s Words of Wisdom from the book The 5AM Club which are located on page 281. To sum up the meaning of todays words of wisdom I would say,

“Trust in yourself to know what is right and let that inspiration guide you on your journey.”

“To know ever-increasing amounts of happiness, trust what makes you feel happy. Your heart knows where you need to be. It’s so much wiser than your head. Instinct knows so much more than intellect and intuition is smarter than reason, that’s for sure. Our intelligence is made up of what those around us have taught us. It’s limited. It’s confined by logic – and what’s been done before. Your sovereign self knows better. It operates in possibility, not practicality. It’s visionary. It’s unlimited.”

-Robin Sharma

See You Next Week

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“don’t just think of an idea, put it into action and become the person you are destined to be!”
-Tom Soule

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