Investing in personal development is a gift to our future self. When we improve, we don’t just benefit ourselves. Our growth radiates outward, positively impacting those around us.
Starting now is crucial. Every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and become a better version of ourselves. Delaying this investment is like postponing a journey; the sooner we start, the further we can go.
Time is a resource we can’t get back, so using it wisely for personal development maximizes our life’s potential.
The world needs the best of us.
Why Invest Now
Someone posted on Facebook that for the last three years, he invested 125,000 dollars in personal development. Comments were mixed.
Most thought that he overpaid people to tell him what he already knew. Others said that the mere fact that he has to brag about how much he spent meant his investment did not help him.
The only reason that I cannot spend 125,000 dollars on personal development is that I am not a multimillionaire.
Remember, Lady Gaga offered half a million dollars for the return of her two stolen dogs. People pay money for what matters to them.
I do not disagree with people who will spend a million dollars on personal development. And I believe that’s the point of the FB post.
I learned about personal development when I was in first-year high school.
I will tell you how my learning journey began.
I just came out from the Annex of Antipolo Municipal High School. I was on my way to ML Quezon Avenue when I noticed a garage sale.
I saw old books which were 5 and 10 pesos. I even got some books for two pesos each.
I bought eight books that include
- On Writing Well by William Zinsser,
- Elements of Style by William Strunk,
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill,
- On Selling (I forgot the author),
- a book on world history,
- one on homeopathy (only because it sounds interesting),
- one on speaking with confidence, and
- How to Make Friends and Influence People by Carnegie.
My mother was surprised when I brought home two plastic bags filled with books. When she asked me how I got them all, I told her that I used my tricycle allowance.
I spent most of my one-week allowance on these books. That meant that I had to stay away from the canteen during recess time.
I also have to walk on my way home for five consecutive days (2.4 kilometers). I bargained my one-week allowance for ideas that impact my thinking until today. Yes, the money wasn’t huge. But it was all I had.
No price is too high for personal development. It multiplies every peso you invest in. [mfn] I had a very high intrinsic motivation. My thirst for learning was not to get good grades. It was always a joy to learn new things. If you are a student, I have a piece that will help you increase your motivation to study.[/mfn]
Benefits of Personal Development
My ideas about personal development are evolving. I was one of those who believed that it is a lifelong process of reaching your highest potential. That’s the most common concept when it comes to personal growth.
This thinking encourages many people to invest in personal development training and books. It helps people get employed and promoted at work.
These days, I see personal development in another light. I do believe that you can become better than your best each day.
Articles
Personal development is the first step to becoming a good leader. The following articles can help you better understand the strategies and tools I offer in the Heroic Personal Development for Smart Pinoys.
Feel free to share the ideas you’ll learn with your boss and co-workers.