I think it is made up of a whole lot of actions and activities. These could include things like improving identity (who am I, really?) and knowledge of ones self.

Also included could be the development of our own talents and latent potential which could lead to increased employability and an overall enhancement of the quality of life that we experience.

Self development is tied to our realisation of our dreams and aspirations.

The concept of personal development covers a wider field than self-development or self-help; it also includes developing other people, and by extension refers to the methods, programs, tools, techniques, and assessment systems used in personal development. Which is where it is appropriate to introduce Coaching into this discussion.
Personal development is probably as old as civilisation itself – so what does it mean?

Well that’s a question that is guaranteed to provide a myriad of subjective answers! Where an individual embarks on his or her quest to better themselves, we could say that they are on the path of self-improvement. They buy books, go to seminars even research the Internet – they are doing it by themselves. And many make excellent progress.

The distinction I am making here is that when the process of self – help or self – development changes to one of personal improvement, where, given our definition above, an individual will seek out the services of a teacher, mentor or coach. In other words they go beyond self – learning to being guided – often at an accelerated rate – toward that which they would like to achieve.

By utilising the services of a Life Coach, a person on the path toward developing him or herself will require that individual to get really clear as to what it is he or she is attempting to realise. An element of objectivity is introduced to the process, which might otherwise not be the case if that person were to ‘go it alone’.

There are often more options to consider, a degree of accountability and some form of time line and strategy developed in conjunction with a Life Coach that is part of the process n individual might unwittingly leave out.
I guess this fits with the old adage that ‘two heads are better than one’ – another perspective if you like.

Many of us aspire to a better life – we just don’t know how best to start that improvement. For example we have all witnessed the amazing success that is ‘The Secret’. Yet how many are aware of the massive industry that has grown around’ the secret behind the secret’?

In other words there is a ‘secret’ to success and most of us cannot get beyond our limiting beliefs [those ‘voices that hold us back] without some assistance.

I have a passing interest in motor sport. In fact I’m a bit of a [aging], petrol head! I have just read a newspaper article [New Zealand Herald] on the recent Moto GP Formula 1 round at San Marino. Valentino Rossi won. He has been world champion 7 times, but lost that title to Casey Stoner last year. I think Stoner might have a better [faster], bike. Stoner was leading by 3 seconds by the end of the second lap! Stoner crashed out, Rossi went on to win and now leads the championship with 5 races to go.

What got my attention in the article was this….” We have a 75 point lead which means that up to now we’ve been very strong, we’ve never let up, and more than everything we’ve kept our heads held high even during difficulties,” said Rossi, who has finished runner up in the last two seasons.

“This year I told myself that to beat Stoner we needed the best Valentino. I tried to bring him out. I think I’ve found him and I am happy”

That statement is the perfect demonstration of a never give in, never say die attitude. It is no doubt one very good reason why Rossi has been world champion 7 times and is in a tight contest for his 8th. It is the kind of thing we as coaches talk about a lot – or as Napoleon Hill wrote in ‘Think and Grow Rich’, in order to achieve you must have a ‘burning desire’. Do you think Valentino knows this? You bet he does!

 Have a clear goal – align it with your values and remain focussed until you get there! It’s simple but not always easy.

World Champion again!

If you have been following my posts you will recall my comments on Valentino Rossi – well it’s been along time between drinks as they say but in case you have been hibernating for a month or two, Valentino did in fact win the championship!

 Postscript:

If you had about the origins of the The AHA Factor, then with Valentino’s story we have a very good example of someone who has nothing to prove, he was already World Champion 7 times – he did not need to really get another one or did he?

I believe he did. For no other reason than by his own standards he knew inside himself that he could do better. If he had given his absolute best, then Valentino may have been somewhat content to be runner up however he knew that this was not the case. So he ‘became’ the best Valentino and the rest is history.

This reminds me of a quote from Mahatma Ghandi’:  “You must be change you wish to see in the world”

Rossi in Action

Here’s a bonus.  It’s some unbelievable action of Valentino Rossi at his best.

Enjoy!