Summer Reading

Personal Development redefined me in every aspect of my life, not just in my career and business.  Personal Development was the catalyst for my evolution into the woman I am today … and my continual growth.

Let’s gain some clarity on what I mean by Personal Development.  I’m not referring to spiritual books … although I read spiritual books and want you to do the same.  I’m not referring to books on leadership … although I read books on leadership and I want you to do the same.  I’m not talking about books that teach sales skills … although I read books on sales skills and I want you to do the same.

I’m talking about books that help you understand yourself, your thoughts, your habits.  I want you to gain fresh awareness on what circumstances cause you to freeze in fear.  A daily Personal Development practice will help you catch yourself when your thoughts become limiting …  and offer you a fresh awareness so you can choose to respond in a new and more empowering way.  What an easy and inspiring way to enhance your life.

The Surprise Benefits of Personal Development

A few years ago, I took a serious fall that tested my Personal Development efforts. As I was leaving the orthopedic office the proud owner of a cast on my right arm from fingers to elbow, I struggled to call an Uber with my left hand. My first thought was, “This is going to be a very frustrating several weeks!”

Then, before I even realized it, my Personal Development training kicked in. I decided to make a game of it. I started the game by remembering a quote from Jim Rohn, that reminded me to “Turn frustration into fascination.” OK. At that moment, I laughed out loud and thought, “I am as FASCINATED as I can be!” Hah! Game on!

 

My New Normal

When I got home I began to evaluate my ‘new normal.’ I realized that I would have to navigate the world with one hand … and my left hand at that. (Remember, I am right handed!) At first glance, it seemed that every task was impossible. Thus the game became how to find a solution for each situation.

I sat at my desk and thought, “How the heck am I going to work? I can’t type or write.” My only option was to look into dictation options. I sent an SOS to the team and they recommended different dictation apps for both my phone and my laptop. It was slow going … and yet, solution found!

What about dressing and undressing? I usually work in my yoga clothes when I’m at home. Now I needed clothes that I could pull on and off with one hand. I found the perfect options at the mall. Loose fitting, easy on and off tops and bottoms. Solution found!

What about washing my face? Have you ever tried to wring out a wash cloth with one hand? This one took a few practice runs. I finally figured out that if I fold the wash cloth in half, and then half again, I could wring it out with my left hand. Solution found!

What about showering? This was hysterical. I found the perfect plastic bag to cover my cast. I purchased a body sponge and liquid soap. I mastered showering with my right arm held above my head. Solution found!

What about travel? This took time management. Historically I could shower, put on a face, eat breakfast and pack in 90 minutes. With my cast on, this process took three hours! Travel mornings that used to start at 3:30am in order to catch the early flight now stared at 2:00am. Once at the event, in order be in the ballroom by 7:00am, historically I would wake up at 5:00am. With the cast on, I had to wake up at 3:00am. CRAZY! I was tired and yet, solution found!

No Limits

Rather than limiting myself … I took every situation and did my best to joyfully and creatively find a solution. I refused to limit myself in any way. I turned my frustration into fascination … and took action!

From my daily practice of Personal Development, I had learned to become aware of my mindset: my thoughts and beliefs, and how they were impacting and creating my life.  I learned that what I think about, I bring about; and what I think about all the time creates my reality. And that reality can be full of limits – or full of freeing solutions. This history of Personal Development I had built for myself gave me the strength and inspiration I needed to be successful.

It wasn’t always easy. And isn’t it true that we learn what ‘stuff’ we are made of when things get hard? With positive thinking and a little ingenuity, you can find a solution for any problem.

Where in your life are you limiting yourself simply because at first glance, you don’t see a solution? Are you practicing Personal Development to inspire you and give you a solution-oriented mindset?

I have two recommendations for you today:

  1. If you don’t have a Personal Development practice, start today!
  2. Identify at least three situations that deserve a joyful and creative solution … and then take action!

With Personal Development, you can turn frustration into fascination and find the solutions you need to live life on your terms!