Trends that evolved during Covid
The turbulence and disruptions of the last few years have made many people more conscious of and committed to the need for self-development.
While not everyone learned a new language during isolation, many attempted and succeeded at developing new skills or strengthening existing ones.
The need for self-development in both personal and professional areas became apparent as people worked to adapt to a quickly changing world with new and pressing challenges. Organizations and those working in them quickly recognized the risks of maintaining old practices and traditional ways of working. This growing awareness opened the door to innovation, flexibility, and acceptance. These same trends are also driving a growing need for and acceptance of new platforms and strategies to support self-development activities.
What’s new?
Here’s the simple answer – the level of distraction all around us.
No surprise, right? But it’s worth more than a “head nod” because it’s affecting all of us in unintended and very consequential ways. Few if any are good.
Here’s the point. If there is anything “new” in self-development it is the persisting and increasing challenge of those needing to develop stronger skills and improve their performance but who are lacking the self-discipline and consistency of effort needed to do those things in a world of increasing distractions. Distractions are real but so is the need to overcome them. So it comes down to this – MINDSET! If your mindset is one of commitment and focus and dedication and discovery, you have a fighting chance – actually a good chance! And here’s the best news of all – if you currently don’t have a “growth and development mindset” you can change that and develop one.
Here’s an insight why doing this is now so important. One of the other “newest” trends in self-development is the urgency with which thought leaders stress the need for deeper human qualities of resilience, kindness, grace, intimacy and other aspects of a strong character and a genuineness that is transformative. This “new imperative” is reflected in an article by Gary Burnison of Korn Ferry:
What is true about self-development
What we know with certainty is that a “growth mind-set” encourages and sustains an openness to learning and development. This next article clarifies this belief. It can help you determine how best to grow yourself and be open to even more opportunities for learning moving forward. It also suggests how reinforcement of learning and support for a growth mindset might help you deal with distractions and move beyond them. As you read the article, substitute the term leader or coach for teacher to understand the implications for the workforce.
Fixed vs. Growth: The Two Basic Mindsets That Shape Our Lives
Additional Inspiration
A personal insight from “Dr Pat Gill Webber” Chief Content Officer at E-Coach Associates.
My own stories about personal development include deciding to read the bible (cover to cover) over the summer of 6th grade. Before you think me a nerdy and unusually saintly child, recognize that I am old enough that this task was not in any way bizarre.
More people went to organized religious services at that time and talk about religious issues at neighborhood get-togethers was common.
My parents and I were home for most of the summer AND, I, always a child with great curiosity, wanted to understand what all the talk about the bible was about.
I was in a Catholic School at the time, we owned a family bible, and summer escapes were few and treats like the beach or pool were only on an occasion so I had time and access. Bottom line, opportunity and access and in my case interest, curiosity and hence motivation were all aligned.
I now understand from the Growth Mindset Model that I also got needed and necessary reinforcement from adults who thought I had done something worth doing and praised me for my efforts. This to me suggests that even in a world where increased self-development is recognized and promoted, it helps tremendously to get support for self-development efforts. That should prompt you to ask for that support by sharing your self-development activities and progress.
Want to know more about why personal development at work is needed – here are two articles we think you’ll find helpful!
Importance of Personal Development in the Workplace
The 7 Core Benefits of Personal Development
Still not sure self development is important? Read this.
A Key Pandemic Lesson Learned: Invest in Your Talent
Additional Research on Self-development.
Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World
Atomic Habits – An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
(Gauge your strengths and your opportunities for growth as a daring leader)
Quotes about self development
Fear less, hope more, eat less, chew more, whine less, breathe more, talk less, say more, hate less, love more, and good things will be yours.
— Swedish Proverb
In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins, not through strength, but through persistence.
– Buddha
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.
— Reinhold H. Niebuhr
Don’t be afraid your life will end; be afraid that it will never begin.
— Grace Hansen
Dependent people need others to get what they want. Independent people can get what they want through their own efforts. Interdependent people combine their own efforts with the efforts of others to achieve their greatest success.
— Stephen Covey
Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.
— Henry Van Dyke
Coaching questions about self-development
- What actions have you taken that have most helped you to become more self-aware and subsequently focused on a behavioral improvement?
- Have you ever felt you learned something but then never “put it into practice”—what was the result of that? Might you be ready to go back and try again—why? Or Why not?
- Can you say you are a deeper, more genuine person who cares more about others this year than last year? If yes, how do you demonstrate that. If not, what prevented you from actually working on your character?
- How can you continue to develop both your technical skills and your personal skills which are both needed for your continued success?
- Is there anyone you can think of who is always learning and growing? What is this person like? What can you learn from them about self development?
- Can you imagine NOT learning anything today? What about this week or month? Have you ever been certain you did not need to learn anything more about something?
- What trait or skill would you never want to stop hearing about and learning about?
- Do you make a habit of asking people for help and feedback on what you are learning?
- What would you tell your child or any child about the importance of continually learning in one’s work?
- Do you think that you need to do more to influence your organization to provide more opportunities to grow and learn?
Additional Resources
- 80% of Americans intend to regularly practice self-care after COVID-19 pandemic
- 5 “Negatives” of Personal Development and What to Do About Them
- Ways to Improve Work Performance
- Talent Is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else
- How To Coach Yourself
- 10 Things You Can Do in Your Daily Life to Improve Your Personal Development. Here’s how you can get started today.
- PERSONAL GROWTH
- 9 Ways To Improve Your Personal Development Skills
- 10 Ways to Improve Work Performance in Your Small Business
- Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
- Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World