A Key Principle for Personal Growth (and 8 Ways to Apply It)

Here we are in 2018. Being in the beginning of a new year, it’s a good time to start maximizing our personal growth this year.

How can we do that? How can we maximize our personal growth?

There is a key principle you need to follow for that. The principle is this:

Move out of your comfort zone

Yes, move out of your comfort zone. Why? Because you can’t grow if you just stay in your comfort zone.

The situation is similar to building muscles. If you only lift weights that you are already comfortable with, you won’t build your muscles. You need to lift weights that make you uncomfortable. In the case of personal growth, you need to do things that are beyond your comfort zone, things that still scare you to some extent.

There are many ways to do that, but here are eight ideas to help you get started.

1. Start a Blog

Starting a blog requires you to learn a bunch of new things. Among others, you will learn about writing, content publishing, and time management.

I have been blogging for more than ten years now and I can attest to its benefits for my personal growth.

2. Learn Public Speaking

If the thought of public speaking makes you feel miserable, it might be a good idea to learn it this year. A good way to do that is to join Toastmasters. I did it, and it helped me improve.

3. Learn to Code

This is not for everybody, but if you want to know how the tech world works, you might consider learning to code. There is now a growing movement on it.

Learning to code takes time and effort, but it will open a whole new world to you. Plus, you will get the satisfaction of creating your own apps or websites. In my case, I learned to code years ago by making games.

4. Learn a Foreign Language

Learning a new language will introduce you to new things, such as new ways of thinking and new cultures. This will challenge you in many ways.

5. Meet New People

It’s a good idea to expand your social comfort zone. Joining a club can help you meet new people. You can also join a professional organization, a church, or something else that works for you.

6. Travel Overseas

Traveling overseas can take you beyond your comfort zone, especially if you do it in an “adventurous” way (e.g. not just going to comfortable hotels and places). Do things that are unusual, things that are off the beaten path. For instance, you can make it a point to get to know local people.

7. Start a Side Business

I’m a big believer in having side projects. That includes having a side business. By starting a side business, you will learn a lot. You will learn about marketing, finance, and product development, among others. All of these will help you grow.

8. Volunteer

Lastly, you can volunteer for a cause you believe in. Not only will you learn new things, but also you will have the satisfaction of making the world a better place.

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These are just some ideas; I’m sure there are more.

What are your ideas? Feel free to share them in the comments.

10 Comments

  1. Thank you, your tips inspiring me a lot:), can’t wait for the next tips.

  2. Your tips really boosting! Thank you very much

  3. Wow, am really so proud being a part of the many people that are reading your posts every time. Personal growth is really important as it helps one to bring out the best in him and that makes him more effective and self confident. Thank you Donald.

  4. travel off the beaten path is a good way for adventurous journey, thank you

  5. Thank you for your always timely tips .Best thing is to apply it.Thumbs up for your good work.

  6. Thanks for the kind words, everyone! I appreciate it 🙂

  7. Michele Stickell
    Michele Stickell

    Great suggestions! I am glad to be receiving your helpful tips!

  8. thanks a lot for this nice advice to success in 2018 and in all our life
    i try to keep in the right way from today

  9. GREGORY OMOREFE
    GREGORY OMOREFE

    Thanks Donald..much appreciated.

  10. Great, thanks very much for the tips

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