People are always asking me “what’s the best self-development programme?” What they really want to know is, “What is the one miracle solution to all my physical, emotional mental and spiritual problems that won’t cost me an arm and a leg?”
My answer every time is… there isn’t one.
If there was one magic solution that could instantly transform us into the person we want to be overnight, don’t you think we’d all be doing it. Nobody is that good at keeping a secret.
The truth is that no one approach can work on its own. While there are books and courses and experts out there selling the secret to your personal and professional success, the key is finding the most vital areas and ensuring they work in harmony with each other and you.
As with your physical body, there is no one vital organ that can do everything to keep you alive. You must have a brain, heart etc., and all of these organs must work seamlessly with one another in order to keep you alive and functioning. The same is true with your mental, emotional and spiritual health and wellbeing. The good news is you don’t have to trade an arm and a leg or your life-savings to get access to the personal and professional development that empowers you to be the YOU you want to be.
If you are looking for self development that suits you and your budget, then here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. INVEST WISELY
Whether you have £10 or £1,000 to spend on self development, the key is always to ensure that every pound you spend, gives you a measurable return on investment. Does it make you more successful in terms of your health, wealth, happiness and relationships?
2. MAKE A PLAN
You wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint, or go on a journey without a map. So why would you invest money on your development without a clear guide to get you from where you are now to where you want to be? You need a plan so you can assess who and what can help with the HOW.
3. FORGET WHAT YOU’VE BEEN TOLD/SOLD
There are more approaches to self development that waste your time, energy and money, than actually get you tangible results. I have seen hundreds come and go. Diets, therapies, techniques and practices. We all know what’s best for us and what isn’t deep down if we know how to listen. We don’t need gurus and ‘enlightened ones’ to sell us the key. Our true potential is hidden inside of us and just like a seed all it requires to awaken, grow and flourish is the perfect environment.
4. FIND SOMEONE YOU TRUST
80% of self help is wasted. Why? Because the personal development industry is not regulated and it’s a business. Just like the food industry, the fitness industry and the health industry, there’s a growing trend to put profit before people. In the self help industry I call these unethical characters “the Flash, Fluff, and Fakers”.
You need to find someone you trust. You need someone who understands you and can demonstrate that they have walked a similar path to you. It also helps if they have found an authentic way to achieve the success in life you want to achieve.
I hope you have found these tips useful and they will help you find the right approach to self development for you. If you would like to discuss my Life Guiding using Natural Mindfulness and developing Natural Mindsight, why not join me on a FREE walk and discuss it with me then.
…enjoy the journey!
Ian Banyard – Author & Guide
Ian Banyard is a Nature Connection Guide and author of Natural Mindfulness – your personal guide to the healing power of nature connection. He is passionate about exploring nature and empowering people. Ian combines a wealth of knowledge and experience from his personal and corporate life with intuitive and instinctive insights from his own inner journey, to guide others.
Ian lives in Gloucestershire, UK where he guides Natural Mindfulness Walks and provides coaching, courses, gatherings and retreats, for others who want to deepen their connection with nature and their true nature.
To attend a Natural Mindfulness Walk or event, visit Natural Mindfulness Walks
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