Step one in personal development is honesty. Make no mistake about it, everything begins with the truth. Being honest with yourself requires one very critical thing that is so often overlooked: Determining what it is that you want.

As I find in my discussions with senior leaders, entrepreneurs and  many people simply “dive in” and start doing something because they think it’s what they’re supposed to do. It’s to conform with societal norms. It’s to put the proverbial “bread on the table,” which is a necessity in a capitalist society. It’s because they simply haven’t spent the time to think things through.

People make habit-forming choices and decisions at a young age that often carry them throughout the rest of their lives. Some good and some bad. Very seldom do people take the time to do the work, to focus introspectively and intently on what will make them happy, fulfilled and successful. To recognize the juxtaposition of these thoughts upon how they will fit in with their personal and professional lives.

The Demands

Demands come in the form of responsibilities and the need to provide for ourselves, families and our employers. We have to eat, we need nourishment to have vitality. We need safety and security. In order to have this, we either need someone providing food and shelter for us, or we have to create wealth through our talents and skills.