Should we Really be Using This Time for Personal Development?

Should we Really be Using This Time for Personal Development?

So here we are. Not where any of us expected to be right now. We’re being told to stay home and do all that we can to protect and care for our own physical, mental and emotional health (and the health of those around us). We’re also being told that this is an excellent opportunity for personal development, to learn something new and try something completely different.

Let’s take a closer look at that advice now. While for many, this may well be the perfect time to acquire new skills, for some, that may not be the case. We’ll have a look at why that may be. We’ll also set out tips to help cultivate an attitude of learning and ideas of new learning opportunities. We’ll finish by considering how we can learn more about ourselves by developing greater self-awareness at this present time.

Eight reasons why now is a good time to learn something new

Every day of our lives is always a good time to learn something new. Observe a child as they learn. Each day is an adventure of new possibilities to be approached with curiosity and exploration. And then ask yourself ‘When was the last time I learnt something new?’

If you’re wondering why it matters and what the point is of learning something new, consider these eight great reasons.

  1.       We may have more time on our hands in the coming weeks
  2.       Learning something new makes life (and you!) more interesting
  3.       We need a distraction from what is going on in the world
  4.       Learning something new builds confidence and self-esteem
  5.       Stimulating and exercising the brain reaps long-term benefits
  6.       Learning something new connects you to a whole new group of people
  7.       The novelty centre in the brain lights up and releases dopamine when exposed to new stimuli
  8.       Learning something new trains you to get better at learning in other areas

Why now may not be the right time for you to learn something new

Please do not feel any pressure to make the most of your time with a detailed programme of self-improvement. This may not be the right time for you. Apart from staying at home and following government advice, there are no ‘shoulds’ or ‘musts’. Lay aside any notions of self-improvement. You’re fine just as you are. You don’t need improving.

You may not have time to learn something new. You may have a key role to play in caring for and supporting others at this time, either at work or in the home.

You may not be ready to learn something new. Your head may be all over the place or your stress levels too high to be able to handle any extra load.

We are all different. We must each listen to where we are at and respond accordingly. Do what’s right for you.

Eight tips on how to cultivate a positive attitude for learning

The right attitude can make all the difference. When you’re ready, reflect on these eight tips to prepare you for this new learning experience.

  1. Be curious.  Reacquaint yourself with your inner child. Approach each day with curiosity and expectation. There’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored (even within your own home!).
  2. Be humble. You don’t know it all. You never will. Approach each day and activity as a student – there is always something new to be learnt in every situation.
  3. Be realistic. Choose something that is achievable. These are strange times with added constraints that need to be taken into consideration.
  4. Be creative. You’ll need to adapt your learning experience to the space and materials currently available.
  5. Be committed. You could either choose to learn one new thing a day or take on a bigger challenge with a longer-term commitment. Whatever you decide upon, commit to it.
  6. Be kind. You may not be as good at your chosen project as you thought. Don’t put yourself down with harsh words.
  7. Be patient. Learning something new takes time. Value the process as much as the outcome (if not more).
  8. Be proud of yourself. Learning something new takes courage and determination – well done you!

An A to Z of things to learn

Ayurveda – Ballet – Curry Making – DJing – Eka Pada Koundinyasana I (One-footed Pose) – Fabric Painting – Gardening – Hula Hooping – Icing cakes – Juggling – Karimba – Mandala Drawing – Nail Art – Origami – Performance Poetry – Quilting – Russian – Sirsasana (Headstand) – Tie Dye – Ukelele – Vipassana Meditation – Wild Geese by Mary Oliver (by heart) – Xylophone – Yoga Nidra – Zentangle

Six ways to develop greater self-awareness

We find ourselves entering uncharted territory. Navigating this strange land is placing huge stresses and demands on each one of us. Self-awareness can be our guide through this.

We cannot go outside right now, but we can go within. This time at home presents an opportunity to get to know ourselves better. Here are six effective ways to learn more about ourselves.

  1.       Observe your thoughts and reactions with curiosity and without judgement
  2.       Write a journal
  3.       Sit with yourself in meditation
  4.       Take some online personality tests (but don’t take the results too seriously)
  5.       Keep a diary or daily check in (make full use of emojis!) for regular self-reflection
  6.       Listen objectively to feedback from others, both personally and professionally

Check out the Yogamatters blog ‘How to keep up journaling throughout the year’ (link – https://blog.yogamatters.com/how-to-keep-up-journaling/) for more inspiration.

 

 

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