PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AS A CONTINUOUS PROCESS

 It is very important that we understand that the personal development of an individual is not what will be achieved overnight. Infact, it is usually a life-long process and the individual who will embark on this process is one who will be deliberate about his own development and growth, consistent and who truly understands that indeed, personal development is a process.

Before I proceed, how then can we describe the process of personal development?

Personal development consists of activities that develop a person's capabilities and potentials, build human capital, facilitate employability, and enhance quality of life and the realization of dreams and aspirations. It has to do with consciously and deliberately improving oneself in various aspects of one's life. It involves the conscious pursuit of personal growth by improving personal skills, competencies, talents, and knowledge in order to seek self-fulfilment and pro actively reach one's fullest potential.

Having established that personal development is no rocket science and that it requires patience and believing in oneself, we can look through the various steps that would help to facilitate the process of personal development. Highlighted below are the steps involved in the process of personal development:

1. Understanding of one's goals and life aspirations.

An individual who is to go through the process of personal development and achieve results is one who possesses an understanding of his/her goals and what he/she intends to achieve. It is always important that these goals are first of all realistic and then written down clearly.

2. Understanding of Oneself, One's strength and weaknesses.

It is also important that one does an analysis of himself, and note what his strengths and weaknesses are, as well as know which area of one's life that needs development. It is important to have an understanding of this, as it will help to keep the individual focused on how to develop his areas of weakness and maximize his strengths.

3. Understanding of the chosen medium to help facilitate personal development.

It is important that the individual knows which course to take, which book to read, and what to do to aid his personal development, especially in areas of weakness. There are several platforms and ways that an individual can go through personal development. He has to consider his option and see which one will be most effective towards the actualization of his set goals.

4. Understanding that personal development is a process and there is really no end to it.

One must keep in touch with individuals and materials that will help keep him up to date with the necessary knowledge and tools, especially those ones that relate to his career. Understanding that personal development is a process that never really ends but one that is continuous will help keep the individual motivated and on the course of personal development.

NAME: OLUWASEUN EZEKIEL ADEDEJI

CODE NO: OS/21A/1775

COURSE: MASS COMMUNICATION

INSTITUTION: THE POLYTECHNIC IBADAN.

STATE OF ORIGIN: OYO STATE