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Before we set off there are two more things which will help you on the journey.

A log book

Within the inner fold of the temporal lobe there is a very old part of the cortex called the hippocampus, which manages your long-term memory. Once something is in your long-term memory you will have access to it throughout your life.

The trick is finding a way to transfer your learning from your short-term to your long-term memory. Keeping a log book is very effective in this respect since the very act of writing something down reinforces it in your memory. Use it to record time/ dates, thoughts, reflections, learning points, choices, decisions, goals, strategies for actions, actions taken, failures, learning points and results. More importantly, use your log book to record your successes, your achievements and the steps you have completed. This will become an invaluable tool to keep your motivation high. Then, when you come across one of those slump days, you can look back and remember how far you have come and feel inspired to keep going.

image‘The palest ink is better than the best memory.’
Confucius

Making time

Personal development takes time and effort and, as we have said before, most people treat their growth as the elephant in the room – they know that it’s very important but somehow it’s ignored. Life always demands that you deal with the ants (the small things) rather than the elephant. Of course dealing with the ants gives you a better headcount but the recompense is, in the long term, very disappointing. So, as part of your time management, make sure you book time out for your personal development activities. In addition, a little and often is better than huge and infrequent. Little and often soon becomes part of your lifestyle and will not feel like an obligation. Working on yourself for yourself should be enjoyable, fun and rewarding.

A fellow traveller

Deaf and blind from 19 months, Helen Keller became a global phenomenon. Not only was she a symbol of determination, discipline and courage, she was an extraordinary lesson in what can be achieved against all the odds. She was the first person with her limiting condition to gain an arts degree, but more than that she went on to become an author, political activist and lecturer, who devoted her life to helping others. If ever you feel that life has dealt you a bad hand read her story and get things into proportion.

As well as being a remarkable woman, Helen had the distinct advantage of having someone who wholeheartedly supported her. This was her inspirational tutor, Anne Sullivan. It was because of Anne’s unfailing belief in her that Helen reached the heights she did.

On your own journey of self-development you may find it useful to find a friend who would like to take the journey with you. You’ll find it more fun, more enlightening and more enduring with a companion.

image‘Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.’
Helen Keller, author and activist
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  • Set regular times for development activity.
  • Use a log book for your goals, activities, actions and successes.
  • Work with a friend.

And remember PPO: Persistence Pays Off.

A warning: The reasons why people fail

  1. They do not have a vision, a mission or a direction for themselves.
  2. They do not put in the effort or time to improve themselves.
  3. They lack ambition and are content with being average.
  4. They spend no time looking for opportunities.
  5. They find it difficult to take risks.
  6. They are over-influenced by the views of others.
  7. They would rather talk about what they are going to do rather than do it.
  8. They lack persistence and cannot work through setbacks.
  9. They have a ‘can’t do’ rather than a ‘can do’ attitude.
  10. They work hard on what they ‘can’t do’ rather than what they ‘can do’.
  11. They do not learn from their mistakes and errors.
  12. They attempt to do everything themselves, refusing to ask for help.
  13. They reject honest and constructive criticism.
  14. They lack flexibility of mind and behaviour.
  15. They think in the now rather than in the future.
  16. They lack social and influencing skills.
  17. They cannot wait for what they want and have difficulty with delayed rewards.
  18. They are pessimistic and cynical about themselves, others and their world.
  19. They take advantage of others.
  20. They lack integrity.

The reasons why people succeed:

  1. They know what they want.
  2. They are realistic in their goals.
  3. They challenge themselves.
  4. They live by what is possible, not by what is.
  5. They have SMARTI goals.
  6. They are committed.
  7. They are motivated.
  8. They are willing to pay the price in terms of time.
  9. They will work through personal slippage and failure.
  10. They reflect and learn from their errors.
  11. They recognise their achievements.
  12. They reward themselves for their achievements.
  13. They respect their bodies regarding:
    • food
    • exercise
    • personal hygiene
    • rest.
  14. They read motivational material.
  15. They only compete with themselves.
  16. They are inspired by others.
  17. They associate with positive people.
  18. They use their successes to move on.
  19. They are independent of the good-will of others.
  20. They are faithful in their relationships.
  21. They are legitimately selfish.
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