Personal development is a lifelong learning process. Through this process, individuals assess their skills, interests and qualities, consider their goals in life and set aims in order to realise and maximise their personal potential. Personal development entails of activities that develop a person’s capabilities and potential, create human capital, facilitate employability, and improve quality of life and the awareness of personal aspirations. Personal development may take place over the course of an individual’s entire lifespan.
The 5 major categories of personal development are mental, social, spiritual, emotional, and physical.
The Crestpoint Family has 2 separate business models. Crestpoint Psychology works on mental health issues, while Crestpoint Wellbeing covers a more holistic approach for mental wellness surrounding personal development that encompasses the integration for living a full life through emotional, spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing.
For more information on Crestpoint Wellbeing check in for a FREE session today
Personal Development Skills
Personal development skills can be traits or qualities you already have or ones you can gain through education and training. Individuals will value different personal development skills depending on their goals, but here are some examples of skills people commonly practice to facilitate personal growth:
- Communication
- Interpersonal
- Organization
- Problem-solving
- Self-confidence
- Adaptability
- Integrity
- Work ethic
- Leadership
How to improve your personal development skills
You can enhance your personal development skills by taking classes, learning from the people around you, gaining new talents and improving upon existing ones. Follow these guidelines to develop yourself personally:
- Overcome your fears. Fear can prevent you from growing and progressing further. If you are afraid of public speaking, for instance, sign up to a class that educates you on how to improve your public speaking ability. If you are fearful of taking risks, find a mentor who can assist you make good decisions and strengthen your confidence. Grow and learn by trying things you might not be comfortable doing. If you are shy, try starting a conversation or introducing yourself to new people at a reception or workshop.
- Read. Reading can develop your knowledge and vocabulary and keep you informed. It can also inspire your mind and can expand your critical thinking skills. Aim to read at least one educational or motivational article a day, or one book a month.
- Learn something new. Learn a new skill or topic, whether you do it yourself or sign up for a class. Whether you take courses to learn a new language, a new software program or how to write creatively. Consider watching a webinar regarding professional development topics such as entrepreneurship or social media marketing.
- Ask for feedback. Approach a family member or friend, and request them to give you feedback on a recent project or accomplishment. Use their positive comments as well as their constructive criticism to find ways to improve. Sometimes an outside perspective may maximise your potential and increase your awareness.
- Observe others. Observe and learn from the people who inspire you. This could be someone you know, such as a supervisor, family member or public figure. Identify the qualities you admire in them, and try to strengthen them in yourself.
- Network. Interacting with a variety of individuals equips you with the ability to communicate with different personality types. You can also meet people and develop relationships that might help you in the future. Network through shared interests in professional or personal settings for improving your personal development skills.
- Keep a journal. Keeping journal of every day or week can increase self-awareness and reflect on recent events and decisions. Whether it be hand written, or on the notes app of your phone, this activity is great to reflect and approach situations differently. Use it to set and assess goals and progress.
- Meditate. Many people meditate to gain clarity and awareness and to reduce stress and burden. Meditation can help you focus on your self-development and goals in a healthy, positive and controlled way. Why not schedule a break for meditation?
- Get a mentor. If you require assistance locating ways to build your self-development skills, connect with a mentor. This could be a manager, someone you admire or a professional growth mentor.
Core Issues for women
The definition of ‘women’s issues’ varied but included women’s sexual and reproductive health, child-care leave, domestic violence, ‘equal pay for equal work’, marital law, welfare policies and education.
- Reproductive Rights and Justice. NOW fully supports safe and legal abortion, affordable and effective birth control and other contraception, and reproductive health education for all. …
- Economic Justice. …
- Ending Violence Against Women. …
- Racial Justice. …
- LGBTQIA+ Rights. …
- Constitutional Equality.
Issues that Affect Men
The term “men’s issues” can be applied to a wide range of concerns that a man might face, including male-specific health problems, impotence or other sexual issues, body image problems, stress, PTSD, domestic violence, anger management, divorce, or fatherhood.
Men often express their feelings in a physical nature. They often express feelings outwardly through body language such as physical gestures, facial changes, muscle tensing and gritting teeth, instead of expressing those emotions with words.
- Anger Management. Anger management training helps understand emotional dynamics of anger, observe negative and distorted thinking, and identify anger triggers.
- Anxiety and Depression
- Domestic Violence
- Being a Good Father
- Family Dynamics
- Managing Stress
- Marriage Counseling
- Mid-Life Crisis
Some facts about Men’s Issues:
- 4 in 5 suicides (78%) are by men
- For men under 35 suicide is the biggest cause of death
- Men are nearly three times more likely than women to become alcohol dependent (8.7% of men are alcohol dependent compared to 3.3% of women)
- Men are more likely to use (and die from) illegal drugs
- Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women.
Symptoms for Men’s Issues:
- Anger, irritability or aggressiveness
- Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, or on edge
- Increased worry or feeling stressed
- Consuming or need for alcohol and drugs
- Sadness or hopelessness
- Suicidal thoughts
- Feeling flat or having trouble feeling positive emotions
- Engaging in high-risk activities
- Ongoing headaches, digestive issues, or pain
- Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior
- Thoughts or behaviors that interfere with work, family, or social life
- Unusual thinking or behaviors that concern other people
MensLine Australia offers a range of ways to access our free, professional counselling and support services: Open line – call 1300 78 99 78 for immediate support, available 24/7. Callback service – You may be eligible to receive up to six free telephone counselling sessions, scheduled at times to best suit your needs.
DVConnect’s Mensline offers counselling, referral, information and support for:
- Men who are using violence in their relationships
- Men who are experiencing domestic and family violence
- Others seeking support for men using or experiencing domestic and family violence.
Call 1800 600 636 or DV Connect Mensline
There is plenty of help out there for you, and Crestpoint Psychology or through Crestpoint Wellbeing Centre we can provide confidential support for you to help get your life back on track. To book an appointment CLICK HERE