Identifying how to best utilize your time and energy is a crucial first step in creating an effective personal development plan. It may not be the most efficient use of your time, money, and energy to learn the science of food if you are not planning to become a chef. You may not want to invest your resources in getting a PMI certification if it will not advance your career. While these activities can be enjoyable hobbies or areas of interest, personal development should be centered on developing skills that will serve your aspirations and goals.
Assessing your strengths and areas for improvement is one way to determine what to include in your personal development plan. Take a look at your abilities and areas for improvement through the lens of your goals.
Recognizing your strengths enables you to optimize them, and identifying your areas of improvement highlights opportunities for growth. It is natural for people to focus on what might be labeled as weaknesses rather than their strengths. Don't give in to this urge, rather develop your strengths while improving in areas that could make your strengths more powerful.
By completing this self-assessment, you will help ensure that your development efforts are purposeful as well as aligned with your professional and personal goals.
By focusing on skills that are relevant to your aspirations, you can create a more targeted, effective and inspiring personal development plan. The purpose of this approach is to help you achieve meaningful and intentional growth as you reach your goals.