I’m often asked if there is a way to create a self-development plan. The answer is “yes.” Begin with those areas in which you’d like to improve and work step-by-step toward the future. Self-development is a whole lot more fun when you have a plan and then work that plan one bite-sized piece at a time.

I believe self-development is an on-going process by which you change what isn’t working in your life into something that will better serve you in all areas of your life - personally, professionally and financially.

Where to start? Here are a few suggestions:

1. This may sound simple enough but often times it takes some heart-felt soul-searching – decide what you’d like to improve. You can’t work on everything at once. My recommendation is to begin with one area of self-development and allow it to gradually expand into other areas.

The truth is that change begins in small increments. Long lasting change doesn’t happen overnight. Patience is an important element of your self-development plan. Let me ask you this, if I could wave a magic wand and change any thing in your life today, what would you have me change? Another way to say it would be, where are you experiencing the most discomfort in your life? The answer to these questions can be a good starting point on your self-development journey.


2. Self-development is an on-going commitment you make to yourself. It’s not something you stop and start whenever the whim strikes you. It is a continuous commitment to developing your highest potential and most fulfilled life. The second element of your self-development plan is the on-going commitment you make with yourself to enhance your life for the better.

Self-development is really like learning a new skill. It takes time and effort. There’s an on-going commitment to reading, listening and providing yourself with the best of the best tools to help take you from where you are now to where you want to be in the future.


3. Change begins one small step at a time. Your self-development journey starts with a workable plan of action. What are you willing to do on a consistent basis to improve personally, professionally and financially?

A written plan is an important element because it helps focus on what you want to accomplish now and into the future. Whether it’s learning a new professional skill, or achieving a financial goal or beginning a weight loss program, your plan should be in writing. Think of a self-development plan as a road map toward the future.

Here are some ideas:
1. In detail describe what you’d like to improve about yourself personally, professionally or financially.

2. Write out what you’re willing to do to improve this area. Example: Taking a class, reading books, listening to informational CD’s, etc.

3. How many hours per week are you willing to commit to on-going self-development?

4. How are you planning to measure your improvement? Will it be in pounds lost, in raises earned or increased feelings of self-satisfaction? Improvement often comes in small increments and it’s important to emotionally acknowledge your progress.

5. How do you plan on rewarding yourself for a job well done? It’s vital for on-going self-development to give yourself credit when credit is due. We all like to be appreciated and it’s extremely important to appreciate ourselves!


There’s no cut and dry plan for self-improvement. It’s what fits into your plans and lifestyle. At the end of the day you want to be able to say, “Today I’ve done my best to take positive steps forward.”

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