Personal Development and Human Potential

Personal development is not measured by financial, social or external success. Instead it is determined by our efforts to develop our intellectual, physical and spiritual aspects in order to reach our full human potential.

In the process of developing ourselves, we also strive to express our talents and abilities in order to enrich and benefit others.

Unfortunately, in today's instant gratification culture, there has been an unhealthy trend attempting to convince people to buy into "get rich quick" (substitute thin, beautiful, fit, etc.) schemes.

It implies that if you are rich enough, thin enough, or beautiful enough, you will be a happy. Instead of encouraging legitimate personal growth and development, these schemes and false claims work against it.

We have all read about and heard countless tales of lottery winners attaining massive riches only to be broke not long after their windfalls. We have also seen beautiful, rich, and influential entertainment stars end their own unhappy lives in spite of their outward success.

There are no "quick fixes" or short cuts to personal development.

It is a deliberate, disciplined process achieved by reflection, introspection and self-awareness.

Personal Development and The Human Potential Movement

The emphasis on personal development began to rise in the 1960's with the Human Potential Movement that had its roots in existentialism and humanistic psychology.

Its purpose was to promote the idea that humans can experience an exceptional quality of life filled with happiness, creativity, and fulfillment when they strive to reach their potential.

Abraham Maslow, a humanistic psychologist, put forth the idea that self-actualization (the fulfillment of self through reaching one's potential) is the highest expression of a human's life.

In his research Maslow found that self-actualized people were those who are creative and spontaneous, possess a good sense of humor and are able to tolerate uncertainty. They have an appreciation for what life has to offer, a deep concern for others and are able to enjoy close, meaningful, personal relationships.

He advocated a list of behaviors that he felt lead to self-actualization.

These behaviors include:

• Maintain the curiosity, attention and wonder you had as a child.
• Be open-minded and try new things.
• Be honest and be willing to risk unpopularity if you disagree with others.
• Use your intelligence and work hard at whatever you do.
• Find out who you are, what you want and what’s important to you.
• Don’t be afraid to open yourself up to new experiences.
• Take responsibility for your life and your actions.

Humanistic psychology emphasizes the importance of attending to and developing the "whole" person or those aspects of ourselves that make us human - the physical, the emotional, the intellectual and the spiritual.

To be your "true self" means to be it and take responsibility for it on all of these levels.

Personal development is therefore, the process of striving to be the best that you can be in order to reach and realize your full potential. It is a journey of self-discovery, self-improvement and self-realization.

Back to Personal Development Articles