I’ve identified four stages of personal development. Awareness of these stages help us understand where we are in our journey towards becoming a better person. By understanding where you are, you can take the necessary steps in your personal development.
1. Discovery
All growth comes from pain. Without a reason to pursue self-actualization, we never start. Every person goes through a period of darkness and challenge in their lives. This is where most of us discover the power of self-development.
2. Consumption
Once you discover the world of personal development, you become hopeful. You realize, “Hey, I can turn my life around. I can become better, stronger, more reliable.” So you go on a whole consumption spree.
You read books, blogs, listen to podcasts, watch documentaries — your thirst for knowledge is endless. When you’re in this stage, keep on drinking from the well of knowledge, my friend.
3. Application
I spent about 18 months consuming everything I could. I mean that literally. I was reading, listening, and watching inspiring things all day long. I read 2 to 3 books a week, journaled at least an hour a day, and listened to podcasts or watched interviews every hour.
But you can’t do that forever. At some point, you want to live what you’ve learned. So you start applying it to your personal life, health, career, business, etc. You start seeing changes. You embody the knowledge you’ve acquired.
4. Teaching
Once you’ve learned and applied your knowledge successfully, you want to share it with others. This could be with your family, friends, co-workers, team, or strangers.
Not everyone who goes through the stages of self-development becomes a teacher by profession, but everyone I’ve met who improved themselves, also wants to inspire others to do the same. You don’t have to tell others to improve.
Just by setting the right example, you’re inspiring others how to do the same. To me, that’s the real purpose of teaching.