In one section of my upcoming book, I’m going to be talking about how important it is to always be growing and learning as an individual. I believe that successful businesses are the result of strong leadership and strong leadership is the result of intentionally investing in one’s self as a person.
I’d love to hear your advice and ideas for how you are seeking to encourage personal growth in your life. And you don’t have to have a business or be in an official leadership position to answer this question.
This could be reading, listening, stepping outside your comfort zone, taking classes, expanding your knowledge, researching, networking, developing habits, investing in relationships… the list is pretty endless.
So what are you doing to grow as an individual? Tell us in the comments or shoot me an email with your answer (crystal @ moneysavingmom.com).
Your comment or email may be used in my book. If you’d prefer to remain anonymous or don’t want your comment or email published, please mention this when writing.
Michelle says
I love this question. I am a homeschooling mom of five and sometimes I find myself so much in the throws of pouring into our family, that I neglect the intentional investment into personal growth. Last year, I prayed for a mentor, a woman a bit older than me to really pour into me, challenge me and be that iron to sharpen me. God answered in such a wonderful way. My mentor has challenged me to set goals, be intimate in my relationship with Christ, and the list goes on and on. It has been a precious gift this year!
Steph @ From the Burbs to the Boonies says
A couple of things. 1. Paying attention to what in my life helps other people. I am trying to take the focus off of myself and see what other people need, how can I make a difference, how can I help and be more involved outside of my little world. When I ask myself this enough, I find ways. 2. Becoming GENUINE in my interactions with other people. This is hard because it is very easy to get caught up in the rush of life and also very easy to either judge people or hold onto things they have done or said to you in the past. I am trying to face each person I meet with a genuine interest in who they are and in greeting them or interacting with them, whether a stranger or someone I see all the time.
Quinn says
I would like to grow in the area of writing. Im not a goodwriter, but like to learn the basics of English and build on that (where a comma goes, how to use verbs and nouns-what is a noun) 🙂
Any free online courses anybody knows about or any other resources you know would be helpful.
Megan says
I make goals for myself to grow as a whole person: spiritually, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. I strive to grow spiritually by setting aside time to pray every day, reading the Bible, reading spiritual books, sharing my faith with others by helping with a youth group at church, and participating in a bible study to learn from others. I strive to grow emotionally by reflecting and acting upon being the best fiance I can be each and every day, building relationships with others, investing in family and friends each week, and writing short notes to friends to let them know I’m thinking about them. I strive to grow physically by making goals to run so many days a week, starting an accountability group with family to exercise so many days a week, eating healthy, learning new healthy recipes, and reading books about health. I strive to grow intellectually by reading, going to conferences for work to always being growing in my profession, trying to learn new hobbies, budgeting and learning to manage my finances.
God has called me to be the best person I can be. He helps me where I am. He guides me and gives me the strength to be better. One step at a time.
Darcy Dugan says
This year I decided that I was going to start reading again for fun, I would start volunteering my time to my community (animal rescue), and I would make a further commitment to enjoy time with my friends and family. I’ve mostly just reread the Harry Potter series so far, but have a list of books on my GoodReads account to go through next. I volunteer at a local kitty rescue every Sunday, and sometimes Saturdays for events. I helped organize a family reunion for one side of the family that hasn’t had a real big one in probably 10 years. It’s been a really busy year, and sometimes a little stressful, but it’s been FUN! I feel like I’m really living life a bit more – not just work, eat, sleep, repeat.
Megan @ Never Finished says
I think a big thing is just doing something to intentionally “switch it up.” What I mean is, don’t drive home from work (or wherever you go often) in the same route every day. Don’t eat the same thing for breakfast. Don’t spend date night the same way every time. Maybe it’s just me, but mixing things up is a great way to keep life fresh and interesting, plus you can learn and grow in more areas to become a much more rounded person.
Heather c says
This is a great question! This might sound like a weird one, I am an incredibly shy person, I have been all my life. Like shy to the point my heart races and my palms sweat when I have to talk to people I don’t know. People that I’ve gotten to know slowly though the years said they took me for being snobby or stand offish when they first met me, when really I’m just terrified and incredibly self conscious to make small talk with someone new. I know I’m missing out on meeting some great people and I feel like I’m not setting a good example for my kids either. But lately I’ve been trying so hard to put myself out there even though I’m terrified! My son recently started preschool and I made sure that I introduced myself to each and every mom and try to chat with them each day as we wait at pick up time. It’s still really hard for me and I am hoping it gets easier but I’ve already met some really nice moms that I hope I can foster into friendships and show my kids how to beneficial it is to put yourself out there. :0)
Lana says
I commented and it did not show up here but I wanted to finish my thoughts in case it ever does show up. I published too soon.
For me it is best to finish what I start. Just reading a book about something and then going on to some other subject does not benefit me at all. I try to be intentional about following up and applying and continuing to learn about a subject until it is learned and useful or it has changed a behavior that I am working on. Years ago I spent an entire year in a marriage book because just reading it would have done no good at all. In order to apply it I had to work on it bit by bit until my sinful behavior/thoughts had been changed.
Crystal Paine says
Argh! I’m not seeing your comment anywhere in spam. 🙁 I’m so sorry if the internet ate it somewhere. 🙁
Lana says
Hmmm…maybe I can come up with the ideas again.
I am working as a mentor to women in an prison release program. I worked with two over a year and one finished and graduated from the program and the other left the program-sad story there. We will be getting more women at the half way house soon and in assessing the first go around and learning from it I now know that number one they need to be taught to use a cell phone! My lady who graduated the program and is doing great was in prison for 20 years and had no experience with today’s technology. I also need to find someone to tell me what it is like to be in prison and then come out into a world that has changed. In order to grow in my job I need to always be learning more about how I can help these women while still being (really) tough love to them. It would be easy to walk away from this now since I know how heart breaking it can be but God has not released me so I need to learn how to do my job better.
Another area of growth is my study of natural medicine and healing by natural means. This means healing the root cause of the health problem and not putting a band-aid on it. First I learned applied kinesiology and then I began to study natural healthcare. Putting it all together and continuing to learn and practice what I know is allowing me to help with my own family’s health and the health of friends. I must continue to study and apply it all if it is to be useful. This knowledge has also been very useful with the prison release program. Just knowing how the body works has been helpful for these ladies health. One was very fearful and the easy fix for her was that she was very dehydrated since she drank only coffee. Getting her on enough water daily really helped her fear problem.
Personal growth takes work and sticking with it.
Lana says
Re-commented and gone again!
Crystal Paine says
It was in spam because it was long… just rescued it out of there!
Christine G. says
I have started 2 online classes through edX (edX.org). They are in fields I would never have thought to study, but seemed interesting as a I read the course descriptions-Epidemics and Terrorism & Counterterrorism. I know they will be challenging and now that both of my girls are in school, I finally have time to take some classes “for fun”. The Epidemics course is taught out of Hong Kong University, and the Terrorism & Counterterrorism class is out of Georgetown University. They have many other courses in many other disciplines, and they are free to take. 🙂
Randi says
Wow, this is such a great question!!! The past 2 years have been extremely challenging for my family – my son was born early and in the NICU twice, moved across the country for a job change, sold a house, bought a house, husband started working, got a nanny for our son, etc. so although they were all great changes (additions), it was still stressful and now 2 years later I am starting to focus on me. I started my running again and I am currently training for a half and a full marathon. Running as always been SO therapeutic for me, but before this summer I wasn’t in a place emotionally, physically, or mentally to start really training. One day I woke up and I was – I just had that itch to pick up racing again so here I am and I find I feel so much better physically, emotionally, and mentally. This translates into my personal and professional life. From a professional view point, i just got a promotion to a leadership role in my company. I am so BLESSED to work for a company that sees a natural talent, captures it, and mentors employees on cultivating it and being successful. I speak with my mentor 2x a month, and I have great managers/leaders that are willing to invest time in me, in my natural talents at work, and the best part, I get praise for a job well done. I am doing a lot of learning, listening, and question asking, so that I can grow into an excellent leader and continue to succeed and grow my career forward, but also so the business can succeed. I could share so much more, but I don’t want to bog down the comments. Again, great question Crystal!
Jen says
I started Crossfit 4 months ago, and it has challenged me in many ways, besides the obvious physical aspect. It mentally challenges me, has me doing things I would have never tried on my own, and has a great community aspect. My confidence has grown, along with my strength.
Jillbert says
There are so many ways you can learn to grow. In the last two years, I’ve started taking tennis lessons — this has kept me active and introduced me to a large group of women in my community with whom I play weekly. I’ve been thrilled to see my skills increase and what fun playing is! All summer, I taught my young son to play and we have a great time together. I have also had a renewed interest in gardening – the flower kind (I’ve always grown veggies). A friend is my mentor, along with some library and garden center help. Now that I’ve gained some knowledge, I am helping another with her garden. Not only is learning and growing important but sharing what you learned with another keeps it fresh.
Christy Largent says
Just like most of your other commenters, I’m a huge reader – both books and the Wall Street Journal. Through these, I’m inspired to grow.
The other thing is that I’ve really stretched to learn new things this past year. I’m not a technology native, so it would be super easy to use that as an excuse. Instead I’ve taken a deep breath and taken some classes. As a result, this year I have; created a blog/website, created a podcast, am in the process of creating a webinar to sell my new online course. I’m also working on a book and audiobook I’ll publish on Amazon. All of these are new activities this year, and all have been areas of growth.
Thanks to the excellent courses available, there’s always someone I can learn from when I get stuck and don’t know what to do next. I’ve also availed myself of some awesome websites and podcasts that lead the way. It’s fun and challenging to try new things and I hope I will continue in this vein until I take my last breath. Life’s too short to get stuck.
Thanks for asking! 🙂 You are always inspiring.
Kristi H. says
I am constantly striving to better myself and my family. We have been debt free for several years now and drive older vehicles and that’s ok because we will get to a point where we can buy a brand new vehicle with cash! I do everything I can to make money and save money- from couponing and shopping sales only, making my own soaps, wax, cleaners. I do research daily on ways to save money. I sale our used items on eBay and buy name brand things used. I have turned to the word of God and find I am intruly happier living an humbled life.
Karen says
I have always been an avid reader, but a few years ago I realized I was only reading fiction. Frankly, Crystal, it was your posts that helped me to see this. So I now commit to reading at least 10 non-fiction books per year. It is a small percentage of what I read (I strive to read 75 books/year), but I have gleaned a TON from them. This year, especially, I have seen lots of growth in myself due to the books I read,
This may sound odd, but I recently stepped out of a ministry position I’ve held for years. This was/is for the purpose of my growth as I realized I was too focused in the ministry and not my personal walk with The Lord.
Karen says
Almost forgot! I also take myself to the symphony on a regular basis in order to experience new music. I often attend the short lectures before the concert in order to learn about the composers and the pieces to be played. It helps me appreciate the music more. When I first started going, it was a huge deal as I was not in the habit of doing things like that by myself. I’m still not overly-comfortable with it, but once the music starts, it’s not like you’re going to be talking anyhow. Lol
Jennifer says
This is something I’ve been relearning how to do now that I’m a mom and don’t have all the time in the world to spend on myself. It’s easy to think I’m being selfish if I do anything for myself, but I’m learning that I am soooo unhappy when I’m not growing in some way! I’ve always loved taking classes and going to school, but when we went down to one income there wasn’t time or money to do that. I really missed being challenged in that way, so just last weekend I attended a Biblical Counseling conference at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with my dad. It was a day and a half conference, and I learned SO MUCH! It was just fantastic to spend a little time challenging both my brain and my heart, and it was WAY cheaper than taking an actual course. I will definitely make conferences part of my repeitoire of personal growth ideas!
Kristy says
Growing as an individual is important to me. I do not want to be the kind of person who sits on the sidelines of life, complaining about what I’m missing. After a major life crisis called me to action, I decided to go back to school to finish my degree. I am also enrolled in a couple of classes that allow people to mentor me in areas of my life that I want to improve. A big part of this is goal setting, tweaking, evaluating, tweaking again, and sometimes even throwing out the goal all together if it is not fitting this season of my life or where I’d like to go in my future. Realizing how much one life really matters is instrumental in planning for my own life to really count!
Laura says
I’ve seen lots of good ideas from the other comments! Here are some things I’ve found helpful on my growth journey:
1) Review and Reflect–When I look back at my journals and see how prayers have been answered and/or I have grown in certain areas, it makes me grateful and motivated to press ahead.
2) Reading (of course!) but my time for that is limited, so I make use of commute time to listen to podcasts from Christian authors/teachers. These always give me nuggets of truth to think about throughout my day and that I challenge myself to apply.
One other thing about growth I have been thinking about lately is seeking balance, even in my growth. There have been long seasons of seeking professional growth in my work/career, and I am finding now that to really take it to the next level, I have to grow in other areas. Even if the goals aren’t as big in areas such as my health (diet, exercise, sleep), relationships, or recreation, setting small goals and working consistently towards them has enabled me to tackle the bigger challenges with more confidence.
Debbie Hawn says
One of the things I am doing is really listening when someone talks to me. With the age of multi-tasking, people only listen with one ear. I want someone to feel they have my attention and their time is important to me, Its been wonderful to feel a new conection to many people.
Patti in TX says
As we approached our 50’s (48/51) we took a huge leap and moved from CO to East TX and now are managing an organic grass fed cattle ranch. This coming from someone who has been in retail mgmt for 20+ years. talk about a HUGE learning curve/growth experience/totally out of comfort zone and LOVING it!
Stephanie says
Constantly reading new books is my number one tool for personal growth, but I’ve also become a huge fan of podcasts – especially now that I’m a mom with two toddlers. I can listen to podcasts on a wide variety of topics when I’m in the car, cleaning the house, or exercising.
Quinn says
I look forward to reading more comments here!
What do I do to grow as a person?
Reading my bible, studying, going through 31 Days of Praise Devotion(which I got for free through this site)
Reading books to grow as a parent.
Recently took The 21-Day Photo Fix, which not only taught me about photography but taught me that I CAN learn something new and I CAN get through the messy middle of a project. Taking that course has encouraged me to grow when I always took the easy route and let me husband teach me bcz he learns things quick and easy. Instead he wanted me to teach him this time.
I have grow through your site in so many ways!
I found my old routines when I started working on them and now I look how far Ive come in learning how to plan.
Ive grow my learning to take projects in bite size pieces instead of getting overwhelmed.
Oops I just kept writing Maybe you didn’t want to know specifics how Ive grown. 🙂
Julie says
When I first started staying home with my kids, I found that volunteering was a great way to meet other moms. And I decided that volunteering for a job that would allow me to learn something new was a great way to keep adding to my skill set and keep me interested in what I was doing. So, I volunteered with a group that was raising money for a battered women’s shelter and learned how to put on a fundraising event. Eventually I was able to build on those skills to chair fundraisers at my son’s school. I once took on a job that involved updating a website – scary for me, since I’d never done that. I learned a lot about it, although to be honest I never got very good at it! I’ve found that volunteering can be a low-stress way to learn new skills. No one’s going to fire you!
Quinn says
I like it!
Hollie says
I set aside at least 30 minutes each day to learn something new, whether it’s reading the Bible, learning about our country’s history, managing money, or keeping up with current events.
kathy wallace says
I have learned a lot from blog and have gained courage to try out new things. I joined a grp of women who do different types of crafts every week. I belong to a grp where we support people who need help with relationships in there lives. I also have started journaling, about whatever is bothering me or a problem and that has helped see things in a different light. I am introverted and when you said you speak in front of a grp of women and you are shy and still doing it. I thought I have to get out of my comfort zone. Thanks for the push!
Jody says
Reading is a great way to grow, but every once in awhile I find myself stuck in a book rut. I once heard Dave Ramsey say that a good interview question is “What was the last book you read?” Although I have never been asked that in an interview, I pondered how I would respond. What was the last book I read? What did I glean from it, if anything? What does my book selection say about me and my goals? Since then, I’ve tried to avoid book ruts by keeping a constant rotation of fiction and non-fiction. Few things top a great novel, but I’m learning to appreciate what I can learn from exposing myself to other genres and topics. And when a particularly uninteresting non-fiction book works its way into the rotation, its fun to know I have a novel waiting in the wings as a reward.
Stephanie says
I lost my job 2 years ago and discovered that while corporate work was good I was still very fulfilled at home (which I was very pleasantly surprised about!) I work part time from home and read and go online to find recipes, activities and ways I can save my family money and still have fun. It’s a far cry from my insurance days but I’ve learned I’m so much happier and so is my family since I can be present for them and I learn new thing about my son every day by being with him after school:)
Jen says
You have been such an encouragement to me in this area! Since reading your blog (started in 2008) I’ve made time to do what I love….read, read, read! It feeds my mind and really helps me grow as a person. The practice of goal setting has also helped me look at different areas of my life and be intentional about how I want to grow in those areas over the course of the next year. Life goes by so fast….it’s good to be intentional so you don’t get to the end and wonder where all the time went. Really encouraging my kids to also adopt this practice as I think it will help them throughout their lives.
Victoria says
You have to READ to LEAD! Who you are in 5 years depends on 1) the people you meet and 2) the books you read!