But what is personal development? Part 1

Personal development can be defined as steps taken towards self-realisation, towards what we aspire to become.

Development is the opposite of "closure". Personal development is therefore a process of "coming out of one's shell", of moving from a state of closedness and static compression to moving forward, evolving and expanding.

So, starting from a situation that is considered unsatisfactory (compression), a person masters one or more techniques aimed at achieving the desired change (expansion).

Of course, the development paths and goals we set for ourselves are unique to each individual, depending on their own priorities, visions, ideals and dreams.

But what all approaches to personal development have in common is the pursuit of a goal.

As defined by Bernard Heavin and Jane Turner: "the development of a person's potential, autonomy, balance and self-actualisation".

If the approach is applied within a company, we are talking about personal development within the context of the company, with the aim not only of increasing well-being in one's own life, but also of improving work, expanding professional skills and increasing professionalism.

The Power of Self-Confidence
Brian Tracy

Canadian educator Brian Tracy offers a method for learning how to channel your strengths, increase your confidence and achieve your life goals.

With the help of this book, everyone will learn how to gain unshakable self-confidence, clarify their values and live according to them to become the best person they can be;

The level of self-confidence determines the degree to which we strive for each goal we set for ourselves. The higher it is, the more persistently we will overcome the obstacles in our path.

"Self-confidence is acquired through discipline: you must close your mind to what you fear, to negative thoughts. To be happy and successful in life, you need firm principles. They will govern you just as the law of gravity governs physical bodies.

The Four Agreements
Don Miguel Ruiz

"Every time you read it, it is not the book that changes, but you."

Castaneda introduced to the general public the teachings of Mexican shamans, originating in the tradition of the Toltecs, guardians of the knowledge of Quetzacoatl, the feathered serpent.

In this book, Don Miguel reveals the source of limiting beliefs that deprive us of joy and generate unnecessary suffering.

In very simple terms, he shows how we can free ourselves from collective conditioning - based on the fear of the "dream of the planet" - to rediscover the dimension of unconditional love that lies in our origins and is the basis of Toltec teachings.

Here are these four agreements:

• Let your word be impeccable.

• Take nothing for granted

• Make no assumptions

• Always do your best.

The Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can quickly transform our lives into experiences of freedom, true happiness and love. The fascinating world of true, embodied Knowledge is finally available to everyone.

Self-Discipline
Michael Wilson

What are you waiting for to change your life and succeed?

This book, Self-Discipline: Developing Your Personality, will inspire you to take the first step towards a better life. It's time to get everything you want!

The purpose of this book is to give you the tools you need to develop self-discipline and willpower. The author gives you the techniques you need to create proper planning and find sources of motivation. The book will help you :

• Develop self-discipline skills

• achieve your goals

• manage your time effectively

• get the most out of your potential

• overcome the fear of failure

• learn to plan strategically

After reading this book, you will have an idea of what it takes for a person to succeed

Words Are Windows (or They're Walls)
Marshall B. Rosenberg

Most of us have been brought up to be competitive, judgmental, demanding and think in terms of 'good' or 'bad'. At best this upbringing can lead to misunderstanding of others, at worst it can breed anger and frustration and lead to violence. Good communication between ourselves and others is one of the most valuable skills in our time.

Marshall Rosenberg offers us a very simple but extremely powerful four-point tool for radically improving relationships with others and making them authentic.

Using stories, examples and simple dialogues, this book teaches:

• show a respectful understanding of any message we receive,

• break the patterns of thinking that lead to anger and depression,

• to say what we want without provoking hostility,

• communicate using the healing power of empathy.

It's much more than just a process, it's a journey towards freedom, wholeness and clarity."