Personal Development

Personal development is equally important as professional development. Learning a new skill to advance your career can seem easily obtainable, yet devoting time to personal growth may seem less important or even a selfish use of time. Personal development has many forms yet is unique to everyone and should never be ‘finished’. Personally, one should strive to discover, evolve, and grow for their entire life.

It’s never too late to reinvent yourself and/or evolve and it should never be ‘finished’.
Discovery and personal development take time, love, growth, and more time. Please be patient while taking action and nourishing your unique process. Set your pace and give yourself permission to dedicate time to your personal growth without feeling guilty. Please set goals with intention and dedicate time to self-care.
You are in control of how you show up for the world. Showing up as your authentic self is just as important as being career-ready.

Skill training actually becomes more effective once you acknowledge your boundless potential and true self-awareness. Confidence is not arrogance. Confidence is knowing what you are capable of and taking action and trusting each decision you make will take you closer to your future self; the self you are capable of being and the ability to continue supporting it.

A form of personal development is self-care. Through self-care, you present the best version of yourself to the world. Evolving into the best version of yourself encourages growth in other areas and gives you the clarity to focus and define the steps needed. Self-evaluation will help you discover where you currently are and where you want to grow.

I encourage you to set goals that help you discover your true authentic self and set a consistent self-care routine that will help you explore your self-discovery. There are several ways to take action toward personal development, here are a few:

• Journaling
• Define your core values
• Create your own personal mission statement (and visualize your future)
• Explore hobbies
• Read
• Attend workshops
• Network through clubs or your local library (events and small groups)
• Make time to meditate and spend some time alone
• Share your efforts and/or goals with a trusted friend

I have written posts to help assist in the goal-setting categories and process including defining your goal, but if you have any specific questions please reach out and ask! Comment here or email me at successencourager@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading & following! Connect with me on Instagram for daily inspirational quotes & tips.

The Enrichment version of my Year in the Life of… goal-setting planner is now available and currently 25% off!! Click on the link to order a copy for yourself and/or get one for a friend. Once ordered please reach out to me and tell me what your current goal focus is!

Photo via unsplash.com

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Nourish inwardly

Self-care and self-love are essential for overall wellbeing. So many goals and resolutions revolve around the self, yet the commitment is simply not made a priority. The most important goals are focused on nourishing inwardly, mental and physical health, expanding skills and learning new ones, and being happy with one’s choices and lifestyle.

Demands from jobs, family, responsibilities, budget, etc. take precedence over goals related to ‘self’. Yet, to truly devote time, focus, care and attention to loved ones, careers, financial and other responsibilities we should first acknowledge the importance of self-care, self-love, and committing to our personalized unique goals.

For example – A goal focused on health that includes dedicating time to walking or other physical exercises, better-eating habits, and meditation is not a selfish goal. Creating blocks of time to exercise and meditate and budgeting for healthier meals will result in a better whole self and actually allow more energy and focus to be dedicated to responsibilities. Better health is a form of self-care that not only results in feeling better but also presents an opportunity to set other goals and be more present at work and/or home.

Another example might be setting a goal to expand your education whether through formal class settings to obtain a degree or certificate or self-paced skill training. The time needed to complete this goal may seem like it takes away from another responsibility, but focusing on the ‘why’ and the results will remind you of the importance of expanding your skills and/or education and learning opportunities. The end result may lead to a promotion, career change or possible entrepreneurial opportunity to start your own business. The self-enrichment gained can result in numerous opportunities. The time dedicated to this goal could result in having more ‘free’ time in the future, more income opportunities or a career you enjoy more than your current one.

Your goal is unique to you, your reasons why is unique, and only you can commit to your personalized goal and set your unique pace.

• Please pause.
• Slow down and organize your schedule, your time, and your unique focus.
• Prioritize tasks and goals to nourish inwardly so you can embrace the calm and growth internally that leads to encouraging others to do the same.

I have written posts to help assist in the goal-setting categories and process including defining your goal, but if you have any specific questions please reach out and ask! Comment here or email me at successencourager@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading & following! Connect with me on Instagram for daily inspirational quotes & tips.

The new Enrichment version of my Year in the Life of… goal-setting planner is now available and currently 25% off!! Click on the link to order a copy for yourself and/or get one for a friend. Once ordered please reach out to me and tell me what your current goal focus is!

 

Defining uniqueness

How do you define or discover your uniqueness? If we are all unique individuals and have our own personal journey then what magic formula can ‘fit us all’?

There is no magic formula for becoming the best version of yourself. You do not need my permission to evolve into your highest self. You simply need your permission and self-love. Love yourself so much you dedicate time to your joys; learn to listen to your inner voice and take action to encourage it.

There are so many learning styles, goals, definitions of happiness and processes to create a future that is unique to each of us. By empowering ourselves to discover our personal uniqueness and encourage others to discover theirs, we define what being valued looks and feels like. We not only respect the differences we embrace and encourage them.

The formula is unique for each of us, yet requires one common thread – – – Time…dedicated time. Acknowledge what completes you, what brings you joy, what burns inside of you and dedicated time to your journey; encourage your uniqueness.

What is your unique process to focus on your goals?

Also, I’m excited to announce that my goal focused journal planner is now complete & available in small batch printing!!! This planner even has a section to record your weekly recap, current read, daily focus (wellbeing, spirit, etc.), and is simply published so you can personalize it for your own unique journey! My excitement about seeing a completed goal in print form is beyond measure and my gratitude to all of those encouraging me and supporting me extends to all visiting my sites! The planner is currently 15% off.

Questions? Comment below or email me – successencourager@gmail.com

Set goals that support well-being

As you may know, I set a fiction reading goal this year. I’m also excited to be working toward a healthier more active lifestyle. These goals are personal to me and support my well-being. By choosing goals that are personally realistic and of interest to me (bring me joy) I allow myself to focus on accountability and by tracking my progress, I can focus on incorporating a little more to each goal as time allows and I feel comfortable.

The rule with goals is…there are no set rules. Sure, there are the basic steps, but goals are just as unique as the individuals setting them.

Even if a million other people set reading goals the process and reason could be entirely different for each. The start date and dedicated time are most likely different. For some January 1 is a great energetic day to begin a new goal, but if you have a job or other responsibilities that are hectic during that time then it might seem like the worst date to start. Dedicating time in the morning may work for you or a long lunch or before bed.

Goals should:

• Help you accomplish or incorporate something into your life that brings you joy
• Create happiness
• Balance your responsibilities, self-care, and personal growth
• Bring you closer to a bigger goal
• Support your overall wellbeing

Focus on a personal goal:

• Start by defining a goal or a positive habit that you know will bring you happiness and encourage a positive well-being
• Dedicate time daily that works with your unique schedule
• Celebrate progress and adapt as needed

What does your goal-setting look like? How do your goals encourage positive wellness?

Also, I’m excited to announce that my goal focused journal planner is now complete & available in small batch printing!!! This planner even has a section to record your weekly recap, current read and daily focus (wellbeing, spirit, etc.)! My excitement about seeing a completed goal in print form is beyond measure and my gratitude to all of those encouraging me and supporting me extends to all visiting my sites! The planner is currently 25% off.

I’m working on setting the date for my first goal-setting small group workshop!!! More on that soon!

Questions? Comment below or email me – successencourager@gmail.com

Goal setting method

I personally use a goal setting method I call the window pane. It is a layout of the goal categories I focus on (read more about those here). There is a section with this method in my goal setting journal (on sale on sale now!)

How does it work?

• Review each category and the definition:
  • Well-being – Mental and physical health; stretching, walking, meditation, conscious eating, plenty of water. Ask yourself – What are my health goals, what are my limits?
  • Spirit – Self-care, gratitude journaling, positive affirmations, create, hobbies. Ask yourself – What brings joy and peace? What nourishes me?
  • Circle – Mutual relationships that allow you to give and receive support; family, friends, work friendships, recovery groups, clubs or hobby groups. Ask yourself – Who balances with me? Who supports me and invites my support?
  • Productivity – Daily routine; work, volunteering, caregiver, budgeting, learning. Ask yourself – What is my current daily schedule (define it). What do I want my future schedule or routine to look like and consist of?

• Create four sections (or use the layout in the journal) that looks similar to a window pane. Put the title of each one category in each corner. Write out your definitions of important areas in your life for each of the categories.
  • For example for Well-being, I have noted that I miss yoga, but enjoy my daily meditation. A goal that could result from this is to sign up for yoga class or research free video options and incorporate into my daily routine.
• Review your list and ask:
  • Where can I improve?
  • What area do I connect with the most?
  • What area needs attention?
  • Which area can I focus on starting today?

Once you see the layout and can focus on the area that you connect with most you can set small steps to create your new current goal focus. Don’t get overwhelmed and think that all areas need focus at once. It all starts with one focus; one step. I sometimes keep my window pane visible where I can see it daily as a reminder of what I’m focused on and what I will take a step toward each day!

I’d love to hear what your main category focus is! Comment below or email me at successencourager@gmail.com. Find me on Instagram for daily encouragement quotes!

Thanks for reading and following; keep goaling!

Goals are works in progress

No matter how many posts or quotes I share about goal setting I am always working on the main one with a few others floating around in my mind! Goals are works in progress. Some may be completed, but other branches of that goal extend out and need attention. For example, a goal to lose 10 pounds doesn’t completely end after those 10 pounds are gone. That accomplishment most likely requires maintenance and serves as a catalyst for other positive habits and goal setting.

I have talked about categories before and more about those can be found here. Categories help me focus, organize my main focus and helps me stay accountable. My current goal is a blend of productivity and spirit (most categories overlap).

My goal setting encouragement journal was a work in progress for almost three years (some brainstorming started before that!). Sharing something with the world that I am so very passionate about has truly fed my spirit. The challenges have strengthened me, I’m truly grateful for the amazing relationships I have built and beyond excited that I actually have a printed version of a dream turned into a reality! This goal is far from complete though; it’s certainly a work in progress.

This goal has inspired several other goals. Through the challenges and lack of a mass sell out I have discovered so much about myself & looking forward to much more discovery! Without all of the mini goals and celebrated accomplishments, I could have lost focus. Even as I type this I am working on a cover re-design; (goals are works in progress)!

Your goal is unique to you. Your why is personal to you. No matter how grand or simple your goal may seem, it’s worth your attention and dedicated time. It’s part of you, it’s part of your journey that will create your future.

Live with intention (defined as a determination to act in a certain way and to live with a plan). I encourage you to focus daily on creating your joy and peace. You are capable and worthy. Whether you focus on a category, a personal or professional goal, or a dream you keep thinking about. Take action. Create the steps. Celebrate accomplishments!

I’d love to hear what current goal you are working on! Share in the comments below or email me at successencourager@gmail.com. Find me on Instagram for daily encouraging quotes.

You can purchase my goal setting journal here. With revised cover and currently 25% off; under $15!

Thanks for reading and following!

 

Goals encourage self-love

Recently, I defined the words self-care, selfish and empowerment. Continuing with that theme I’d like to encourage more self-love through goal-setting. Why goal-setting? Because it’s the first step to encourage action toward what brings you joy! Once you set a goal you can start taking the steps to make that goal a reality. Focusing on your passion/dream/goal is the best way to create peace and empowerment. It allows a process to start in motion and brings opportunities for accountability and accomplishment. It’s got self-love written all over it 🙂

Goals typically fall in a few broad categories. My personal categories that I use are:

• Well-being – Mental and physical health; stretching, walking, meditation, conscious eating, plenty of water. Ask yourself – What are my health goals, what are my limits?
• Spirit – Self-care, gratitude journaling, positive affirmations, create, hobbies. Ask yourself – What brings joy and peace? What nourishes me?
• Circle – Mutual relationships that allow you to give and receive support; family, friends, work friendships, recovery groups, clubs or hobby groups. Ask yourself – Who balances with me? Who supports me and invites my support?
• Productivity – Daily routine; work, volunteering, caregiver, budgeting, learning. Ask yourself – What is my current daily schedule (define it). What do I want my future schedule or routine to look like and consist of?

Once you define your most important goal and research the first few steps needed to make it a reality, dedicate time to accomplishing it and celebrate each progress…life will change; you will change…you will be giving much self-love to yourself and trust me, you’ll thank yourself for doing so!

I personally benefit from keeping a journal/calendar to track my progress and keep my to-do lists organized. I’ve been working on a project slowly for a couple of years and look forward to sharing it with everyone very soon! Hint hint…it’ll be giveaway time worthy! I’ll announce that soon! (So excited and giddy, I can hardly hide it).

What goal are you focused on right now? Do you have time dedicated to it daily or maybe weekly? How empowered are you feeling right now?? Comment below or send me an email.

 

Dear Rudeness…

June 2, 2018

 Dear Rudeness,

You show up in the least likely of places at times. I admire your boldness, but you still surprise me periodically. Yesterday, after a calm productive morning filled with errands and appointments, I let my guard down. I assumed my full afternoon would be as enjoyable, but you had other plans, didn’t you? In the midst of one of the simplest errands, the shortest interaction of the day, you stepped up.

Your cold words felt like a slap across my face. The chill surprised me and as much as I wanted to slap back, I didn’t. Your attack was not personal; it said more of you than me. I saw in your eyes that my smile and lack of words struck you harder than a ruthless matched comment could of. My well wishes for a pleasant afternoon to you as I walked away seemed to shock you into a speechless frozen state of confusion.

Thank you, Rudeness, for reminding me how even simple phrases can hurt and to take care of what I say to others. Thank you for awareness, especially with strangers whom I only have a brief moment to leave a positive memory with. I pray whatever pain and negativity you are struggling with is replaced with healing and love.

I am sure our paths will cross again and you may lash out, but I will pause before reacting and share patience and positivity in hopes that you will do the same when given the next opportunity.  

 Kind regards,

Dana

Do you have any tips for handling rudeness?

 

More information about me on my ABOUT ME Page!

Image by Joanna Kosinska http://www.instagram.com/joannakosinskadesign

Personal goals from a professional conference

This week I attended the Accelerated Assistant Conference by Office Dynamics.  The conference was created by an amazing woman, Joan Burge. I highly recommend reading more about her and the conference if you have not already! The conference was focused on the administrative professional career, I learned several tips to take back to my office. I also walked away learning so much about myself and my personal goals. I was reminded what I am passionate about; writing. As I listened to the amazing speakers, especially Peggy Vasquez and Lisa Olsen, I felt my desire to focus more on my writing stir inside me and scream at me – “Hey remember me?! Hey, I’m right here…listen to me…Acknowledge me!” 

I can’t remember a time I did not love writing. I would fill Big Chief writing pads from the time I could write. In middle school and high school I wrote story after story and even wrote a one ‘girl’ play in high school. In my early 20s I continued my fiction writing and filling notebook after notebook. As life went on, I had less and less time to focus on my fiction writing. I still fed my inner writer by creating short articles, newsletters, volunteering for non-profit programs, etc. But my professional life demanded more of my time. My mind always drifted to my writing and I would have spurts of writing energy and write in my notebooks or type up my ideas in a special folder on my computer or laptop. But, I didn’t allow it to be front and center as it once was as a child and young adult.

As I listened to Peggy and the other enthusiastic speakers I felt that excitement again. I love my day job and those I work with. I enjoy the challenges and projects I am a part of. I am grateful to have a voice and years of experience to offer my team and manager. But I also realize for my own wellbeing I must write. It’s my gift. Even if I am not the best writer, I was reminded during the ongoing sessions that I am a unique voice, as we all are. My desire grew each day, each session! I would call my husband…”Honey, this conference is amazing…I’m a writer!” His response each call would be, “of course you are I’ve always known that.” Says the man I grew up with, have dated since high school, celebrating a 20 year wedding anniversary in December with and has helped me organize those book bags filled with my writings over the past 27 years (or more!) He knows this…he has told me this for years…Why has my inner writer been hibernating?!

I had the privilege of meeting Peggy Vasquez in the hall after her key note talk and during my sprint to my hotel room to check out in time to catch my flight home. I felt like a school girl; a rambling excited school girl on a sugar/ice cream high running into my hero on the playground. I tried to calm myself, I took a deep breath…I walked up to her…introduced myself, thanked her for her inspiring talk and encouraging words. I handed her a little business card I had printed myself about me being a ‘success encourager’. I rambled by intertwining a number of thoughts running through my head that went something like, “I want to be a writer, I am a writer, my husband says so. I can’t fail with that kind of support, right? I have notebooks full of proof. You make speaking look so…easy.” As I rambled my eyes started to tear up. I apologized. She was so kind and professional…she smiled at me, was so humble…she mentioned a speaking engagement she had with thousands and mentioned her nerves, she assured me my watery eyes were no reason to apologize…she looked at me intently and said, “You are being spoken to here; listen.”

I wanted to hug her, but not frighten her. I smiled. I thanked her again, I felt like I was on a cloud, a cloud that allowed me to own and accept my passion; my passion for writing. Why can’t I excel at my job and write my career articles, finish the children’s book my nephew has inspired and (yes AND) finish my novel? Why not?

Sure I am more tired some days than I am others. Sure I have other responsibilities in life than work that keep me running a race some days. Sure my body aches some days, sure I can make excuses, sure I can….Sure I can do this.

I took “As a Man Thinketh”, by James Allen with me on my trip. This book (if you are not familiar with it) is an inspiring read and it was written in 1903! Despite being over 110 years old, it is a very relevant read, in my opinion. The reading seemed to tie in perfectly with the ongoing conference message of focus, positive thoughts, etc. A couple of my favorite quotes from the book are:

• “When we begin to reflect upon our condition and to search diligently for the law upon which our being is established, we then will become wise masters, directing our energies with intelligence and fashioning our thoughts to fruitful issues. Such is the conscious master, and we can only thus become by discovering within ourselves the laws of thought – which discovery is totally a matter of application, self-analysis, and experience.”
• “The human mind may be likened to a garden, which may be intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild. But whether cultivated or neglected, it must and will bring forth.”

Not only did I learn a few new things during my trip, both at the conference and during self-reflection time, but each speaker had something to say that I related to and each reminded me of a few goals or daily tasks that I ‘use to do’. I’ve made a goal list. Some goals have been on and off lists for years. Some are new, some are even things I do ‘most or some of the time’, but this is now, not goals belonging to the grade school girl, or 20-something me, today I am renewed, I have experience and skills…I have new goals even if they are familiar…I make a commitment to my inner writer...I vow to listen to you, to embrace you, to thank you for your patience, to show gratitude for you never giving up on me, to allow your light to shine bright and become my focus, to blend our professional and personal talents into one inspired and inspirational being! And hopefully….encourage a few others along our journey.

My new goal list, that will be ever-evolving, but always writing focused:

• Not walk pass my ‘banner’ hanging on my vision board that reminds me to wake up with a grateful heart, to be thankful, to welcome the offerings and blessings of today….Instead of walking by sleepy eyed, I will stop and read the reminder and take a moment to follow my own advice!
• Sign up for an ongoing yoga class
• Continue my health focused goal by eating healthy, moving more and stressing less
• Write in my gratitude journal daily
• Schedule time daily to write; finish and publish my children’s book; treat it like a class or scheduled event
• Contact the local library and reserve a small room (which they offer for FREE!) and make no more excuses for not writing. Go to my ‘classroom’ at the library, focus and write!
• Create the outline to the ‘grown up’ version of my children’s book about politeness
• Write the entire ‘grown up’ version and share it!
• Create my weekly schedule by breaking down each day; I have five to six hours each evening between work ending and bedtime! Utilize that time more wisely and productively. Maintain my two to three evenings a week spending time with my mom, sister and nephew! And all of the amazing adventures and daily routines with my husband!
• Follow through and focus….FOCUS!

Thank you so much for reading this. If you have any tips or would like to share an accomplishment, please comment below or email me. Questions? Please do not hesitate to ask.

Thank you to Joan, Peggy and all of the speakers and event coordinators for making it possible for me to attend and gain so much insight!

Thank you!

 

Read more about me and the professional services I offer on the ABOUT ME page!

coffee and typing

 

The power of blogging

Be Informed –

The main goals of most blogs are to inform, inspire and hopefully entertain from time to time. As a blogger (whether writing for myself or a specific topic as a guest blogger) I strive to provide information helpful to others such as writing inspiration, resume and cover letter revamps, career change, conquering writer’s block, or simply looking to personally grow, (or any combination of any!).

What is a blog and how does it inspire readers?

I’ve discussed this question with friends, coworkers, freelance writers and others. Google defines a blog as: “a regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style.” It’s a combination of the words ‘web log’. That is pretty broad! So, to add my own two cents and expand a bit – some blogs inform, some entertain, some state facts and others opinions. Some even do all those things. Typically, the blogger is very passionate about the topic and wants to support the readers by providing valuable information in their posts and being available for questions; supporting readers.

Information is power. While some blog posts contain basic information they should serve as a refresher to some readers or as a way to learn at least one new tip, skill or tidbit of information. If it’s the first time a reader has reviewed an article on a certain topic it should answer questions for them. Ideally, I aspire for all readers to be empowered to focus on an idea or wanted change in their life and begin working toward accomplishing that goal after reading one of my posts. I enjoy sharing what I have learned about writing and business to those wanting encouragement or to simply be a bit more informed.

Readers success is what matters! If I can help with that success (be a true success encourager), then I’m more than happy to do so! I check blog emails daily and try to respond within 24 to 48 hours, so if you have a specific question about a post or want additional information about a topic just ask! You can email me at dana@danabuchanan.com, visit www.danabuchanan.com or use the comment section here.

Future posts will be on various topics; sure to be something for everyone! I’m always open to topic ideas and want to hear from you! I’d love to hear your thoughts on blogging, success and what works for you; leave a comment!