The ‘A- Z’ of Lego blocks

When using a Lego block, you have to begin with the foundation. You start with one block, and then join another block to it and you keep joining until you have the shape you are satisfied with. Relating this to life, this means that to develop yourself, you have to start from the foundation.

Development simply means growth. The ‘A- Z’ simply means that development is progressive. I see personal development as the process where one takes an audacious step in partaking in activities that will help develop the four aspects (spiritual, mental, physical and social) of the person’s life.

God comes in first in all we do as humans. The mentalaspect deals with the intellect, as well as mind exercises that help to stretch and reshape the mind, and this helps in seeing things in different perspectives. The physical aspect has to do with physical appearance; this has a role to play in self confidence and self worth.

The social aspect involves the way we relate efficiently with people. This is where personality plays a role; only people that match your level of growth will relate with you. I recall being a cute girl in my early teens.

My mother had to make my hair for me when I was a day student in secondary school. I always complained, because the hairstyles turned out disappointing. Later on, I changed to a boarding school where there were hairstylists who made the students’ hair.

They made my hair, and it was the same way disappointed at the outcome. I began to feel insecure, made worse by the fact that I was stuck with the look, because I had no one to do it to my taste. I am very hard to please, and one day questioned, instead of allowing people do my hair for me, and still have to complain about the way it looks, why not I do something about it myself?

So while still in secondary school, I started learning how to style hair from the hair dressers and before I knew it, I started making my hair myself, looking at the mirror, and cutting my hair into the desired style, then I will plait it. This dramatically increased self confidence.

People began to compliment and even asked which of the hairdressers made my hair; I proudly proclaim I did it myself. This is where the journey began; I started making hair for my seniors, then my classmates and also for my House mistress.

There was this feeling of self fulfillment, that YES, I can do this now, and I don’t have to rely on anyone. Even now, I still go on You-Tube and learn new things about hair, and constantly try to improve my skills, just last summer, for example, I learnt how to make wigs. Now, People appreciate it.

Developing yourself is a continuous process; it should not be limited to graduates or just people seeking for employment. Personal development makes one stand out from the crowd. It is not enough to rely on academic intelligence or skills gained in educational environment.

It is not necessary to have a pre-existing talent for personal development, you could develop an interest, becoming more knowledgeable in the field and craft it to become a skill. Personal development is something everyone should strive for.

Of course, one will face challenges when developing themselves, but they should not be submissive and easily discouraged. In this life, you have to be a goal getter. If you want to get something, you persist, endure and never give up. Learning is a cycle, so after developing yourself, never be too comfortable where you are, still strive for more so as not to become stagnant and therefore limited.

Personal development helps to maximize one’s potential.

Today, ask yourself these questions- what makes me unique? What makes me different from the students in my school or my colleagues at work? What value can I add to the society that no one can add? If you have no answer to these questions, then you have to wake up and make a decision as soon as possible.

The decision is to work on your personal development. Your story may not have to be like mine. You can just learn something you have a passion for, and before you know it; you will be appreciated.

There should be a regular check up on how far one has developed him/her self. This makes you reflect on your goals and also helps to re set the mind.

Written by Temitope Ishmael.

Temitope Ishmael is a passionate writer with special interest in personal development. She desires to impact her world for a positive change and transforms whatever she touches. She is a positive thinker and a strong believer in positivity and possibility.

A good time manager and patient listener with an open mind. She is very patient and diligent: believing whatever is worth doing, should be done well. She prefers balance and organisation to mere speed; hence, she doesn’t rush into things.

Instagram account: @jojo _ Ishmael