How do you choose your PD areas and stay focused?

[Lynn 007]

Hello

I've recently found this site and to be honest I'm not even sure how I landed here. I know I didn't google personal development but whatever I was searching for at the time has directed me here. Erin, did you have anything to do with this? This is the only PD site I've ever been too. Now that I'm here..... I'm hooked.

I have spent the past few weeks reading quite a few articles, listened to some podcasts, participated in a few forums and now I'm on "brain overload". So much to learn.

I am on day 8 of the 30 days to success using exercise as my main focus and this is working out very well for me. I actually couldn't relax yesterday until my workout was done. It's crazy :-)

My question is how do you choose the areas of PD you want to work on and more importantly stay focused enough to reach your goal? Do you choose one area, reach your goal then you choose another area? Do you have 4 or 5areas you're working on at once and working on them every day?

I did come across a thread earlier on books that some readers found useful and I will look into some of them but if anyone can suggest the first PD book for me to read that would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance
Lynn

[Milo Riano]

I don't focus on one area and stay there until it gets done. I try to do things little by little everyday. Consistency is the key and it also helps you avoid getting burned out. Unless you have certain areas that you feel you need to hone right away then go on a training mode and spend more hours on it but don't completely forget the rest.

[Pat P.]

Hello Lynn,
I had a similar experience when I discovered Steve's blog in early 2006. I read his articles for a couple of weeks until I got a good overview of the field, the main references, and then, based on my needs at the time, I started to choose topics.

On 2006 my goals were get better in two planes: productivity and finances. So I went back and forth between the two subjects. Later in the year, I became more interested in spiritual topics, so my focus shifted for a couple of months. Looking in retrospective, I think the idea of focusing for a short period of time in a topic has served me well, and it has reduced the anxiety that I felt when I was going through out many topics in parallel.

For this year, my goals are to improve my reading comprehension, my writing skills, and my investment savvy. My plan is to focus 30 days in each one, and repeat the cycle during the year.

About your question of what should be your first book to read, I would start with "10 secrets for success and inner peace", by Dr. Wayne Dyer. After that, I recommend you to follow Steve's recommendation to be found here http://www.stevepavlina.com/personal...ment-books.htm

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

Pat

[Ellesse]

I don't focus on one area and stay there until it gets done. I try to do things little by little everyday.

Me too. I've got a couple of big goals (in the areas of finance and health & fitness) that I've broken up into small sub tasks planned for each day. Once a sub task is done, I'll cross it out. Sometimes, I get really excited to see many crosses on my calendar

[rene_stpierre]

Lynn,

My recommendation would be to first select PD material that will make you more effective on your job. Once you have reached your desired effectiveness, you will have freed-up time for other endeavours (either at your job or in your personal life).

You can then set specific goals for these other endeavours and find PD material to help you reach those goals.

I can certainly understand your comment about "being hooked". I was introduced to PD about 1 year ago and I am hooked also!

Good luck!
René

[Lynn 007]

Thanks for your feedback and great ideas I really appreciate it.

Pat - I will pick up your book suggestion and take it from there, thanks for the link .

I think the message is do what works for you but the key is to be CONSISTENT.

Prior to finding this site I usually just set a goal and wouldn't stop until I reached it. I would take a break (mentally or physically) then choose another goal. I never really thought of having a number of them at one time.

My last goal was I decided I wanted to work for a certain company in my city, along with a salary in my mind that I wanted to make. Although I didn't know anyone who worked in this company I managed to get in through a temp agency on an assignment.

While there they advertised a position I really wanted (along with 851 other applicants). I was short-listed, interviewed and was the successful candidate for the position, making over 10K more in the base salary that I set in my mind.

Now I'm working on some physical habits and we will see what's next. I think I need to spend some time doing some serious reading to see what works for me.

Thanks again and good luck reaching your goals.

Lynn