Personal Development Group

[zeloc]

I am creating a small online personal development group, something like a mastermind, whose object will be for the individual members to achieve the goals they are aiming for. The benefits are manifold: by letting others know what your goals are, you get accountability, and because the group is the same, you get to learn more about others, get outside insights into your goals, and see how others think more closely. By meeting online on a regular basis (in a chat room or instant messenger) it creates regularity. We could have assigned books and readings to discuss, homework assignments, etc.

The reason I know this will work is that I took an online course some time back that involved assigned readings, weekly online chat sessions, a message board, homework, etc. There were 5-6 of us, all of whom I knew in real life previously although some I barely knew at all. And by the end of the course I was amazed as to how well I had gotten to "know" each person, including some that I considered my friends for years. The chat room discussions were of a very high quality and I really got to exercise my mind and thinking while seeing others' perspectives on the same issues. We also had to post some assignments on the message board so that others could critique it and give their ideas on how it could be improved. I ended up looking forward to these chat sessions and the interesting discussions which would ensue.

This group would be of the same size (~ 6) but if there are too many people interested we could have multiple groups and then get together once in a while with both groups or just collaborate on the most effective ways to run it based on trial and error. We could discuss personal development books, our specific goals, etc, and there would be accountability as well.

Too often I see people working on something for years and not getting anywhere because it is almost impossible to clearly see one's own shortcomings but very easy to see someone else's. This would bring the benefit of always having to admit to oneself if there is real progress or not because it would be evident to everyone else.

Who is interested in this idea?

[colbycheeze]

I'm down. I love sharing my goals with other success oriented people. I have actually been pondering the thought of finding some people to do this sort of thing with.

[Thaorius]

I'm interested, it's always nice to have someone to bounce ideas with.

[zeloc]

Let's start by posting our time zones so that we can coordinate online meetups. I am in the US, EST.

We can also start discussing how we will run the group, or it can be during the first chat session. Here are some ideas:

We can structure it like an in-person mastermind group, so that each person would take turns discussing their goals and plans and where they are at the moment and everyone else can give advice, ideas, etc.

Another idea is to decide on one self-improvement book/month that we can then discuss.

We can make statements on what we are going to work on until the next meeting and can hold each other accountable.

Post your ideas in this thread.

[theorique]

I'm curious!

-jack

[Thaorius]

Originally Posted by zeloc

Let's start by posting our time zones so that we can coordinate online meetups. I am in the US, EST.

We can also start discussing how we will run the group, or it can be during the first chat session. Here are some ideas:

We can structure it like an in-person mastermind group, so that each person would take turns discussing their goals and plans and where they are at the moment and everyone else can give advice, ideas, etc.

Another idea is to decide on one self-improvement book/month that we can then discuss.

We can make statements on what we are going to work on until the next meeting and can hold each other accountable.

Post your ideas in this thread.

I'm in Argentina, so UTC-3, no DST.

[NYBlue4]

Hi guys,

I actually just found this website tonight while searching for tips on better sleeping habits (it's currently 2:30 am and I'm not that tired). Although I'm new to the website and forum, this thread already peaked my interest.

I've had an interest in personal growth for a while now, but unfortunately in my case it's been too much planning and too little doing. Thus, I would love to join this group and help to push each other.

Looking forward to getting to know everyone!

Btw, I'm also on EST.

[blacksofa]

I am interested :]

I am PST, UTC-8

I like this idea - "We can structure it like an in-person mastermind group, so that each person would take turns discussing their goals and plans and where they are at the moment and everyone else can give advice, ideas, etc."

I'd really like to hear other peoples views and insights into the areas I need to work on instead of discussing a book. I feel that we could get to know each other better that way

[colbycheeze]

I am UTC -6 ( central time )

I was thinking we could meet up using Skype, since we can all talk that way. Add me on there, my name is: Colbycheeze

Each time we meet a different person would 'run' the meeting. We can use a combination of the following models for various meeting models.

There are several ways to do it
Accountability Model - Each person has 45 to 60 minutes to present their status report to the group, focusing on progress and obstacles. It is more of a conversation, with others jumping in with thoughts and ideas. At the end of the day, each individual declares what they want to achieve before the group meets again.

Problem Solving Model - When it is your turn, you have 60 to 90 minutes to present a problem you are facing and get feedback/creative solutions from the others. The key is to solve an issue that is of importance to you. And if you can’t think of a problem/opportunity, the group can help you find one. This is a highly creative and focused mastermind model.

With these 2 above, we can shorten the amount of time it takes to present our problem or situation by e-mailing the group ahead of time and that way everyone is familiar and can come prepared to offer advice / etc.

Book Club Model - Prior to getting together, every member in the group reads/listens to the same article, book, CD/MP3 that descriptions a useful tool that can be applied to your business. We all discuss how we used it, how we can apply it, what we learned, etc.

Theme Model - Each person comes prepared to give a 15 minute presentation on their best practices for the selected theme. Each person is encouraged to bring a handout. This model is a fantastic way to get lots of tips in a short period of time.

[billionairekid]

I'm also highly interested in this. I've been looking for an accountability group for a while now but haven't had any success trying to make one with friends. I'm in the central time zone as well (-6) and would love to meet up any way we can.

[Socomfan1]

I am interested :]

I am PST, UTC-8

[jonwaller]

I'm very interested!

Japan — Time Zone: JST (UTC+9)

[billionairekid]

Instead of letting this go stagnant, lets get some ideas about how we could meet up. We've got AIM chat and skype so far. What is our preference to meet?

I've never used skype but I have a mic so I think I could figure it out.

[zeloc]

Thanks for the contributions everyone. 9 persons have posted so far which is on the high side but likely everyone will not be interested as time goes on, so let's plan to have the first meeting in about 1 week and during the next week we will figure out logistics. Does anyone have a preference for a particular day? A weekend might work best to get around work schedules and the time differences.

I prefer to use AIM or a chat room over Skype because it can become very unwieldy if 6-7 people are trying to talk at the same time. AIM can also be more efficient because everyone is writing at the same time so no one has to wait for another person to finish before saying something and a lot of discussion can occur in a short amount of time. This is what we primarily used for the class I mentioned before and it worked incredibly well.

Does anyone know of a message board that we can use concurrently? As we are getting to know each other and discuss specific goals it would be more private than posting on the forum and it would be much easier for organizing posts and ideas so we don't have to sift through a lot of other stuff.

colbycheese, I like your ideas, but what do you mean by the 45-90 minutes? are you saying that just 1 person would discuss their goals at each session? I would prefer for each person to take 15-30 minutes perhaps, and that way no one is waiting for weeks without getting a chance. I especially like your Accountability and Theme models.

Great ideas everyone, I look forward to getting to know all of you more.

[NYBlue4]

I personally prefer AIM as well. I think it's best to start out with some informal chats before we get into any of the heavily structured models that Colby introduced -- though they are great ideas!

I also think a weekend works best, particularly a lazy Sunday...now that football season is over

[Thaorius]

I have no preference for the day, but weekends work better. I also prefer AIM over Skype, that way I can use my Pidgin.

As for a private forum, I'm sure we can set something up. In fact, a quick google search reveals: #1 Free Forums - FreeForums.org - Create a free forum in minutes! .

[blacksofa]

Weekends-preferably sunday so we can really reflect on our week and think about our future week, and AIM work well for me!

[billionairekid]

AIM works for me as well. I say we stick with AIM, we meet on Sundays and now we have to figure out a time. Any suggestions?

I also think that having some type of format for our first meeting would be beneficial.

[colbycheeze]

Alright so the consensus is AIM. I still prefer skype, since you can do text chat in it and you are not forced to all be on voice.

Anyhow, I can set up a forum on my web space in the next couple of days. I use Dreamhost and it has a 1 click install of...okay done lol

I'll give out the forum URL once we meet up.

Let's begin adding each other on AIM. My name is Colbycheeze86.

As far as what I mean by 45-90 minutes...well that was just a number I tossed out there. It really depends on how long we meet, how many people are involved, and what format we wish to use. Of course we will be adjusting everything based on our group limits etc.

[billionairekid]

Originally Posted by colbycheeze

Alright so the consensus is AIM. I still prefer skype, since you can do text chat in it and you are not forced to all be on voice.

Anyhow, I can set up a forum on my web space in the next couple of days. I use Dreamhost and it has a 1 click install of...okay done lol

I'll give out the forum URL once we meet up.

Let's begin adding each other on AIM. My name is Colbycheeze86.

As far as what I mean by 45-90 minutes...well that was just a number I tossed out there. It really depends on how long we meet, how many people are involved, and what format we wish to use. Of course we will be adjusting everything based on our group limits etc.

I've got to sign up for a new aim screen name cause I can't even begin to remember what my old one was (I never use it ). I'll post back here with my screen name and lets continue working on a time. We'll meet next Sunday the 14th at ???

[colbycheeze]

I'm okay with meeting around 5 or 6am (-6) or after 8 or 9pm ( -6 )

[jonwaller]

Maybe this is useful:

The World Clock Meeting Planner - Results

I'm in Japan (+9), and am free from about 7am to midnight.

[zeloc]

Jon, since you are in Japan, that will be the rate-limiting step to organize a meeting. How is UTC 1330 on Sunday the 14th for everyone? Around this time would be the only way to get everyone together. We will use AIM with consideration of Skype for future meetings.

What will be the agenda for the 1st meeting?

[colbycheeze]

Time should be fine.
Agenda can look like this:

Just a quick draft, edit as necessary if you have any other ideas.

• Everyone Introduces themselves
• What do you do? What are you trying to get out of this group?
• What are your goals?
• What do you need to do within the next week to get closer to goal?
• Commitment to take action towards your goal and be held accountable on next meetup
• Discuss next meeting time and format

[Thaorius]

The timing sounds good.

Mi AIM name is thaorius@thaorius.com.

[jonwaller]

Time sounds good for me too. My AIM name is:
aim (at) tanos.co.uk

[blacksofa]

That would be 5 AM for me...while I'd like to say yes I doubt I'd be able to wake up!

Should we split into two smaller groups for those who can't make that time?

aim - TamanoAngel

[RwS]

I am quite interested MY aim is lanketer@gmail.com

My time zone is eastern Canada

Talk to you all soon!

[zeloc]

Originally Posted by blacksofa

That would be 5 AM for me...while I'd like to say yes I doubt I'd be able to wake up!

Should we split into two smaller groups for those who can't make that time?

aim - TamanoAngel

blacksofa, you are UTC - 8, so it should be 530 for you? The question is what would work best for you and Jon, eg, would 1400 UTC work which would be 600 for you and 2300 for Jon? Or you could come 20-30 minutes late and someone could cut and paste what had transpired so far.

The other possibility is Saturday evening for everyone except Jon but I think that Sunday would work better.

[colbycheeze]

WhenIsGood : Detect Timezone

Go there and put in the times that work best for you.