When I was younger I had a friend ask me what I felt his faults were. I thought to myself “what an awkward question” and asked him why he had asked me that. He responded “how can I be a better person when I don’t know or can fix my faults”. That conversation has stuck in my head for over 15 years and most recently has been useful in changing my mind on personal development.

When I was first introduced to personal development I was hesitant and fought the idea. Not that I thought it was a waste of time, like many others I felt that it did not fit my schedule. Well thinking back to the aforementioned conversation I decided to take others advice and improve on my public speaking skills. I’m not normally shy when giving presentations but I believe that there is always room for improvement in your life.

Now in my second renewed membership at Toastmasters and after attending several courses and events I am seeing improvements in my work life as well as my personal life. I find myself wanting to develop my skills and challenge myself to do more with my life.

I have been blessed to work for a company that see the value in personal development and provides reimbursement for those people who take it among themselves and work to improve their skills. These programs are typically found in larger organizations such as banks however, smaller to medium sized companies should look at providing this benefit for there employees as well.

Having worked for several agencies I find that many staffing firms would rather have their recruiters work after hours then attend courses. I believe the long term benefits outweigh the short term recruitment placement. Some of the benefits include:

• New skills will make an employee more productive at work.
• Employees will be able to take on additional assignments.
• Employees who undertake these programs have the potential to be a leader in the workplace.
• Degrees and Certifications will improve the company’s professional image when you work with clients.
• Higher level of Employee loyalty and retention.

Now that I have seen the benefits to personal development I have become addicted to feeling of accomplishment and advancement in life. I plan on broadening my horizons by increasing skills in areas not just for work but personal life and develop an over all happier life style. As a final thought for all those people who are thinking about personal development but don’t feel that they have the time I would like to leave you with a famous quote from Napoleon Hill “Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.”