5 AREAS YOU MUST STRIVE TO GROW IN 2018
I have a habit of letting my mind roam in the morning, what you might call meditation. That was the state of my mind this morning while relaxing after my early morning workout routine. It's a new year and I believe we all have plans for 2018. If you don't, I do! That explains the reason why my mind was hovering around personal development and growth this morning. I decided to share some insights as a mere post on social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.), but I felt "heck, why don't you just put it up as a blog post instead?" I mean, it's been a while I wrote on my blog, and it won't be a bad idea to make this particular post my first blog post for the year 2018. I should use my blog more often this year though.
So here are five key areas we should strive for growth in 2018, because I believe PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT is the FOUNDATION for SOCIETAL DEVELOPMENT:
1. SPIRITUAL GROWTH:
This should be self explanatory, and it remains PRIMARY (of utmost importance). Strengthen your relationship with God. Study more, pray more, and reach out to people more. Also read some sound Christian literature and listen to a lot of sound teaching messages. Don't neglect the gathering of Believers, especially the close friends you roll with. Keep a company of Believers as close friends. Find a place that teaches the Word, practices the Word, and flows in the things of the Spirit and stay committed there. Be an active member of the Church (The Body of Christ). Most importantly, as you learn sound doctrine, let it also reflect in your conduct. Make no excuses for your sins. Grace has already been made available for you to deal with it. Keep your FOCUS ON CHRIST and you'll UNLEARN, RELEARN and LEARN a whole lot that will make you a better Christian this year. And if you are yet to accept Christ, Nigga watchu waiting for?? Get into LIFE and start living!
2. MENTAL GROWTH:
Open your mind! Keep it really open and fill it up with knowledge. Read up articles and books on various topics and subjects (not related to Christianity/religion). I'm not talking fiction, novels, fairytale, etc. They have their place, but I'm talking about books that help develop your mind, your thinking, and your general outlook towards life. If I should recommend, I'll say read about Personal Health, Leadership, Relationship/Marriage, Philosophy, Sex, Parenting, History, Politics, Psychology, Business and Technology. You can only stay relevant if your mind feeds on relevant information. Also play some games that TASK YOUR BRAIN. It may be chess, scrabble, puzzles, sudoku (I love this one), etc...as long as it ACTIVELY involves your mind. They help sharpen your mind, improve brain power, and make you smarter.
3. EMOTIONAL GROWTH:
You MUST learn how to be in charge of your emotions, or they'll dictate your every actions/decisions. Learn self control, anger management, patience, humility, loyalty, etc. Also learn how to relate differently with different people at different times. You must improve your EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE. Learn how to love, trust, respect and value people. Become a better spouse in your marriage, a better parent to your kids, a better partner in your relationship, a better leader to your followers, a better staff in your work place, a better employer to your employees and a better friend to your friends. And most importantly, learn how to please people without displeasing yourself, breaking your principles, or even defiling your conscience. Learn to CONSCIOUSLY GUARD YOUR HEART so you don't end up being an EMOTIONAL WRECK.
4. PHYSICAL GROWTH:
This is something you MUST do this year. Hit the gym! Gotta keep the blood flowing. And no, it's not only for people who want to lose weight, so NO EXCUSES! It's about keeping the body fit! Treat your body right. Eat healthy and work out that gorgeous body of yours! Do some push-ups, sit-ups, jogging, and if you can, push/lift some weights! Physical exercise also helps your mental alertness, you'll feel less tired, less stressed out and always bubbling with life and vitality. And yes, it will also help you stay young. And for my married folks, it will greatly improve your sexual relationship with your spouse! Please don't ask me how I know. Just take my advice.
5. INNOVATIONAL GROWTH:
You must learn to break new grounds. Improve your CREATIVITY! Come up with NEW IDEAS. Do something new, or do something old in a new way. Be innovative in your various fields and careers. Outdo yourself, reinvent yourself, break your own records, never relax in past glories. KEEP MOVING FORWARD! Be uncomfortable with the status quo. Improve your skills, improve your art. Be DIFFERENT, be YOU, and DO YOU! Rebrand yourself! Don't get stuck in the rut! When you keep doing things (you are very passionate about) the same way all day everyday, boredom is inevitable. Spice up your life and work. Get PRODUCTIVE and CREATIVE!
I believe strongly that if we can create a plan to improve in these five areas and diligently follow through with it, we'll definitely have an amazing year and years ahead of us. 2018 is just beginning, it's not too early to start working towards achieving the goals we have set. Soon we'll wake up and realize 2018 is almost winding up. The clock has already started moving and it ain't waiting for no one. But you can choose to be ahead of time. It all depends on you, not God. He has already given you ALL that you need for life. Take advantage and GET TO WORK. 2018 is already a GREAT YEAR!
HAPPY NEW YEAR, and do have a MIND BLOWING 2018!
—Dikky.
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