How to make self-development fun
Okay, just from the title of this blog alone, you’re thinking, “What?”
It’s your girl, Esha here and today’s blog is a bit of a departure from my usual writings/ramblings. I had a fleeting thought last month about words that people usually associate with self-development and a couple that came up for me were – boring and “un-fun”.
To be honest, I’ve thought the same myself over the years however, while writing my book Carnivalista Lifestyle: Joyous Self-development for Hardworking Professionals and Entrepreneurs, I came to the realization that my own personal self-development has been fun…
And then, of course, I thought let me share this with you! So, here we go!
(1) Think of self-development as an investment
When I was in my twenties, I stumbled upon Iyanla Vanzant’s iconic (and essential) book “In the Meantime”. I have since read her book several times, but when I read it the first and the second time, I was introduced to the concept of thinking about my own self-development as an investment. Not only in myself, but also an investment in those around me who impacted and influenced my life.
What was fun about this step for me was that I was actually giving the gift of time to myself. I love to read so reading this book was fun and helped me at the same time. We all get so busy in our day to day. Just think about it, when was the last time you took time to do something fun – just for you? Not with your kids, significant other or family members. Just for you.
Whoa – never thought about it that way before? It was completely revolutionary to me at the time so I understand! And upon “getting that”, I went to the second way you can experience fun self-development.
That’s me in Labadee on the Ubersoca cruise 🙂
(2) Don’t think, do
In following this step, I changed my actions. Going back to Iyanla’s book, I was in what she described as the “basement”. I would blame everyone (but myself) for what was happening in my life. It was never my fault. Once I acknowledged that, it was time to do differently. Once I stopped blaming others for my actions, I found that I generally felt more positive. I even made a game out of changing the words that came out of my mouth and circled around in my head.
- For example, when I thought:
- “I really hate when she doesn’t follow through,” I would think instead, “I can choose not to work with her next time.” That immediately made me feel better and more in control.
- “Of course, he didn’t call. You’re a horrible date,” I would think instead, “It’s okay if he didn’t call. There are several other men out there who would love to date me.” This one in particular, made me smile everytime. What woman wouldn’t want to think this about herself (lol)?
See how that works? Each set of words has a different vibration to it. Flipping things around became my fun way of immediately changing my perspective and shifting my energy to be more positive. I was doing something about how I was feeling and what I was thinking (and it was fun for me)! And that leads me to the last thing you can do to make self-development fun…
Enjoying life in Barbados. Cheers!
(3) Shake up your normal routine
We’re all creatures of habit. We tend to “stay in our lane” or at least what we think is our lane! I’m here to tell you that is not fun. Keep doing what you’ve always been doing and you’ll get the same results. So, how can you shake things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Try a different food at a restaurant with good Google ratings (4.5 stars or higher). Bonus points for dining solo!
- Start a new exercise routine. There’s nothing like getting those endorphins flowing.
- Take a class in a hobby you’ve been wanting to try or join a Meetup group in an activity you love to do. Start working another part of your brain and have fun in the process!
- Travel someplace you’d never thought you could go.
On this last point of traveling someplace you’d never thought you could go, that’s exactly what I’ve done over the years, starting with Trinidad Carnival back in 1998. Trinidad Carnival quickly became a “must do” trip every year with my friends and then in 2006, I met my husband, Tarik there!
With the rise of experiential travel (also known as immersion travel) which is a form of tourism in which people focus on experiencing a country, city or particular place by actively and meaningfully engaging with its history, people, culture, food and environment, there is no end to the experiences you can have around the world or right in your own backyard. Just do it!
Those are my top tips for making self-development fun. I hope you enjoyed them.
If you’d like to learn more about the travel experiences that we offer, visit our website by clicking here.
Now over to you: what will you do to make self-development fun? Leave me a comment below!
Til de next lime,
Esha
About Esha: As an event planner with over 20 years of experience (whose been to 5 out of the 7 continents), Esha’s helped professional women who don’t have the time, energy, or resources to plan their own vacations so they can travel and enjoy unique, life-changing Caribbean experiences. Click the links below to learn more!
Or call us at (919) 697-8772
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