When I was a young girl, becoming a Girl Scout was to be a life-changing experience. The organization provided opportunities for girls to participate in activities that build self-esteem and self-belief. This has changed over the last fifty years. It was a good basis at that time, now we are needing to look elsewhere for answers. Answer that are hidden in our soul. Girl Scouting did have a dramatic impact on the girls’ sense of self. We now look inward to learn how to lead others, participate in teamwork, and enjoy personal development as well.
But as an adult, it is possible to explore these same activities and enjoy personal development? Of course it is! You can have an exceptional life by channeling your inner self and developing yourself in these critical areas.
For example, look for an activity that allows you to be part of a team. Often this brings to mind sports and if that’s your passion go for it. But there are many ways to join a team such as volunteering with a group, joining a board, or planning an event with others.
When it comes to leadership, getting involved in your community is a great way to practice. Find a cause that is important to you and look for a group that is working on the problem. If there isn’t a group, start one yourself. Taking the lead to make change will help you to understand your own power.
Personal development doesn’t have to be difficult. In the Girl Scouts ad Boy Scouts, participants work on activities that lead to merit badges. Each badge requires girls and boys to meet specific standards to learn something new. Think about areas where you would like to learn and grow.
Rather than earning badges, consider developing mini-goals in these areas. Then consider your own personal way of tracking those mini-goals. For example, you may not want to wear merit badges, keeping journal may be just the answer.
You could create a photo album for the year and capture special moments of achievement. Get creative about marking the occasion – but make sure that you do take the time to recognize your own achievement. That’s a critical part of developing self-esteem.
And remember that we don’t do it alone. They are part of a network of people of likeness that work together and support each other. Consider your own circle of friends and how you might develop that sort of support and teamwork to reach your goals. You may not find it necessary to formalize the group – but that is also an option.
At the end of each day, review how it went. Consider what went well and what things need work. Give yourself grace for shortfalls and avoid comparing yourself to others. Focus on your own behavior and where you excel as well as where you can improve. Accept that perfection is not an option, but improvement almost always is.
I strive to learn something new each day to look at life through a looking glass or kaleidiscope to see what patterns are awaiting and new things to explore.