by Gwen Thibeaux

How I Remain Unstuck in My Life

If you ask the average person what they want to change about themselves or their lifestyle, they can no doubt give you a long list of things that jump out in their mind. But what happens next? What do people do with that list of things they want to change or modify? Do they continue to carry that list around in their heads, weighing them down, keeping them stuck in a rut where nothing is happening or changing?

A self-assessment of our life and who we are is certainly necessary for personal growth and development, but the process doesn’t stop there. Once we have identified the areas in our life that need improvement, we have to become not only very intentional about seeking change, but we must have a plan on how we will obtain that change or achieve that goal.

I have created the DIVINE Principles of Personal Growth. These elements reflect what I believe to be the core of achieving success in your life and will help you become unstuck in your life. The six principles of personal growth are derived from the word ‘Divine,’ which I have created into an acronym.

Principle #1: Determination - One of the surest ways to become unstuck in your life is to be determined to achieve the things you desire. If you’re hungry for success, hungry for change, that determination will help fuel your motivation to see the results you desire. If you want something bad enough, you will stop at nothing to achieve that goal.

Principle #2: Inspiration - Why do you want what you want? What is inspiring you to seek the growth you desire? If you are seeking something because someone has told you to do so, then you might want to re-evaluate that to determine if that is truly what you want. If it is not what you want, you need to decide where your own inspiration comes from and move in that direction for your real inspiration.

Principle #3: Vision - You must have vision. If you have no vision, how will you know what you are trying to accomplish in your life? Vision gives you a picture or blueprint of what you are striving for, your intended destination. Vision keeps you focused and on task by providing you some sense of direction.

Principle #4: Initiative - As much as we would like things to just happen or fall from the sky, the reality is that life doesn’t work that way. No amount of determination, inspiration or vision is going to produce any results in your life UNLESS you take some initiative in your life. If that means asking for help, doing some research or whatever it is that you need to do in order to move forward, you have to take action. Even if it is only one small step or action, it’s a start.

Principle #5: Network - Every successful person did not obtain success on their own. They networked and connected with other successful people and people who could assist them in their endeavors. If you don’t tell people what you are doing or what you are trying to accomplish in your life, you might not discover the human resources available to you. Network! Create strategic partnerships. Create a support system for yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance.

Principle #6: Edify - This principle is by far one of the most important principles of personal growth. You must learn how to edify yourself by reaffirming your value and importance, by ridding yourself of your negative and limiting beliefs. While it is certainly great to have others edify you, there may be a time when that is not happening. When that occurs, rather than give up or lose sight, you must be able to strengthen and affirm yourself.

Personal growth is a continuous journey in life, filled with endless self-discoveries and experiences. Never hesitate or be afraid to change what is not working in your life. If you establish core principles in your life that will keep you on the right track of your life, you will not allow yourself to become stuck!

© 2008 Gwen Thibeaux – All rights reserved.

Filed under: Life