I read a lot of blogs.
I often troll the internet for worthwhile posts to share with followers, as well as for growth myself.
As I browse I often find many blogs revolved around personal development. Self mastery. Changing self. When reading the comments I often wonder to myself whether all the people participating in the discussion actually choose to change. Do we really ingrain what we read, speak and “want” to do in our lives?
It’s interesting to think about.
Many who read the blog send in their thoughts via email. Often a question asked is, “What’s your secret to changing? What’s your personal development approach?”
My answer remains the same.
Desire.
It’s a potent and powerful medication for inducing personal development.
While using desire might appear simple, there are a few steps needed to use it properly.
- Identify your need for desire.
- Place your desire in an object, accomplishment or person.
- Desire will work within to create drive, motivation & support.
It’s important that you take the time to identify where the desire is going to come from. If you’re a writer, maybe your desire is to produce a novel? Bloggers often have the desire of reaching many, or overcoming personal trials. Your desire must not be half paced.
It must be full throttle and burning.
Right now I’m using desire to do a few things in my life. Here are just a few.
- I’m riding my spin bike daily for an hour while reading (The desire to overcome my illness)
- I write 1,000 words daily minimum on various blogs, projects & stories (The desire of becoming a better writer. More on this later.)
- Reading a book a week (The desire for knowledge)
- Memorizing a piano chord per day (The desire for improved music skills)
As you can see, the power of desire can and will be used for a variety of skills & goals. It has the power to overcome and remove any and all obstacles that remain in your path.
It seems to me that even above the desires I’ve identified, there must be an even deeper, more intense desire.
A desire that blankets all other desires.
Some people place that desire in the need for growth. Others, God. More often than not we see people using family as their overarching desire for improvement. It seems that my “umbrella” desire recently has been the desire to become everything in myself, that I want in a significant other. That special someone I’ll share my life with.
Identify your desires – and you’ve found the secret of personal development.
What’s your “umbrella” desire? How do you use it to create desire in your life? What is desire causing you to do and act upon today?
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"You’re such a smart boy!" were his first accolades heard. So, it’s no wonder that this phrase became the title of his business, Smart Boy Designs.
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{ 45 comments… read them below or add one }
Lovely post Christian. I like to read a few blogs on personal development. One such blog is run by Bryce, I think he is doing a wonderful job. It helps me alot in my professional career. Love the stuff he writes.
Your post is awesome and to answer the question you asked, personal development for me is seeking knowledge, the ability to answer a question.
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September 12, 2011 at 7:51 am
Do you have the link to Bryce’s blog? I may be reading it already, but I’m not for certain which one it is. Would love to check it out.
I always love how personal development transcends to the working world as well. If it helps us personally, it’s going to help us be better in business also. Great stuff.
Love that personal development, for you, is finding knowledge. Seems to be much the same for me. Glad we’re on the same page. And happy to hear you enjoyed the post. Thank you for your constant support Eddie!
Sure Christian, You can check out his blog at http://balancedworklife.com/
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Twitter: harleenas
September 12, 2011 at 7:47 am
Hi Christian,
Beautiful post, and so very true!
Yes indeed, there needs to be a burning desire and will to make a good positive change within yourself, for your own personal development, in each sphere. I remember a great quote of George Bernard Shaw- ” There are two tragedies in life. One is not to get your heart’s desire. The other is to get it.”- I would go with the second of course, where you strive and struggle hard to achieve what you desire.
Thanks for sharing
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Twitter: smartboydesigns
September 12, 2011 at 7:57 am
Thanks for reading Harleena!
Love that quote too. Makes perfect sense. We often don’t even “try” to struggle to achieve what we want. Thus, losing out on a whole lot. I’m willing and ready to struggle, fail and reach for more though!
Life has a funny way of making connections
Last week, I spent a week reading and studying the second chapter of Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich. And the topic of the chapter? Desire. He talks about the difference between having a wish and having a desire in that chapter. One of my conclusions from that is this:
Desire promotes action, wishing leaves your head in the clouds.
Desire is a racecar racing to the finish, wishing is a cart without wheels.
(Love the anti-spam line!
)
Thanks for sharing!
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September 12, 2011 at 10:48 am
Napoleon Hill has a grand way of explaining desire. Just love the thoughts he shares in the book. I need to go back and read that.
Love your thoughts on desire vs wishing. There sure is a lot of wishing that goes on in life. Maybe we operate on a “mixture” of gas? Wishing + desire? We mix it both, and that’s why we’re not always productive and racing along our course?
Christian, you touch on an interesting spot here… I wonder about this as well, and quite often. I don’t think folks do all that much to change or implement anything really. We like the idea of change and evolution, so that’s mostly good enough.
But then there are a few of us (at least I hope I am one of them) that really does make the changes and evolution in life.
So here’s to continual growth!
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September 12, 2011 at 10:49 am
So very true David. That was part of the “point” and hope of this article. To maybe inspire just “one” individual to really start changing. To REALLY start changing. I think we can often float around and jump from article to article – while never really changing in the process.
It happens to the best!
I love your post, Christian!
I think in addition to desire and a commitment to furthering that desire as Harleena said, but you also have to not over-commit yourself. There are many things that I would love to improve (skill wise), but I have to be realistic in my goals as well. I would rather improve one or two things and do well, than to have a goal of 10 things that I never reach!
My “umbrella” desire as you call it is to be a better Christian. I think if I can do that it will help me better define my goals and the things that I need (want) to work on.
By the way, I like your idea of memorizing a piano chord per day. I think I need to try that!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
September 12, 2011 at 10:51 am
You make a great point here. You’ve also got to be focused. That’s really part of “desire” too, right? If you’re just “wishing” for a whole boat load of things to get better – that’s not going to help either. Interesting thoughts. Love the discussion going on here.
I wonder how we can “remove” the dreams from our lives, and turn them into realities.
Go for the piano chords! It’s a whole lot of fun.
Twitter: smartboydesigns
September 12, 2011 at 10:55 am
By the way, careful in learning too many chords. I realized I didn’t know chords as well as I should – so that’s why I started. And then last night, I was awake into the wee hours building some new songs I had in my head. Problem with knowing chords so well – is that the songs you can write are endless. Could quickly turn into an addictive problem.
I’ll keep that in mind. In the meantime, I’m going to practice right now!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
September 12, 2011 at 4:28 pm
Go practice!
Your picture reminded me of my mission. As I tracted streets in Houston we could tell quickly whether someone was a good prospect for the church by that one quality as well, DESIRE.
Living a life as a Mormon required some big changes for some people, no smoking, drinking, coffee, or sex before marriage. If they didn’t have that desire to live a life like this, no matter of convincing we did on our end would change their hearts.
Great post.
Bryce
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Twitter: smartboydesigns
September 12, 2011 at 10:53 am
You can’t push a rope, right? Isn’t that what they say? It’s like, no matter how much talking you do to someone, no matter the topic, if they don’t have a desire for it – it’s like talking to a wall.
And you’re right. It’s interesting to grow up with many “standards” and have that desire to stay that way. To do all that you can to keep those standards, and really stand for what you believe in. And then talking to friends – asking why they do the things they do, and the reasons for it. They seem to have different desires!
Thanks for stopping by Bryce.
Twitter: adriennesmith40
September 12, 2011 at 12:30 pm
Oh Christian, interesting topic! I know a lot of people who are all talk and no action. I can’t be around them too long cause I get sick of hearing all the talk.
For me, I just chose happiness period. No matter what I’m doing or where I’m heading. I know that being happy is a choice and it frustrated me when I hear so many people using the excuses of their circumstances.
I also love my personal development journey as well because I continue to grow and learn so much about life and me. My desire comes from not wanting to have any regrets. I refuse to be that person who said I wish I had tried that or I wish I had told that person how I felt or I wish I could have visited this place. I am making my life what I want it to be and nothing will ever get in my way.
Okay, got a little heavy there sorry! Thanks for sharing this and I love your photo. How cute is that!
Hope you’re feeling good these days.
Adrienne
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September 12, 2011 at 4:34 pm
You are such a beautiful person Adrienne. Both inside and out. Thank you for sharing this. You make me smile EVERY time I hear you speak. Doesn’t matter where. You just do.
I love your desire too. Living with no regrets. Man. That’s just beautiful. I might just have to write a post compiling everyone’s wonderful desires. You have a great umbrella desire. I need to incorporate that into my life a little more too.
Thank you for sharing.
Christian
That’s part of it, you have to really want it and have a reason for wanting it that aligns with your mission. You can step away a little bit here and there to think about it, read about it, etc but then you have to put one foot in front of the other (literally or metaphorically) and just take action…usually over and over again!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
September 12, 2011 at 5:41 pm
We all have such a difficulty with that, don’t we? Putting one foot in front of the other? EVEN with those umbrella desires – we STILL turn away from them. We really do.
Now, what’s the best way to put the foot in front of the other? I guess that’s why we have relationships, right? Often the people who love us most give us a swift kick in the butt.
I’m heading for 2000 words/day but sometimes it’s hard to write while I’m falling asleep but it’ll all be worth it right?
I like how you fiercly work in order to achieve your goals. Bravo!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
September 13, 2011 at 10:59 am
2000 words per day, that’s fantastic! That’s how many Stephen King writes each day. He doesn’t stop until he’s finished.
A great passion and drive you have there Hugo! Keep it up!
C – my desire is to be desireless. I think I’m in trouble in the personal development department?!?
Twitter: smartboydesigns
September 13, 2011 at 11:04 am
I think you’re in trouble Vishnu. You better watch yourself! I’d love to hear more about your desire-less reasons. Sounds interesting!
Well, if you’re using desire, like passion, I’m for that.
And desire for achieving goals and doing more in life, I’m for that too.
I fear continually desiring where you don’t feel content.
Twitter: smartboydesigns
September 14, 2011 at 11:45 pm
Interesting thought. I know many who continually desire. Especially in a materialistic sense. Sorry stuff.
Hey Christian,
So many wonderful comments to a wonderful post. It does make one think. Even having the desire to do something doesn’t always equate to doing it. Finding something that speaks truly to your heart may be a start. Pushing through the difficulties is a must. For instance: A person wants to lose weight. They try for a week with some success. But then, they have a bad day at work. Feeling bad they go home, sit on the couch, and work over a bag of Dorito’s. The next day they are so disappointed in themselves that they quit their diet. Had they fought through the emotions, success was right around the corner.
Often times we choose the very thing that we war against. Steven Pressfield wrote a good book about the very subject titled, The War of Art. It is an eye-opening read for creatives and all others.
In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.
Bill Cosby
My desire is to give 100% in any endeavor that I undertake. Like gold that needs refining, I am still working towards that end.
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September 13, 2011 at 11:07 am
I need to check out that book by Steven Pressfield. Just loved all those thoughts you shared here Rob. So much to learn from in life. Our experiences, everything. It seems a lot of life is just learning how to win at those “mini wars” and then stand tall when the big wars come our way. The ones that may seem to “break” us if we aren’t strong enough.
But the truth is, we ARE strong enough; if we’re willing to fight. Right?
That’s an interesting question, and the answer is not easy. What pushes me forward is the desire to become a better man. I’m not into God and i don’t necessarily want a lot of money. But i want to grow and feel i’ve done something on this earth.
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September 14, 2011 at 11:08 am
Becoming a better man. A simple, wonderful way to look at life. I think when your desire is something that’s really at the root of self, like becoming a better man, you probably have more opportunities for development.
This is very interesting post and lots of ideas to be gain by the readers. I really appreciate the way you right. I read some personal development books and attend seminars about building personal development. Your post is really great, I gain knew knowledge and refreshing old memories about personal development..
Twitter: smartboydesigns
September 14, 2011 at 11:11 am
Well thank you for sharing your thoughts Vernon. I really do appreciate it. It’s good to know that what I write is actually being used. Makes me happy. What are some of the best things you’ve learned about personal development by going to all of those conferences and seminars?
Hello Christian
I have been fascinated by how “desire” affects us differently, specifically why some people take action and others don’t, given that they all have a desire.
But good for you for how you turned your desire into action, which is the critical step.
Peter
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September 14, 2011 at 9:36 pm
That’s partially why I was writing about the “umbrella” desire. It seems we have desires, then those deeper desires that help us to accomplish the lesser ones. Do you think it goes even to a level of desire deeper?
Desire. Sigh.
Its so different depending on personal circumstances. I want to live in bliss. Learn ALOT. Help others. Be healthy. Be inspired. And laugh A TON.
But… lately, my desire is to get more sleep. So… its depends.
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September 14, 2011 at 9:36 pm
Seems that when those basic human needs aren’t met, all other desires move to the side. Right?
Twitter: kikolani
September 15, 2011 at 1:38 pm
A great post, made even better with the fact that you’re standing in front of a double rainbow.
My main desire overall is to not limit myself… I knew I did it, but I had that lightbulb moment recently that I have this limiting shadow over all my thoughts that usually leads to some sort of fear or anxiety. So I decided that I’m just confronting the stuff I’m anxious about – most of it things I’ve never tried or things I have always believed I wouldn’t be able to do. So I’m going to try them all, and if it doesn’t work out, so be it. At least I’m not avoiding doing it just because I feel uncomfortable about it.
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September 15, 2011 at 5:58 pm
Double rainbows are always a nice little treat. They make me happy.
I love what you’re striving to do with your life Kristi. I was just talking to my Dad about this last night, the fear of failure, and not pushing for more business ventures. So, I’m doing much the same! Going out on a limb on a business venture I was afraid of before, but if succeeded, will be a huge benefit.
Love what you’re doing, and it inspires me. Excited to remove fears together Kristi!
“Desire.” You said it all right here.
We must want something bad enough that we are willing to take time out of our day to accomplish it. You want to learn and grow – so you are willing to scour the internet for pieces of information that will help you do so. I am the same way. I love learning new concepts and growing as well.
Awesome. Keep it at full-throttle!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
September 15, 2011 at 6:06 pm
Thank you for taking the time to stop by Brock, I really do appreciate it. Great to have someone “reconfirm” my original thoughts on desire. I know it’s working for me, so I sure hope it helps others as well.
Hey Christian,
1000 words/day is pretty sweet however I think the attention needs to be on quality over quantity.
For instance if I was after word count I’d probably get sloppy after a while because my driving force is “to hit the quota” for the day.
But I also believe that blogging is like having a garden that needs constant attention.
Thanks for the share!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
September 18, 2011 at 12:30 pm
I think it also largely depends on “what” you’re writing too. I write at least 1,000 words per day, but it’s not always on a blog. If I’m writing a short story or working on a novella, I’ve GOT to get those 1,000 words down – some of the dialogue, some of the thoughts, some of the situations, or I don’t think I’d ever get any of them finished.
In terms of blogging, yes, it’s often quality over quantity. It’d be ugly to read blog posts of 1,000 word length, written in messy, horrible style. I wouldn’t like that at all!
Love your thought about blogging being like a garden. You plant different things, try and get them to grow, and eventually – you find that one vegetable or fruit that works best!
Thanks for stopping by Akos!
Christian
The main reason why I’m trying to improve myself is to be successful in the future. Whatever the result of all my hardwork is dedicated not only to my family but also to other people. I really want to be successful to help others who are in need.
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October 10, 2011 at 1:36 pm
And in working towards such a beautiful project, Greg, you will most certainly be helped, rewarded, blessed and filled with power to do so.
You’re inspiring. Thank you for sharing that info.
Thanks Christian! I really hope that everything will work as planned. As of now, I having a hard time dealing with myself and also the path towards success. But I certainly know what I really want, just like what I’ve told you on my previous comment. I hope you too will continue to develop yourself.
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