Setting goals is easy. You probably have a whole list of things you want to do before you die, whether you’ve written them down or they’re just in the back of your mind. But when it comes to becoming a better version of you, it is important to get a few things straight first.
Aimlessly Wandering
Imagine that I would give you a map right now, with the task to drive to a marked spot called B. You can see all the roads that lead to B, but getting to your destination would be nearly impossible. Why? Because there is an essential piece of information missing.
You miss the starting point; the “You Are Here Now” pinpoint. To go from A to B, you need to know your A first before you which way B is. Without knowing where you are right now, you don’t know how far away your goal is and how much time it will take you to get there. You can only make a travel plan if you know which roads you have to take. All roads may lead to Rome, but if you are living on an island of the coast of Italy, you might want to put on some swimwear. You prepare for the journey ahead.
“The longest journey is the journey inward.”
~ Dag Hammarskjöld
What is your starting point?
The same holds for finding direction in terms of personal development. You need to know who you are right now, before you can decide where you want to take yourself. With a clear sense of your current identity and a vision of your desired identity, you can start plotting your journey.
To prepare for your journey to a new life, you can make a list of all the tools, skills and competencies you already have. Whatever is missing, you can buy or develop. You may already know some people who can help you get the stuff you need.
Methods to define your current identity
- Discover your personality – The Big Five & MBTI personality test
- List your habits
- Ask friends for personal feedback
- Start writing a journal
Methods to define your desired identity
- Visit the island of Saga®
- Find your Ikigai – A Japanese concept to find your reason for being
- Create a tangible vision of your future
How to get to your desired identity
- Create a systematic approach to self-improvement
- Don’t stare blindly at goals, focus on the system
- Form new good habits (and break bad habits)
- Get 1% better every day
- Visualize until you become the person you want to be
- Create your learning environment
Start Your Journey of Personal Development
Set Up Your Self-Improvement System in Notion
Explainer + Template
One template to organize your whole life. Track your habits, plan your morning, nutrition and exercise routine. Write down your bucketlist and keep a daily journal. This notion template will help you set up your personal learning environment that will inspire you to make the most out of life.
Game of Life
Interactive Story + Exercises
The Game of Life is an interactive story that guides you in personal development. You — the main character — find yourself lost at open sea, but soon you are guided to Saga, an island where everything revolves about becoming the best version of yourself. Take on assignments that help you on your path to greatness.
