Words of the Wise: Self-development

Here’s what seven wise people had to say about self-development.

Tehuti- “Know thyself well; learn the things that are and all that is.”

Self-development is the cultivation of your potential. Consistent self-development is the path to noteworthy achievement and fulfillment in the personal and professional aspects of your life.

Not to be confused with a temporary change in your behavior to fit your circumstances, self-development is the catalyst for transformation from deep within you.

Ptah Hotep- “The limits of knowledge in any field have never been set and no one has ever reached them.”

Self-development should be a perpetual process. In life you are either growing or rotting. You’re moving forward or backwards; there is no standing still.

Celebrating your milestones is an essential part of the journey. Yet and still, a goal accomplished should serve as a compelling reason to set another.

Nelson Mandela- Education is the great engine to personal development.”

So, how often do you rev up your engine? Recently I read some staggering statistics.

  • 58% of the US adult population never reads another book after high school.
  • 42% of college graduates never read another book.
  • 80% of US families did not buy or read a book last year.
  • 70% of US adults have not been in a bookstore in the last five years.
  • 57% of new books are not read to completion.

That is absolutely bonkers!

These statistics are from surveys, so there has to be some margin of error. But the numbers are still ridiculous.  When was the last time you FINISHED a book? When was the last time you APPLIED what you learned after finishing a book?

Jim Rohn- “Income seldom exceeds personal development.”

Do I really need to expound on this? I think not. If you aren’t satisfied with your current conditions then step up your self-development.

James Allen- “Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves.”

He isn’t talking about you, is he? I didn’t think so. Pass these words of wisdom on to someone who needs some self-development.

Oprah Winfrey- “It doesn't matter who you are, where you come from. The ability to triumph begins with you. Always.”

The power of self-development will enable you to triumph despite unforeseen challenges and unexpected changes. The more you work on self-development the more it will work for you.

Ralph Ellison- “When I discover who I am, I’ll be free.”

Free to bask in the warmth of meaningful, satisfying relationships and to enjoy a prosperous life of abundance.



Copyright 2006 Al Duncan Enterprises. All rights reserved.

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Al Duncan—The Millennial Mentor™—is a World-Class Motivational Speaker, an author, and a renowned Youth Speaker. Visit him online at www.alduncan.net


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