Currently I am working with a client assessing various personal development programmes (PDP’s) for use with their organisation. Different people are switched on by different packages and approaches. I have been exposed and immersed in many over the last 20 years from the Pacific Institute, Napoleon Hill, Tony Robbins to Bandler, NLP, SFQ, LSC Sedona, Holosync, etc.
We are currently devising a list of characteristics to differentiate the person who benefits from these products from those who find they don't work for them. These views come from those currently progressing through PDP events or those who have experienced success from events or programmes in the past. I intend to compile a 'LEARNING PROCESS' which others can use to see where they can benefit most from such programmes and where they are at risk for the process not working for them.
Ostensibly, we are agreeing that all products work for someone – it is just the approach that people take towards enabling or allowing them to work.
The purpose of the exercise is to 'model' achievers of such PDP or processes and then use this information to help others who don't find the journey so easy.
I thought it might be interesting input to share that information on this forum and seek further input from contributors.
We have found so far that the characteristics that differentiate those who gain the most from PD programmes include.........those who........
DESIRE passionately to change - not just WANT to significantly shift their life circumstances.
Are self motivated and tend to be ‘towards’ rather than 'away from' motivators
Take 100% responsibility for their progress – they say “it is down to me to take or make things happen” - they display a no excuses mentality.
Are BOLD in taking steps and build on the confidence they gain. We have found that those who lack confidence - achieve it quickly and intensely when they set small achievable goals. Even if people display only a modicum or a tiny bit of confidence this can build into an intense belief system. We have further found that this is the case with those who have a close support system or a mentor or coach. From this we gather that with whom we associate and share our dreams is central to effectiveness of PDP’s. Interestingly, we can devise the best process or package in the world but if we lack psychological support from others the process, however good, may not have the impact that it could with tutoring.
Share their success and seek feedback from others - i.e. self disclose and soliciting feedback from others in their circle of influence or support.
Follow the instructions with a programme, set goals and adhere to or create a 'stickability' to the process. They will not waive from the process. They do not give up. If they need to revise the programme to suit their personality they will do so.
Focus on implementing and making the changes happen rather than rationalising why they might not.
A belief that the PD process will make a difference to their lives.
Set tangible and stretching goals at the same time.
Want to share their gains with others. The Covey view that once one has maintained mastery in any area of one’s life - one has a social responsibility to teach it to others - as many as possible.
Most important of all have a FLEXIBILITY of mind to know when something is working and when it is not. They have the FLEXIBILITY to know and act on the difference.
……….Further, working on characteristics may support us in making PDP’s work for us. I would be interested in input from others and will include it in an article we are writing.
Thanks for your time.
