“Personal Growth - It Starts With You” By Craig Glover

Credit: Credit: Founder Craig Glover, Against the Odds | Blokes Walk & Talk

Human Development and Growth

"It Starts with You"

I truly believe that before we can embark on a journey of self-development and growth, we need to understand who we are, where we are in life, and accept our situation. This doesn’t mean our situation cannot change in the future; however, this is where we are in life right now. Accepting our current state is a foundational step in the process of personal growth. It allows us to have a clear and honest starting point from which we can chart our progress.

My 80/20 Rule
Once we accept where we are in our lives, we can focus on the things we love about ourselves. As humans, we often focus on the negative aspects and what we don’t like about ourselves. It’s truly important to focus on what we love about ourselves, which makes facing the negative aspects easier. I call this my 80/20 rule: we must be okay with 80% of who we are.

The idea behind the 80/20 rule is simple yet powerful. By recognizing and appreciating the majority of positive traits we possess, we build a strong foundation of self-esteem and self-worth. This positive focus helps us to face and work on the 20% that we may want to change or improve. It’s about creating a balanced view of ourselves, where the good outweighs the bad, and the bad doesn’t overshadow the good.

How to Get Through a Bad Day
It’s important to note that we will have bad days. Accepting this and understanding what works for you to get through tough times is crucial. Personally, when I feel stress or pressure, I recognize the signs and go for a walk. Sometimes, having a cry if needed is a healthy way to release emotions and reset. I also try to complete a basic task, as accomplishing something increases positive endorphins and provides a sense of self-achievement. I usually follow this with some TV and aim for a great night’s sleep to reset for the next day. If this doesn’t help, it might indicate a deeper issue, and talking to someone could be beneficial.

Dealing with bad days is an essential skill in our journey of self-development. It’s important to have strategies in place that can help us navigate these tough times without falling into a negative spiral. For some, physical activity like walking or exercise can be incredibly therapeutic. For others, creative outlets like writing, painting, or playing music can provide a much-needed release. The key is to find what works best for you and to make it a part of your routine.

Boundary Setting & Situational Awareness
Once we are comfortable within ourselves, we not only develop self-awareness but also better situational awareness. Setting boundaries with people in your life, whom you don’t want to entirely cut out but need to manage better, becomes easier. For example, limiting the time you speak with them and not feeling guilty about it because you know it impacts your own health. This stems from knowing yourself and understanding what behaviors you will tolerate.

Boundary setting is an act of self-respect. It involves recognizing your own needs and limits and communicating them effectively to others. This can be particularly challenging with people who are close to us, such as family members or long-time friends. However, it’s important to remember that healthy relationships are built on mutual respect and understanding. By setting boundaries, you are not only protecting your own well-being but also fostering a healthier dynamic with those around you.

The Importance of Self-Reflection
Self-reflection is a critical component of personal development. Taking the time to reflect on our thoughts, feelings, and actions allows us to gain deeper insights into our behaviors and motivations. It helps us to identify patterns, both positive and negative, and to make conscious choices about how we want to live our lives. Regular self-reflection can lead to greater self-awareness and a stronger sense of purpose.

Embracing Change and Growth
Personal development is an ongoing process. It requires a willingness to embrace change and to step out of our comfort zones. Growth often involves facing challenges and overcoming obstacles. It can be uncomfortable and even painful at times, but it is through these experiences that we learn and grow the most. By approaching life with an open mind and a positive attitude, we can turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

I truly believe that taking the steps to understand who you are, where you are in life, and what you love about yourself is the first true step to personal growth and development. By understanding yourself, you also understand what behavior you are willing to accept in your life. I also believe that being alone for a period can strengthen you as a person and make you mentally stronger. Once you are okay with being yourself, you can then progress and confidently pursue your goals.

Taking the time to nurture and develop ourselves is one of the most valuable investments we can make. It has a ripple effect, positively impacting all areas of our lives, including our relationships, careers, and overall well-being. By committing to our own growth, we not only enhance our own lives but also contribute to the well-being of those around us.


Meet Our Contributor — Craig Glover
Craig Glover is the Founder of both Against the Odds and Blokes Walk & Talk. He has survived terminal illness as a teenager and now motivate others how to bring the best out of themselves.