The personal development example that explains it all

Five personal development examples of successful people

One person who made significant personal development was Mahatma Gandhi. He transformed from a shy, timid lawyer into a fearless leader who fought for India’s independence from British rule. He achieved this through discipline, self-reflection, and a commitment to non-violent resistance.

Nelson Mandela also exemplifies personal development. He went from being a political activist to becoming the first black president of South Africa. He faced adversity and imprisonment, but emerged a stronger and more compassionate leader who worked to unite a divided nation.

Join our book club webinar series and become a better leader

Lead with empathy and discover our book review webinar and elevate your performance.

View book club series

Another example is J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series. She faced numerous challenges, including poverty, the death of her mother, and depression. However, she persevered and used her creativity and determination to become a successful and celebrated author. We wrote a whole article on personal growth quotes, including hers. Make sure to give it a good read. 

Oprah Winfrey is another inspiring example of personal development. She overcame a difficult childhood and numerous setbacks to become one of the most successful and influential women in the world. Through hard work and a commitment to self-improvement and personal development training, she has built a media empire and inspired millions of people.

A final example is Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple. He faced many setbacks, including being fired from the company he co-founded. However, he didn’t give up and used personal growth and his passion for innovation and design to create some of the world’s most successful products. Through personal development, he became one of the most successful and influential entrepreneurs in history.

7 times a popular personal development example you can use

Goal setting and planning

Personal development involves setting clear and specific personal development goals for oneself, and creating a plan to achieve those goals. Writing a personal development plan helps. This may involve identifying one’s strengths and weaknesses, and developing strategies to overcome any obstacles that may arise. It also involves regularly reviewing and adjusting one’s goals and plans to ensure that they are still relevant and realistic.

Time management

Personal development training often involves learning how to effectively manage one’s time and prioritize tasks. This personal development example may involve setting specific time blocks for completing different tasks, creating a daily or weekly schedule, and using tools and techniques such as to-do lists, calendars, and alarms to stay organized and on track.

Self-awareness and self-reflection

Personal development involves gaining a deeper understanding of oneself and one’s values, beliefs, and motivations. This may involve engaging in regular self-reflection and self-assessment, and seeking feedback from others. It also involves being open to learning from one’s experiences and making adjustments as needed.

Personal growth and learning

Personal development involves actively seeking out opportunities for personal growth and learning. This may involve taking classes or workshops, personal development training, attending conferences or seminars, or engaging in personal development activities such as meditation or journaling. It also involves staying open to new ideas and perspectives, and being willing to try new things.

Communication skills

Personal development often involves improving one’s communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal. This may involve learning how to effectively listen, speak, and write, and using effective body language and nonverbal cues. It also involves being able to effectively communicate one’s thoughts and ideas to others, and being open to feedback and constructive criticism.

Stress management

Personal development often involves learning how to manage stress and prevent burnout. This may involve identifying and addressing the sources of stress in one’s life, and using relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or exercise to reduce stress levels. It also involves setting boundaries and saying “no” when necessary, and taking care of oneself both physically and mentally.

Emotional intelligence

Personal development often involves developing emotional intelligence, which involves being able to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. This may involve learning how to identify and express one’s emotions in a healthy way, and how to empathize with others. It also involves being able to regulate one’s emotions and respond to difficult situations in a calm and composed manner

How to go from personal development example to success

The first step in personal development is to identify areas for improvement and set specific goals for yourself. This may involve conducting a self-assessment to determine strengths and weaknesses, and setting realistic and achievable goals that align with one’s values and priorities. It may also involve seeking feedback from others and seeking support and resources to help achieve the goals.