Article Submission (Woman.NG): Life is hard, how do you make it simple?

Life is hard has become a cliché, though it is the reality of most people. For what it is worth, especially for those of us in Nigeria and under the present administration, it is getting tougher to feed and live comfortably.

I once heard Jimi Tewe say that anyone that earns 5 figures in Lagos will find life extremely hard. The cost of feeding, transportation and house rent alone will consume the amount.
I know what you are thinking and saying right now…

“Okay Dupe, I have heard you. How do I make life easier for myself?”

There is no shortcut, no 3, 5, 10 lists of what to do, tips or whatever you were expecting.
It is taking stock of your life, making the decision to become better and doing the work.
It is putting in the effort needed to do so.

It is Personal Development!
Personal Development is a series of steps to actualize fulfillment in life.

Personal development is a push. It’s a challenge. It is the challenge to develop yourself and your skills to create something of value in the marketplace and for humanity. There wouldn’t be any winning without a challenge. That’s what life is all about.

The business of personal development lasts a lifetime, and it is yours to mind. It is yours to do. No one will do it for you. A person earning a salary of N50,000 in Lagos, Nigeria does not need to be told he needs an additional stream of income or a better-paying job.

For the former, he will need to look into talents he can maximize to earn that additional stream of income that will not affect his salary. For the latter, upgrading his skills with training, getting an additional degree or certification will help.

Personal development is a lifelong journey that involves many stages. These stages are:

1. Self-sabotage Stage: The Unaware Stage

This is the stage of unawareness and unconsciousness of one’s purpose in life. When you refuse to acknowledge your problems, blessings, faults, and strengths, you stay stuck in this stage. You may also tend to self-destruct, not feel fulfilled and remain rigid in your ways when you are stuck in this stage.

2. Self–discovery Stage

This is where personal growth begins.

This is the stage of awareness. You become aware of the truth and face the facts about yourself. You learn and realize things about yourself and your life.
Self-discovery allows you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, values, character, needs, and purpose in life. You find out more about your interests, hopes, potential, and dreams.

It involves reflecting on who you currently are, what you want to achieve, and who you want to become.

3. Self–development Stage

This stage involves acceptance and taking responsibility for one’s life. Acceptance happens when there is true personal growth. You can choose to accept and make changes for the better, or you can choose to waste your energy fighting yourself and beating yourself up or the world for it. When you take responsibility, life happens for you rather than to you.

4. Self-actualization Stage

This is an exciting stage that requires constant motivation because once motivation wears off; you can give up or get sidetracked. Obstacles can also get in the way, especially unexpected ones. At this stage, you start setting goals, making plans, and taking action on those plans. It’s important to gain and have clarity in this stage rather than just having vague plans and goals.

There is a dire need for each individual to develop his or her personal development roadmap.

Are you ready to embark on your personal development journey?