In todays show David Ralph discusses the lack of personal development that he sees in the listeners to the show that he speaks to. David, talks to listeners across the world and when he asks them "So how many books have you read this month?" more often than not gets told "Nah, I dont like reading books to be honest" So where is the desire to find out more knowledge and become better at the thing that you can do better than most? Where are you getting the information from that can make you a category of one in your life, and be saught out by clients from across the world. 5 Reasons Why You Should Invest in Personal Development Personal development is more than just working on talents you already have: it's about growing, becoming more aware, and gaining valuable abilities that you can use to make an impact in this world. I always put it like this: If you're not growing, you're dying. Sounds extreme, doesn't it? But it's so true. If you're not learning new skills and working on yourself as a person, life can get boring! Personally, I'm committed to take at least one course/ training program each year – whether an in person event or online program/ webinar. This has helped me make quantum leaps in my life, relationships and business. For example, this year, I took Tony Robbins' Unleash the Power Within (highly recommend going!), Marie Forleo's B-School, Laura Roeder's Creating Fame, The Art of Sales & Marketing training etc. Today I want all of you to do one thing for yourself. For your growth and development. For your future. Disclaimer: this may mean going outside. But that's okay, because you're ready to do this! You deserve to be your best self, always. It's time to make an investment in yourself that will take you to the next level. Here are my top reasons why you should invest in your personal development: 1.You'll make important new connections. Follow my ABC rule for networking and you'll find yourself happier, more approachable, and with more opportunities faster than you can blink an eye: Always Be Connecting. Because growing your network means more than finding new people who can help you get where you want to go. Your network is your lifeline. It's your relationships, your opportunities, and a support system that you can fall back on when times are tough. 2. You'll gain confidence. The more skills you have, the more confident you'll become. You'll have more to talk about when you meet others, and you'll become more certain of your own abilities and strengths. Own your greatness and live the exciting life that you deserve! 3. You'll learn new things and grow as a person. Personal development should be something you take on for yourself. It's more than just an investment in your career, it's an investment in your growth, awareness, and identity. Every time I attend a training, I always get new ideas and inspiration. 4. You'll gain marketable skills. Some great skills for you to learn regardless of your industry: photoshop, HTML, WordPress, Adwords, and advanced Excel. Other soft skills you gain by investing in personal development include communication, presentation, and decision making skills. They stand out to employers and could separate you from the hundreds of other candidates. 5. You'll be seen as someone who takes initiative and curious to make things better. Though it shouldn't be the primary reason why you engage in personal development, a lot of the courses, classes, and conferences you attend can be translated into experience on your resume. A well-rounded candidate has more than experience in their industry – they excel because they can draw on perspectives and learning that they have gained while developing themselves. My top tip for finding relevant and interesting events: visit www.eventbrite.com. Look for conferences, courses, workshops, and seminars that fit your interests, then take a leap and sign up! Or ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. What courses/ programs/ training have you taken that transformed your life? What do you recommend and why? What is one new training you are committed to taking?