8 Reasons Why Personal Development Is Important For Students

"I challenge you to make your life a masterpiece. I challenge you to join the ranks of those people who live what they teach, who walk their talk." -Tony Robbins

Personal development can often be overlooked while we focus on our academic goals. 

However, taking the time to invest in ourselves can have a significant impact on our lives both inside and outside of the classroom.

I stand as an advocate for self-awareness and personal growth in higher education because it changed everything for me. That truly is my secret for academic success.

I started my online apparel store, KnowThyself, to further push this narrative of bringing self-awareness to academia. 

Personal development is the result of our activities and outcomes that help us grow as a person, learn new skills, and make better choices.

This can be anything from developing mindfulness practices, reading to improving your writing, helping someone in need, or taking an online course on a specific topic.

Whatever it is for you, the end goal is always the same: to better yourself and become a more effective individual.

Here are 8 key benefits of personal development that every student should know about!

1. Gained self-awareness.

Self-awareness is important in school because it allows students to understand and monitor their own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. When students are self-aware, they can more easily regulate their emotions, stay on task, and manage stress.

By understanding our own strengths and weaknesses, we can more easily adapt to our environment and make choices that are in line with our goals and values. Additionally, self-awareness can help us to better understand and relate to others. 

2. Improved communication skills.

Communication is a key part of personal development. When we communicate effectively, we are able to express our thoughts and feelings clearly and confidently. We are also better able to listen to and understand others.

build better relationships through effective communication

Effective communication is essential in school, both in and out of the classroom. Good communication skills can help students build relationships with their peers and teachers, resolve conflicts, and advocate for themselves.

3. Increased emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence is the ability to be aware of and understand our own emotions and the emotions of others. It is an important part of personal development because it helps us to manage our feelings, set boundaries, and respond to difficult situations in a healthy way.

Become the peace you seek in life

When we are emotionally intelligent, we are better able to deal with stress, relate to others, and make choices that are in line with our goals. We are also better able to understand and empathize with others, which can make them more likely to listen to us and trust us.

Working on yourself isn't just about your advancement. We live life from the inside. When the relationship you have with yourself improves so will the relationships you have with others.

4. More motivation. 

One of the benefits of personal development is that it can help increase our motivation. When we invest in ourselves and work towards becoming our best selves, we are more likely to be motivated to achieve our goals.

Look for motivation everywhere!

When students are motivated, they are more likely to engage with their studies and put in the effort required to succeed. Motivated students tend to have better grades, are more likely to graduate, and are more likely to be successful in their future endeavors. In short, motivation is the key to success in school and in life.

I would watch motivational videos on YouTube when I couldn't find the inner motivation to keep going. Les Brown At The Georgia Dome will always be my favorite! 

Personal development can also help us to find meaning in our lives and feel more fulfilled. When we feel good about ourselves and our choices, we are more likely to be motivated to continue making positive choices.

5. Improved focus and effectiveness.

There are several reasons why improved focus and effectiveness are important in school. For one, it can help students learn more effectively and retain information better.

Additionally, it can help students stay on track and avoid distractions that can lead to lower grades or even failure. Improved focus can also lead to improved mental and physical health, both of which are important for success in school and in life.

6. Better relationships.

Building strong relationships can help create a more positive learning environment. When students feel supported and connected to their peers and teachers, they are more likely to feel comfortable and confident in their ability to succeed.

Better relationships can lead to improved communication and collaboration among students, which can, in turn, lead to better academic performance.

Developing strong relationships while in school can set the foundation for future success in life, both professionally and personally.

7. Greater resilience.

Life is tough. There is a lot of uncertainty out there, so building a strong system to respond to adversity is more important than ever. We can create systems that are flexible, adaptable, and capable of scaling.

You are stronger than any obstacle

And as we develop more skills to better deal with challenges that lie ahead, we gain confidence as we overcome them. This resilience allows us to continue growing, without as much fear of making mistakes.

8. More Patience. 

When we are seeking personal growth, it’s important to be patient with ourselves. It may feel like we’re moving at light speed when learning new things, but this is completely normal.

When we are in the moment, things move very quickly and it's easy to get stuck and lose sight of the bigger picture.

BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF AS YOU BECOME SOMEONE YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN BEFORE