What does Personality Development Mean

An individual’s personality is the sum total of the person’s qualities, characteristics, attitudes and quirks, psychological traits, beliefs and motives which make up his identity. Personality development therefore means an improvement in all spheres of the individual’s life.

Curious about your personality type? Find out which of these 16 personality types are you.

In essence, the real meaning of personality development can be described as a process in which you can refine and polish your own persona building the best possible image.

Meaning of Personality development – going beyond Self development

Personality development is a field of much research and practice. It is a dynamic, constantly evolving field of study and one in which new practices come to the fore every day. It goes beyond self-help to encompass helping others.

Self-development includes practices that lead to an improvement in an individual’s quality of life by fostering self-awareness, improving understanding and realization of hopes.

The real meaning of personality development is to enhance self-esteem, improving social skills and developing potential.

In a larger social sense, the definition or meaning of personality development includes the sum total of human happiness by fostering self-awareness and self-esteem, by developing talents, by facilitation.

This is achieved through social and professional interaction and by contributing to the expression and realization of hopes, wishes and ambitions.

Personality development beyond self-help, involves a person to don the mantle of teacher, friend and philosopher and mentor to bring out the best in others.

In a professional setting, personality development would mean the programs, techniques, tools, aids and methods used for improving skills, human potential, and acceptance of change and employability quotient.

Meaning of Personality Development – at an individual level

At an individual level, personality development can be understood to include:

• Awareness of self
• Self-Knowledge
• Building self-identity and self esteem
• Spiritual Development
• Talent development
• Identifying potential
• Acceptance of responsibility for self
• Enhancing the quality of life
• Improving physical and mental health
• Aspiration fulfillment
• Improving social abilities

Man is a social animal and people skills are an essential part of any personality development initiative. Projecting an approachable, pleasant, assertive and confident personality while dealing with others, is an essential skill which can be learned.

There are umpteen number of self-help books available which assist an individual in understanding his or her personality, map self-improvement goals and assess the progress made.

We can find excellent role models throughout history and in our times. All of them were of extraordinary self motivation and had a never-say-die attitude. One such shining example is Oprah Winfrey.

Growing up in the midst of poverty, abuse and misery, she worked her way steadily towards becoming a TV talk-show host, which was a male domain till then. After winning an oratory contest and a prize of a scholarship to attend Tennessee State University to study communication, she soon found a job with a local radio station.

She is often cited as an example for overcoming adversity to become a benefactor of several others. A true story indeed that can inspire a thousand other girls!

Personality Development Coach

There are professional personality development coaches who transform the way an individual is perceived by themselves and others. The practices and tools used to coach an individual range from 360-degree feedback from peers and friends, to role plays and hypnosis. The trainer, often called a life coach, helps individuals make headway in the transition.

What each individual gets out of a personality development program depends on what he is prepared to invest in the same. Personality development programs are intensely participative and the best that a life coach can do is show the way to the individual.

A person should have a clear idea of what he/she hopes to achieve and be prepared to change deeply-ingrained attitudes and beliefs. A positive attitude, consistency in practice, commitment and constant self-motivation are the keys to success in personality development.

Personality Development Courses

Individuals can shape their personality by taking advantage of personality development courses in any area whether it is developing confidence, being assertive or projecting a positive image.

A variety of free online courses are available that can help you to develop good personality. Workshops, Seminars and Training programs are designed and organized by experts to impart skills in specific areas of personality development.

The skills taught, comprise a wide spectrum of topics like soft skills, personal grooming, voice and accent, public speaking, presentation skills, time management, business etiquette, leadership, communication skills and more.

A good personality is all about projecting a positive image of yourself to the world. An opportunity for personality development lies in every moment, every person and every occasion. Why not use personality development to realize your full potential?