Understanding Self and Others: Reflective Personal Development Journal

UNDERSTANDING
SELF AND OTHERS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
1. Reflective Personal Development Journal...................................................................................1
2. Summary and Action Plan...........................................................................................................6
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
A proper understanding of the self is very crucial for gaining confidence in personal life
as well as professional life. It is thus quite important from the point of view of an individual that
he should work in enhancing various skills as well as abilities of himself. If a person is filled
with skills and abilities, He will be able to work efficiently in his professional life and thus will
have a positive impact on the level of confidence that the person would be having. There should
be a personal development plan which would include various skills, abilities and qualities that a
person possess right now and a action plan to enhance them over period of time (Cheryan,
2012). This report is based on a reflective idea of various skills like focus, time management,
written and communication skills etc. The report will also throw a light on various strengths as
well as weaknesses that a personality would carry within himself. There should be a plan for
enhancement of personal skills, because it will help an individual to grow and prosper in his life.
The duration and time gap of such plan depends on the requirements of individuals and how they
will apply this in their life.
1. Reflective Personal Development Journal
Reflective Journal Entry #1
Public Speaking
What is the core skill to develop?
Public Speaking : It is a very crucial skill which is needed in today's Era for representing either
the organization or the individual himself in an effective manner. It is a very important skill for
an individual for the purpose of growth in professional and personal career. Public speaking is
a crucial aspect of anyone's personality and no individual can not grow in his personal life, until
he wont be able to speak and present himself well in front of people. (Kopala-Sibley, and et.al.,
2012)
Why is this core skill important? Why did I select this skill to reflect on?
If I would be having skills of public speaking then I will be able to represent myself and also
my organization in which I might be working as a professional. Without proper public speaking
skills I will not be able to convince other people on my thoughts and it will draw me back in
terms of personal as well as professional growth. Public speaking can build a personality which
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would be hard to copy, public speaking skill comes with confidence and knowledge thus I
would need to implement the same in an effective as well as efficient manner and therefore it is
essential that I have devise a plan to develop my public skills through my own by improving
skills of communications when I am at home. I will try to speak in mirror, which will boost my
confidence regarding speaking in front of people. The only fear that people usually have is how
they look while speaking, if I will feel confident enough to speak in front of mirror, then I will
be able to represent myself well.
Reflection on current competency. How I assess my current Competency?
My public speaking skill right now is very normal, I do hesitate a bit to speak in front of a large
gathering because I have not spoken in front of such gathering ever since my childhood and this
has struck me down on various points of my life. My main aim is to improve this skill by
constantly working hard on it and take participation in various events that would give me
opportunities to represent myself in front of people.
Is there a contradiction between how I see myself and how other People see me?
I do not hesitate a lot while speaking in front of people and gathering. But some times I think
that people I front of me are more knowledgeable than me and I may end making some fumbles
which will be very embarrassing for me. Thus, I want to make sure that I will be able to present
myself well in an effective manner in front of people and gatherings.
How might this skill help me in the future?
For the purpose of raising this skill and ability, I have to work hard by framing some personality
development plans for myself. Some of the elements of the plan would be talk in front of my
friends and explaining them my points so that I will gain confidence to represent myself among
people. Public speaking skill will allow me to present myself and my associate company well in
front of people and clients that will be beneficial from the point of view of company and for
myself as well.
Reflective Journal Entry #2
Time management
What is the core skill to develop?
Time Management : This skill is necessary for an individual to develop ability, so that every
task which is being allotted to the person is accomplished in a timely and effective manner.
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