Comments on: Introducing the Personal Growth Map

By: Haider

Haider — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:31:36 +0000

Dear Keane,

Thanks for stopping by.

I personally don’t use a diagram or actual “map” for my own PGM. My preference is for lists.

But the basic principle behind the PGM is this: “We are human beings with needs that can be loosely categorized under 7 life areas (for simplicity and clarity).” The point is to know how well you’re taking care of each life area and what can be done to advance each area.

You can draw vertical lines down your whiteboard to split it up into 7 columns. Put the Life Area headings above each column: Spiritual – Intellectual – Psychological – Social – Professional – Recreational – Physical.

Think of ways/activities you can advance each life area, and list them under the column they belong to. I would suggest (for starters) that you list only the activities that you can actually engage in and afford (you’ll be surprised by how many options you’ve got around you). Ask yourself the following question for each life area: “How can I enhance my spirituality? Intellect? Psychological well-being? … etc.”

Once you have a good list for each life area, circle only 1 to 3 items from each list that you can commit to. A good strategy would be to select the activities that fall under several life areas at one go. So, for example, if you can take your children to the cinema or to the park, you’d pick taking them to the park (because going to the park also enhances your Physical well-being). Having said that, go for what feels most comfortable and motivating to you.

You will realize that in a day to a week, you can advance all life areas in many different ways.

I hope that explains a practical use of PGM (and, of course, your whiteboard )

By: keane

keane — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 02:46:26 +0000

hi haider, im always interested in new ways of looking at life and trying different things. this growth map seems to be useful and i’d like to give it a try, however, i cannot seem to find an example of a growth map from an illustration standpoint. how does it look when completed? i have a giant whiteboard on my wall that’s begging to be used right now. any help or direction would be appreciated.
keane´s last blog ..Care to know what the best thing ever is?

By: Haider

Haider — Tue, 19 May 2009 18:54:28 +0000

Dear MackRN,

I’m happy to hear that you’re excited to use the Personal Growth Map, and I hope you’ll gain more rewards than you anticipated!

By: MackRN

MackRN — Tue, 19 May 2009 12:56:32 +0000

this is exciting stuff! I am about to finish the first phase of a leadership development course cebtered around my work. We have been introduced to a lot of good information, but I found this while searching for personal growth material. I am sharing this with my guitar instructor, whose interest was piqued by my enthusiatic description. And, I’ve used MindApp to do an actual map based on the seven core values. This will lead to fine developments. Thank you.

By: Haider

Haider — Tue, 19 May 2009 05:11:27 +0000

Dear Kirwin,

Thank you for your feedback and sharing your own life categories.

I like how you have associations in your categories. When I was first coming up with the Personal Growth Map, I thought Relationships and Communication were separate things, but then realized that they’re connected.