LKS is dedicated to professional development and personal growth of its members. As collegiates, you are on an accelerated course to prepare you for the real world once you graduate. While pharmacy school has a lot of opportunities for professional development, personal growth can sometimes be cast aside. However, it is extremely important to focus on yourself so you can reach your full potential!
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs suggests that all individuals have a built-in need for personal development, which occurs through the process of self-actualization.
Our basic needs include physiological needs, like food, water, warmth and rest as well as a sense of security and safety. Our psychological needs include building relationships and having a feeling of accomplishment and purpose. Our final needs are for self-fulfillment, where we can achieve our full potential.
How do we get to reaching our full potential? By working on our personal development! Here are some tips on how to get started:
1. Develop Your Personal Vision
A crucial part of development is having an end goal in sight. Where do you want to be in a few months or a few years? Why? Clearly defining where you want to be will allow you to focus on what is going to get you there.
2. Plan Your Personal Development
What skills do you need to get to where you want to be? What can you do to help you reach your goal? Where is your current skill set compared to where it needs to be? Start to identify what you need to accomplish and prioritize what needs to be done first. Focus on a few things at a time so you don't become overwhelmed.
3. Start the Improvement Process
Start working on some of your goals on your personal development plan. "A dream becomes a goal when action is taken toward its achievement." -- Bo Bennett
4. Record Your Personal Development
Keep a record of what you've learned. Write down the date and time period, a brief background, what exactly you did, the effect your action had and the outcome. Not only will you be able to look back and reflect, but this will be extremely helpful during interviews.
5. Review and Revise Your Plan
Review your plan regularly to make sure your activities are moving you closer to your goals. Life changes, and so will your goals. Revise your plans so they align with what you actually want for your life.
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