There are dozens of personal development methods since their emergence a few years ago. Some require to be accompanied by a coach, others can be learned with the help of a book.

more one thing is certain: to each his own method! The one who walks with someone, who pleases someone, will not necessarily suit his colleague, friend, relative or neighbor. 

We have deliberately put aside here the methods that require training, often on several modules. Indeed, these methods, certainly effective, discourage more than one, because it sometimes takes a long time to observe the first convincing results. Furthermore, some methods are also sometimes used for malicious purposes, such as manipulating others. This is the case, for example, with neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) which some salespeople love … 

Conversely, certain simpler methods, really “personal” in the sense that only your will, and the rules to which you agree to submit, come into play. They often give fast and rewarding results. However, they do not replace the heavier, more demanding methods, it is quite simply “something else”, which will perhaps make you want to go further! 

The miracle morning, or getting up early to succeed

This method, invented by an American, Hal Elrod, is very fashionable lately. It was popularized in France by its book published in 2016: «Miracle Morning» published by First.

It consists of bring your alarm clock forward 30 minutes, or even an hour before your usual wake-up time. Yes, you will have to show willpower for that! But beware. No way to sleep less. Hal Elrod recommends going to bed earlier, or even taking a nap during the day. 

Getting up early, what for? Take time for yourself. If you put your alarm clock forward by an hour, he recommends dividing that hour into 10-minute increments. 10 minutes to exercise, 10 minutes to keep a diary, 10 minutes to meditate and 10 minutes to write positive thoughts in a small notebook. Another 10 minutes should be spent reading (not a spy novel, but a light, cool book). Finally, the last 10 minutes are devoted to silent meditation.

Of course, these “tasks” can be arranged in any order you want. For the method to be successful, you have to try to be regular, not to put sports or meditation, or writing positive thoughts aside for too long. 

The Ho’oponopono method, or that of Pope Francis

This method invented by a Hawaiian psychologist, Ihaleakala Len, seems to have inspired Pope Francis who regularly repeats this: not a day should end without having said to his relatives, to his family, but also to his colleagues, “thank you”, “sorry” or even “sorry”, and above all, ” I like you”.

Ihaleakala Len says these words should be repeated to yourself, like a mantra, throughout the day, and especially when facing a difficulty, but also before falling asleep. It is a kind of mini neuro-linguistic programming, even self-hypnosis, but simple and benevolent. 

The Kaïzen method, or a small change every day

This method imported from Japan is also easy to implement on its own. It is quite simply to set a goal of changing one little thing every day. Examples ? You know for a fact that you don’t brush your teeth for long enough. Well, today take a look at your watch, and add a few seconds to your regular brushing time. One day, you will reach the famous two minutes recommended. And you will stick to it.

Another example: you want to start reading again, but never find the time. What if you just start by reading a book twice a night before falling asleep? You will quickly see that reading at night will become a habit, even if you go to bed late, and the time to perform this ritual will “be found” naturally. 

Of course, the method is only interesting if we set ourselves a “small” goal, new, every day … and that we manage to keep them! 

To each his own method of personal development

There are obviously lots of other methods, such as the brand new “5 seconds rule”, publicized in 2018 by Mel Robbins, an American. She simply advocates make decisions in 5 seconds, counting in your head ! 

The important thing, once again, is that you explore a method that you like, at first glance, to which you agree to comply, so as not to write, to submit. And once launched… let yourself be surprised! 

Jean-Baptiste Giraud

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