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600 Personal Development Exercises

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What is Jenny's model of Inclusion?

6/30/2021

 

INCLUSIVE PARTICIPATION

Jenny, a food scientist has been
working for a major consultancy,
 training a group of women in Dubai
on how to build a local food business.
 
Jenny’s passion though was to help women
in Kenya to build their food businesses.
She was trying to link her priorities,
and make it work financially.
 
Jenny knew she could sell her courses
to the wealthy Dubai women, and
then use the money to train
the poorer women in Kenya.
 
That would be a traditional
‘charity’ model, where we earn our
money and then give it (or use it),
to help those who are less well off.
 
Jenny took a different approach however,
and ran only one course.
On that course, she brought the women
from Dubai and Kenya, to work together.
 
One group paid and one group didn’t.
But they all learned how to build
their local food businesses together.
 
The women shared stories of cultural
difference, and built relationships that
not only spanned continents, but were
the beginnings of global businesses.
 
This is different to the typical charity
model where 'donors' and 'recipients'
do not meet and are separated
by an intermediary organisation.
 
This is inclusive participation.
One woman, one course, one group
of women, one world and one amazing
inclusion initiative from Jenny. 

​PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE
1. What inclusive participation initiative could you create with your skills, experience and expertise? What is your passion? 
2. What help would you like to make this happen? Who could help you? 
​

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Day 463 of Des McCabe's Personal Development Exercises

What is the daily habit of Wishful Thinking?

6/29/2021

 

​WISHFUL THINKING

We can change the world and
help others with our positive
ideas and our kind thoughts.
This is more than wishful thinking.
 
For Quantum Physics tells us, that
every single thought that we have,
influences everything else
in the universe, simultaneously.

And so, 
What are you thinking about, today?
What are you wishing for, every day?
What would you like to see happen, now?

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE
1. What is the most important thinking that you can do?
2. How will you develop the daily habit of Wishful Thinking?
​

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Day 462 of Des McCabe's Personal Development Exercises

What can we do about Potholes?

6/28/2021

 

​POTHOLES

 
I remember the time when
I let down a close friend,
when I should have done more,
when I should have been there.
 
The memory stays with me
like a pothole in the road,
that I drive over now and then.
It jogs my regret.
 
For George, the fact that
I wasn’t there or didn’t help
may not have been a big deal.
And then, it might have been.
 
He is no longer here, and so,
there’s nothing to say now.
But for me, the sadness remains
like a pothole in the road.

​PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE
1. Have you got a pothole on your road?
2. It's time to forgive yourself. It's time to see that the road has been mended.


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​Day 461 of Des McCabe's Personal Development Exercises

How child-centred is our Education?

6/27/2021

 

CHILD-CENTRED EDUCATION
 
Over the last twelve months,
m
any children have struggled
not only academically, but also
in terms of their overall wellbeing,

 Some schools seem powerless
to address this need, whilst
others see these coming months
as a unique opportunity.
 
I am heartened by the example
of our local school, which has brought
back a group of 14 year-olds
who have 'fallen behind'.
 
Over the next six weeks, the
teachers will be working with pupils,
 (individually and in groups),
to improve their Maths and English
 
The aim is to support the whole person,
help each child to catch-up,
and for them to be ready for the
start of the new academic year.
 
This is a chilled-out Summer Club
with Pizza! Personal confidence
and team spirit are enhanced
as much as curriculum skills.
 
This initiative, with its positive
and empowering child-centred
approach, offers real help and support
to those children who need it most.

​PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE
1. What help and support could we offer to Parents or Teachers or Young People?
2. What initiative could we design or support?
3. How can we be creative - and use our skilsl to assist those young people whon need help most? 


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Day 460 of Des McCabe's Personal Development Exercises

​What is happening under your Duvet?

6/26/2021

 

DUVET
 

Our life is meant to be
an ongoing conversation with love.
It’s the seamless, constant and
eternal fabric of who we are.
For we are love, part of love
and with love in everything.
 
However, the noise and relentless
busyness and activities of life
smother this conversation.
It’s like a duvet has been placed
over our speaker and we hear
only a muffled sound.
 
So let’s go beneath the
duvet of the world, and be
in our silence, whenever we can.
For here the conversation continues,
as we explore, ask, learn, develop,
grow, listen and become....
all, in this space.

​PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE
1. As you snuggle down at night, be grateful for these priceless monemts as you drift into sleep - for this is your place of peace and love.
2. When you waken up each morning say hello to love - just to remind yourself who you are - and where the real conversation is....

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Day 459​ of Des McCabe's Personal Development Exercises

​Where do Men go these days?

6/25/2021

 

ODD MAN OUT
 

Where do men go
to talk?
Where do men go
for friendship and support?
Where do men go
with their worries and fears?
 
Where do men go
to share their skills?
Where do men go
to find a place of acceptance?
Where do men go
to build their future?
 
Where do men go
to make a difference?
Where do men go
when they are on their own?
Where do men go
these days?

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE
1. How might your organization or workplace offer greater development opportunities and support for men?

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​Day 458​ of Des McCabe's Personal Development Exercises

What is the best Daily System for Personal Effectiveness?

6/24/2021

 

​THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME

Many of us feel that we are
not fully in control of lives. 
We slip from day to day, event
to event, dealing with what comes,
or what happens next.

Many of us have never
been trained on exactly how
we can take control of our lives.
And this is a critical issue,
for personal effectiveness is
directly linked to our happiness.

We can change this from today,
by implementing a daily system
of ritual, routine and priority activities.

We can create this daily system
piece by piece, starting with an early 
morning routine (to take ownership of
the day), and then building our own
scaffolding of purposeful reading, writing
in our journal, walking, reflection, 
exercise, projects that are important
to us, silence, prayer or affirmations.

This is all about personal ownership.
It is taking control of our time, our 
thoughts, the messages we tell ourselves
(and tell others), our skills, our experience, 
our hopes and our potential.

It is this personal daily system
of ritual, routine and priority activities,
that enables us to shape our day.
For this in turn is what
shapes us, and who we are.

​​PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE
1. How might you develop or improve your Daily System for Personal Effectiveness?
2. What is your Morning Routine that enables you to take control of your day? 
3. Can these Personal Development Exercises becomes a part of your Daily System? 


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​Day 457 of Des McCabe's Personal Development Exercises

Which Strategy will you choose for today?

6/23/2021

 

​ONE DAY, TWO STRATEGIES

Some say
'Carpe Diem'.
Seize the day.
Make this day
work for you.

But others say
'Amitte Diem'.
Let go of the day.
Let this day
be what it is.

Whichever you say
all is okay.
Carpe Diem.
Amitte Diem.
Choose today.

​PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE
1. Which strategy will you use for the rest of your day?
2. When should you 'seize the day' and when should you 'let go of the day'?

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​Day 456 of Des McCabe's Personal Development Exercises

What is the Software of our Soul?

6/22/2021

 

SOFTWARE OF OUR SOUL
 
All of our life is a prayer.
A prayer of gratitude.
 A prayer for forgiveness.
A prayer of hope.
A prayer for humility.
A prayer of trust.
A prayer for peace.
A prayer of love.
 
A prayer for gentleness.
A prayer for kindness.
A prayer for compassion.
A prayer for all of us who can,
and those who can’t.
 A prayer for those who need us.
A prayer for all of us.
A prayer for you, and me.

Prayer is not a bolt-on,
or an option for those
who understand religion.
Prayer is the software of our soul,
connecting us all,
to everyone and everything,
forever and ever.
 Amen.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE
1. What connects you to everyone and everything?
2. Have you uploaded the latest version of Prayer or are you still operating on an outdated version?

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Day 455 of Des McCabe's Personal Development Exercise

What is a personal Strapline?

6/21/2021

 

STRAPLINE
 
What is your strapline?
How do you position yourself for the world?
What exactly are you working for?
What is the clear message that you give
to others who ask ‘what do you do?’
Do you talk about your current job
or who you really are?
 
Perhaps you are Building …
Working to  …
Helping to …
Dedicated to …
Passionate about …
Committed to …
Changing the. ..
 
What is your message for the world?
Why exactly are you here?
Can you summarize right now, all
that you are, in six to ten words?
For this is the phrase that people
remember, when they think about you.
Go now! Write down your strapline.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE
1. What is your personal Strapline?
2. How might this influence and impact the way that you live and work?

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Day 454 of Des McCabe's Personal Development Exercise

Did you remember Father's Night?

6/20/2021

 

​FATHER'S NIGHT

When I was fifteen,
I remember lying on the floor,
in our front room, in the dark,
listening to music with only
the light of our electric fire.

My Dad came in and couldn’t
believe I was lying in the dark.
Showing his exasperation, he
said ‘What are you doing?’
And he left without an answer.

Tonight, I’m sitting in the garden
listening to the gentle rain,
in the dark, with a just a beer
and some solar lights
to guide me.

It’s Father’s Day and I can
hear him laughing, ‘What are
you doing sitting in the rain?
He doesn’t need an answer.
And he stays...

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE
1. What will you say to your Dad this evening? 

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Day 453 of Des McCabe's Personal Development Exercises

Can we have Answers without Questions?

6/19/2021

 

​ANSWERS WITHOUT QUESTIONS
 
Have you noticed how if we keep
asking ourselves the same questions,
we keep getting variations
of the same answer,
sometimes packaged as ‘new ideas’.
 
After a while we come to see,
that we’re asking the wrong questions,
and then we gently realise,
that there are in fact, no questions to ask,
only answers to be received.

​PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE
1. What answer would come if you sat, and never asked a question? 

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Day 452 of Des McCabe's Personal Development Exercises

What is your Way?

6/18/2021

 

​MY WAY
 
You will find the path
to your inner self.
Others can make suggestions
but only you know what is real.
 
It’s not in any pre-packaged
structure or methodology,
for you are your own solution
and will find your own way.
 
St Ignatius of Loyola famously
said ‘just do what works’.
And Frank Sinatra sang
about ‘My Way’.
 
So, keep asking or listening,
looking or reading,
being busy or sitting still,
and uncover your inner self.

​PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE
1. Think about 'your way' and 'your path' to your inner self. What have you uncovered so far? 
2. Start a conversation with yourself in your Journal and you will notice new thoughts every day.


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Day 451 of Des McCabe's Personal Development Exercises

What does Transactional Analysis mean?

6/17/2021

 
​
​TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSIS

 
It’s okay to be religious.
It’s okay not to be religious.
It’s okay to be spiritual, but not religious
 
It’s okay to believe in God.
It’s okay not to believe in God.
It’s okay not to be sure, about God.
 
You see ‘I’m okay, you’re okay’
means that we are all okay.
We can be together, in our own way.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE
1.  How do you see  others who  have different  views about Religion or God?
2. Are you open to friendly  chats with others to explore our different  understandings  - or do you just ignore these topics?    
3. How can you help us all to be  'okay'?


Day 450 of Des McCabe's Personal Development Exercises

What is the Hidden Power of Kindness?

6/16/2021

 

GIVING SOMETHING BACK
 
Some think of giving something
back in life, a bit like leaving a tip.
It’s our way of recognising
what we have received.
 
But this suggests
the end of the meal,
rather than the launchpad
of something special.
 
You see giving back is
our opportunity to build, to go again,
to go different, and to do  more
of what still needs to be done.
 
It’s our opportunity to harvest
what we’ve learned, to re-package
who we are, and to change
right now, all that matters for us.
 
Giving back is the
hidden power of kindness,
ready to explode through us,
in ways we cannot imagine.
 
So, do not wait until the
end of the meal to say 'thank you'.
Go now, go again, go different
and give back  all you can.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE
1.  How can you embed 'giving something back'  into all that you are and all that you  do?
2. Create your 'giving back' plan  - and start making a bigger difference, from today!

Day 449 of Des McCabe's Personal Development Exercises

Can we see where we are going by looking backwards?

6/15/2021

 

​THE JOURNEY OF REMINISCING
 
It is only when we look back,
years later, that we really see
where we were at that time.
 
It is only now, in this moment,
that we can understand
what happened back then.
 
And we wonder,
​what if.....?

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE
1.   What do you need to look back at?
2.  What do you now understand that you didn't back then? 
​

Day 448 of Des McCabe's Personal Development Exercises

What's so special about Today?

6/14/2021

 

NEW DAY
 

Every day is different.
Every day is new.
Rediscover the ordinary.
Welcome what we take for granted.
Celebrate with those you meet.
Be open to filling all the spaces
of this day, in a new way.
For every day is different.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE
1. What will you re-discover today?
2. Who will you welcome?
3. What will you celebrate?


Day 447 of Des McCabe's Personal Development Exercises

What is in the Silence?

6/13/2021

 

THE GREATEST PRAYER
 
The greatest prayer
is in our silence
where we have no words
and no thoughts.
Where nothing happens.
 
So, sit and say nothing.
Think of nothing,
as best you can.
And just be there
with the love you are.
 
For prayer
is not about religion,
nor any set of words.
Prayer is the place of love
within each of us.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE
1. Sit in silence for 20 minutes. Sit and say nothing. Think of nothing, as best you can. And just be there with the love you are.

Day 446 of Des McCabe's Personal Development Exercises

Can we have Equality for Strawberries?

6/12/2021

 

EQUALITY FOR STRAWBERRIES​
 
It’s time to give equality
back to strawberries.
You see, years ago we could just
buy a punnet of strawberries.
 
Now we have labelled our
favourite summer fruit and
separated former friends and
family, into at least four categories.
 
Those at their peak
come with the highest price.
Those in their later days
get rapidly discounted,
and have a reduced label
plastered across their front.
 
Those with disabilities
are called ‘wonky’, as we highlight
some perceived ‘imperfection’.
And those who have less,
become ‘essentials’ or own brand.
 
I bought these four different
packets of strawberries and
emptied them into a bowl.
They all looked fabulous together
and tasted wonderful!

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE
1. Find and celebrate what might be seen as different or imperfect in all that you encounter today. Take a photo or write down what you see....​

Day 445 of Des McCabe's Personal Development Exercises

What is Baby love?

6/11/2021

 

​BABY LOVE​
 
I marvel at the helplessness
and trust of your little baby girl,
who is totally dependent
on you for everything.
 
This is the same relationship
that we all have with love.
We too, live totally unaware
of all that sustains us.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE
1. Who is the one who looks after us? ​

Day 444 of Des McCabe's Personal Development Exercises

What is your Appreciation Rate?

6/10/2021

 

 APPRECIATION RATE
​
When others show their
appreciation for us,
our energy is boosted and
our relationship is strengthened.
We go forward, together.
 
Being taken for granted,
on the other hand,
takes away our energy,
drains our enthusiasm and
leaves us disappointed.

We can all share and enjoy
the gift of appreciation,
in every conversation.
Let's ​increase our Appreciation Rate
 and build a kinder world.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE
1. Create three phrases of appreciation that you can use... e.g., I really appreciate your help, thanks John!
​2. Resolve to use one of these phrases in every conversation. 
3. What is your Appreciation Rate for today - in other words, what percentage of conversations include words of appreciation? 


Day 443 of Des McCabe's Personal Development Exercises

What is Soft Thinking?

6/9/2021

 

SOFT THINKING
 
The frame of our thinking
can be made of iron,
holding all fixed and secure,
difficult to move and
keeping all else out.
 
The frame of our thinking
can be made of wool,
holding all gently and
moving with the wind,
to greet all that comes.
 
Sometimes our perceived
strength is a real weakness,
and our real growth may be
in softness, flexibility and
a different type of thinking.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE
1. Is your thinking framed by iron or wool? 
2. In what situations might you begin to think, interpret and respond in different ways? 


Day 442 of Des McCabe's Personal Development Exercises

Who's in charge at Mission Control?

6/8/2021

 

COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

When I sit down at my desk
in the morning, it’s like
taking my seat at Mission Control.

For this is no ordinary desk.
It has a laptop that connects me
to the world!

I power up the machine and
all is laid out before me.
What shall we do today?

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE
1. How is your laptop at the heart of your Mission Control? 
2. What is your Mission?
​3. What shall you do today?
​

Day 441 of Des McCabe's Personal Development Exercises

What does your Self-Sculpture look like?

6/7/2021

 

SELF-SCULPTURE

​ 
Personal development, is
about chipping away
at the pieces we do not like,
about ourselves.
 
It’s about using a selection
of tools, from heavy duty drills
to fine chisels, as we get closer
to what we might be.
 
For deep inside our concrete exterior
is our real self, looking to be freed.
Our perfect ‘me’ is already within us,
and so, we chip away.
 
You see, personal development
is not only  about learning
new skills, or adding more layers,
to what we already are.
 
Personal development is about
chipping away to uncover
what is already here,
and to become what we really are. 

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE
1. How is your Self-Sculpture coming along?
​2. What tools are you using? What are your heavy duty drills and fine chisels? 


Day 440 of Des McCabe's Personal Development Exercises

What makes an outstanding Consultant?

6/6/2021

 

CONSULTANCY SKILLS
 
It’s sometimes hard
to be a leader,
to stand out and
to stand alone.
 
This is the primary role
of a Consultant.
To have a perspective
and to lead.
 
Our role is to challenge
the value system,
for how else can we
give value for money?
 
And how else
will we enable others
to make changes,
that can make a difference?
 
We will not always
win the contract, for many
do not want to listen,
or change.
 
At times, we are all
called as Consultants,
to stand out and 
to stand alone.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE
1. When did you last take a stand or give a different opinion to others? 
​2. What are your core values? Write these down.....
​

Day 439 of Des McCabe's Personal Development Exercises
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