6 Free Tools to Kickstart your Personal Development

Personal development takes a lot of time, but it doesn’t have to be financially costly. Therapy, seminars, and group work can be really helpful if you want to include them in the process, but you can also do plenty of helpful things for free. Times are tough right now, and it’s even more important to stay in touch with our internal selves when things in the external world are difficult and challenging.
Here are a few free resources you can start using today:

Journalling
Journalling can take many forms. Writing by hand can be more personal than typing, but you can also use word processing software or online services like 750 words or Penzu. Journalling can include, but isn’t limited to, stream of consciousness writing, recording dreams, focusing on a specific topic or person, or completing exercises.
The type and content of journalling is a personal preference. What’s really important is to try and journal regularly so that you devote time every day, few days or week to yourself. Sometimes regular journalling might feel like a chore, but exploring this feeling in itself is a helpful process. It is fascinating to look back at what you have recorded several months later: as well as revealing patterns in your thoughts or feelings doing this can also show you how far you’ve come since then.

Podcasts
Podcasts on personal development, meditation, psychology and relationships are readily available through the iTunes store and websites like Podomatic. ITunesU also gives you access to university lectures on these topics, all for free. Listening to podcasts doesn’t involve activity in the same way journalling does, but the right podcasts are still thought-provoking and open you up to new ideas.

Websites and blogs
Whether you find it helpful to explore information websites or read about about other people’s personal experiences with self work through their blogs, online content can be a great resource for inspiration. As well as traditional written content, websites like YouTube host an ever-expanding number of videos on relevant topics.

Books
‘Books aren’t free!’ you think. Valid point. However, if you’re within striking distance of a local library then check out their selection. If you still can’t find the book you’re looking for, search using Amazon’s second-hand marketplace. This isn’t technically free but you can find heavily discounted copies of first-class books for your collection.

Meditation
Like journalling, meditation is another way of devoting time to yourself each day or week. It can help develop mindfulness, presence in and awareness of what’s happening here and now. Regular meditation also provides a gateway for new thoughts to come through – thoughts that usually might be crowded out by everyday life. Most of all, meditation is a way to clear your mind of baggage and clutter, and is particularly helpful if you want to focus on specific themes or patterns.

Social media
Personal development can be a lonely process. Sometimes thoughts or feelings come up that can challenge you or people around you. The Internet is a great way to meet others who are on a similar journey, and online communities can be a source of inspiration, reassurance and support. The Internet does come with it’s own risks, so taking basic precautions like using a pseudonym and not giving out personal details like name and address can help you make the most of online support and stay safe.

Can you think of any other tools for personal development on a budget? Share your ideas in the comments below.
http://www.becomingwhoyouare.net/2012/09/6-free-tools-to-kickstart-your-personal-development/
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