Recently, I’ve been interested by the phrase “resource to self-development,” which I first came across on social media. The idea stuck with me, and I found myself reflecting on it further while reading Vibrate Higher Daily by Lalah Delia.
This prompted me to examine my own life and the privileges I’ve had: the chance to live abroad, complete my undergraduate degree, and actively seek personal growth in spaces where I felt supported. But as I dug deeper, I began to question the habits, systems, and structures that allow or hinder self-development.
A Self-Observation: The Gap Between Intent and Action
Through conversations with mentors and personal reflection, I realized something: while I often think about self-development, I haven’t consistently grounded myself in active practices to achieve it. This gap between intention and action became a focal point of my self-observation.
What does it mean to ground oneself in self-development? To me, it’s about aligning daily actions with a larger purpose. I have personal goals—to build a meaningful career, cultivate a strong family foundation, and explore the world. These goals guide my affirmations and give me hope, but achieving them requires more than just dreaming. It demands clarity, intentionality, and habits that reinforce my values.
Resources and Habits: Tools for Growth?
As I pondered “resource to self-development,” I questioned what this phrase really means. Does it refer to external tools like books, social media posts, or online courses? Or is it something deeper—an internal drive to seek out and apply these resources effectively?
For many, external resources may seem accessible at first glance but are often insufficient when faced with systemic barriers. Poverty, for instance, is a violent force that strips individuals of the capacity to prioritize self-growth. Even with access to resources, the cycle of survival leaves little room for introspection or development.
Overcoming Barriers Through Observation and Action
This reflection leads me to an important finding: self-development isn’t just about access to resources; it’s about creating the conditions to use them. For those fortunate enough to step beyond immediate survival, the challenge becomes one of discipline, habit formation, and long-term vision. Books like Atomic Habits remind us that small, consistent changes can lead to profound transformation.
But how do we extend these opportunities to those caught in cycles of poverty or systemic inequities? The answer lies in recognizing the systemic violence of these conditions and working collectively to build pathways that enable self-development for all.
A Call to Observe and Act
In observing my own journey, I’ve learned that self-development is an ongoing process of questioning, learning, and aligning actions with purpose. It’s not just a personal endeavor—it’s a call to contribute to a world where everyone has the chance to grow, thrive, and vibrate higher.