Step 1: Determine Direction
Where Are You Going?

Why Step 1 of the Personal Development Process (PDP) is Important

As the first step of the PDP, it is imperative to the direction. Determining the direction ensures desired outcomes are achieved. If a direction is not defined, personal and professional development results become random and sporadic.

With all things being relative, who we are (as an organization or as an individual) is neither a gift nor a limitation until we define the framework.

For instance, there is nothing good or bad about a maple tree until we consider planting it in Ohio versus Arizona. Neither good or bad also applies to personal attributes, activities, or goals. In summary, the value appears when intentions are declared.

How to Determine Direction

There are numerous materials (books, programs, etc.) that describe techniques for determining corporate or personal direction.

Although many of us have a sense of where we are going, it is extremely important to get our thoughts out of a vague, abstracted form to a tangible, written statement. The simple process of writing it down is a huge step in making our actions clearer and better directed.