Unit 2: Reflecting on Own Practice in Information, Advice or Guidance
Personal Development
Personal development is a vital part of an individual’s growth and progression. It supports you to explore key areas of self-improvement and can lead to better and improved personal outcomes as well as benefit you professionally. Personal development is the process of self-improvement, which focuses on building up your own awareness, knowledge, and skills, as well as an overall sense of identity.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
Mark Twain
Identifying Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Being aware of your own strengths and weaknesses is an important aspect of personal development. Without a good understanding of yourself, it can be difficult to improve, develop and set goals.
A SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) is a tool used to examine and reflect. It uses a simple format, and easy-to-apply format that can be used to identify areas for development. SWOT is also used by businesses and organisations as part of strategic planning.
A personal SWOT analysis is very similar to one for business, except that you focus on yourself and your goals.
SWOT Process:
Thinking specifically about your role within information, advice or guidance. Consider your personal strengths that help you achieve better and successful outcomes at work and any weaknesses that may prevent you from reaching your full potential.
Identify any personal opportunities that could assist you in achieving the goal. Opportunities are generally external, relating to the environment and those around you, rather than you yourself.
Next Identify any threats, these include external things and events that are worrying you, or that might happen and prevent you from setting out and doing what you intend to do.
Complete the SWOT worksheet and upload the document to the Unit 2 assignment page.