There are times when we all face our share of hurdles and get demotivated. The following list is a reminder of some very easy, but powerful things we can do to charge ahead.

1. Embody who you want to be right away – don’t try, just be.

This is where most people stunt their personal growth. I’m not saying don’t try or work at anything. I’m only referring to the mindset.

Now the mindset people often have is that to be someone or achieve something, they must first try and work hard at it and only then will they be who they want to be.

Let me give you an example. Say you want to quit smoking. Instead of telling people and especially yourself that you are trying to quit smoking, just say, “I’m a non-smoker.” Do it immediately.  Don’t wait around “trying” and then say that you are a non-smoker. You want to embody and internalize the change and the faster you do it the faster your growth will be.

So instead of telling people you’re going to try and meditate everyday, say, “I practice meditation everyday.”

2. Read, read, read – keep an open heart and mind

Well, you don’t have to just read. But watch videos, listen to audios, attend seminars, visit workshops. What I’m saying is that one of the keys to personal growth is education and keeping your mind open to all possibilities.

You won’t hit your unifying life philosophy the first time round but if you keep at it and open your mind and heart to all the research and ideas that are whirling about us, you will eventually find where you belong and what works for you.

“In addition to reading ten pages a day of a motivational or inspirational book…listen to a self-improvement CD for at least 15 minutes every day… If you spend that time listening to educational and self-improvement material, you’ll have the equivalent of a Ph.D. on any subject you choose in just a few years. That’s the Slight Edge.” ~Jeff Olson, author of “The Slight Edge: Secret to a Successful Life”

Be patient and persevere. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will your enlightenment.

3. Be grateful – appreciate what you have

This is one critical aspect thing that too many people overlook. In all the rush to develop, grow, and increase self-awareness, many people often leave behind one of the most important things in life and learning. And that’s gratitude.

Gratitude gives you perspective. The mental attitude of gratitude draws the mind into closer touch with the source from which the blessings come. It's really impactful and will boost your happiness levels.

Just the act of expressing gratitude daily can increase your happiness by 25%.

4. Leave time to self reflect – recuperation time

In this crazy world of information overload it can be hard to disseminate all the data coming in. Like I said earlier, one should do everything to open their hearts and minds to all the ideas in the realm of personal development. But having said that, you need to take some time and self reflect.

This is where the true self-discovery happens. This is where you find who you are. Use meditation, visualizations, or even just quiet contemplation. Your brain is an amazing and wonderful tool. It will piece together everything you’ve ever learnt from before you could remember to right now.

I strongly suggest meditating to let your brain work itself out. You don’t want to overload yourself with data. Like a runner who sprints for 3 minutes and rests for 9, you must do the same.

5. Discipline – make personal growth a habit.

Personal development like running a business or completing a PhD requires discipline, perseverance, and patience. Believe me, discipline will become your best friend.

Personal growth may come with the image of carefree hippies frolicking in a field of daisies but it couldn’t be farther from the truth. Although daisy-field frolicking is fun.

Personal growth comes with reshaping your mindset, creating new habits, resetting your routine, and changing your perspective.

You cannot do all that without those 3 annoying syllables: discipline.

So create a new habit. For example, tell yourself, “I will meditate every morning for 15 minutes at 8 AM.” Now do it. Everyday. Or read for 30 minutes every evening on personal growth.