5 Unique Ways to Spark Personal Growth and Development (That You Might Not Have Considered)
When people talk about personal growth and development, the same tips show up over and over: meditate more, journal often, go to therapy. These are powerful tools, sure, but they’re not the only ones.
If you’ve been doing all the “right” things and still feel stuck, it might be time to try something different. Here are five surprising yet effective ways to deepen your personal growth journey no perfection is required.
1. Start with You (No, Really.)
The most powerful personal development tool you have is you. But not the version of you shaped by everyone else’s expectations.
It starts with letting go of the shoulds. The voice that says you’re too much. Or not enough. The belief that you need to stay small or quiet to be loved or accepted.
These old patterns create what I call Energetic Clutter—the invisible weight that keeps you from fully showing up. When you start noticing and clearing it, things begin to shift.
Science says: Self-awareness is one of the main predictors of emotional intelligence, which improves relationships, decisions, and overall greater life satisfaction (Goleman, 1995).
2. Use Tarot as a Mirror
Tarot isn’t about fortune-telling. (And, no it’s not rooted in anything dark or evil.) It’s designed as a mirror for your subconscious, and for a bit of fun.
Each card was designed to carry rich symbolism and archetypes. With that design in mind, these cards can unlock your own inner wisdom. When you ask a question and pull a card, it helps reflect what’s been circling beneath the surface.
In my Practical Tarot for Personal Growth workshop with Scottish medium Linda Hughes, we use tarot as a tool for healing, insight, and clarity. It’s practical, accessible, and often gives you a fresh perspective to move forward.
According to Smithsonian Magazine…
“All [the] evidence suggests that the earliest tarot deck may have been used for little more than a courtly card game, an exquisite plaything for the super-rich.”
3. Let Media Move You
You’ve probably had a moment where a movie scene made you tear up, or a podcast episode hit just right. That’s personal growth in motion.
Books, films, social media, and podcasts give us the chance to see ourselves reflected in someone else’s story. The key is not just to consume it, but to engage with it: What did this wake up in me? What do I want to take with me?
That’s the heart of Stories & Screens, my free monthly meetup where we explore personal growth and development through the lens of what we’re watching or reading.
Did you know? Bibliotherapy and cinematherapy are tools in the mental health world that support emotional processing, empathy, and self-awareness.
4. Go Online, But Choose Wisely
The internet is full of personal growth content, I’m sure you’ve seen it, but not all of it is well-intended or well-researched.
Look for coaches and courses that are backed by professional experience. I bring over 30 years of licensed therapeutic and coaching work to my clients, and I know how to blend insight with actionable tools.
If you’re feeling stuck, my course Why You’re Stuck (And What to Do About It) helps you identify what’s holding you back, clear the Energetic Clutter, and take the next right step without needing to “fix” yourself first.
5. Get Outside and Connect
Nature is one of the best tools we have for nervous system regulation. Whether it’s a hike, a walk in the park, or just sitting with trees, it helps you slow down and hear your inner voice more clearly.
Add some meaningful connection to that, and the effect multiplies. Try a writing circle, a hiking group (that’s what I do!), or join Stories & Screens to experience honest conversation in community.
Backed by research: A Stanford study found that walking in nature reduces rumination (when you’re stuck in that never-ending cycle of thinking), helps with emotional regulation, and may boost creativity.
Ready to Begin?
Personal growth and development don’t have to follow a certain strategy or rule. It’s about discovering what works for you, in this season of your life.
Explore my workshops, courses, and free offerings at the top of my website, schedule a free 20-minute chat, or download my Energetic Clutter Guide to start clearing the way forward.
