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Daily Express
18 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Building personal development plan
Published on: Tuesday, June 03, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 03, 2025 By: K Krishnan Text Size: IF YOU want to achieve big things in life – whether it's landing your dream job, starting a business, or becoming a leader in your field – you need a plan. Just like you wouldn't start a road trip without a map, you shouldn't navigate your career and personal growth without a Personal Development Plan (PDP).A PDP is your own customised roadmap to success. It helps you identify your strengths, weaknesses, and the steps needed to reach your goals. The best part? It's not complicated. Anyone – students, fresh graduates, or young professionals – can create one. Why Do You Need a Personal Development Plan? Imagine two friends, Ali and Ben. Ali graduates and just takes any job that comes his way. He doesn't think much about skills or long-term goals. Years later, he feels stuck, wondering why he isn't progressing. Ben, on the other hand, writes down his goals, learns new skills, and seeks mentorship. In five years, he gets promoted, starts a side business, and feels confident about his future. Who would you rather be? A PDP keeps you focused, motivated, and in control of your growth. Here's how to build one. Step 1: Know Yourself – What Are Your Strengths & Weaknesses? Before setting goals, you must understand yourself. Ask: What am I good at? (e.g., public speaking, problem-solving, creativity) What do I struggle with? (e.g., time management, technical skills) What do I enjoy doing? (e.g., teaching, designing, analysing data) Example: Sarah loves writing but is shy. She realises she needs to improve her confidence to become a journalist. Her PDP includes joining a public speaking club. Step 2: Set Clear, Achievable Goals Dream big, but break it into small steps. Use the SMART method: Specific – 'I want to improve my English' is vague. Instead: 'I will read one English book per month and practise speaking daily.' Measurable – Track progress. 'I will learn 10 new words every week.' Achievable – Don't say, 'I'll be CEO in a year.' Start with: 'I'll take a leadership course.' Relevant – Does it align with your long-term dream? If you want to be a chef, coding may not be a priority now. Time-bound – Set deadlines. 'I will complete a digital marketing course in 3 months.' Example: Rahim wants to work in IT. His goal: 'I will learn Python programming in six months by taking an online course and building a small project.' Step 3: Identify Skills You Need to Develop Once you know your goals, list the skills required. Hard Skills (Technical): Coding, graphic design, accounting Soft Skills (People Skills): Communication, teamwork, leadership Example: Aisha wants to be a manager. She needs leadership training, so she volunteers to lead a student project. Step 4: Find Learning Resources You don't need expensive courses. There are many free or affordable ways to learn: Online: YouTube, Coursera, Udemy, Khan Academy Books: Atomic Habits (for discipline), The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (for success mindset) Mentors: Talk to professionals in your desired field. Many are happy to guide youth. Workshops & Seminars: Check out events by MYFutureJobs, ILM Sabah, or local universities. Example: Jason dreams of becoming a filmmaker. He watches free editing tutorials, joins a local film club, and assists a videographer to gain experience. Step 5: Take Action & Track Progress A plan is useless without action. Start small but stay consistent. Daily: spend 30 minutes learning a new skill. Weekly: Review progress. Adjust if needed. Monthly: Reward yourself for milestones hit. Example: Lisa wants to be a fitness trainer. She exercises daily, studies nutrition, and tracks her progress in a journal. Step 6: Overcome Obstacles Challenges will come – procrastination, fear, failures. But successful people push through. Problem: 'I don't have time.' Solution: Wake up 1 hour earlier or cut down on social media. Problem: 'I'm afraid of failing.' Solution: Every expert was once a beginner. Even J.K. Rowling was rejected 12 times before Harry Potter got published! Step 7: Review & Adjust Your Plan Life changes, and so should your PDP. Every 3-6 months, ask: Am I closer to my goals? Do I need to learn something new? Should I change my approach? Example: David wanted to be an engineer but discovered a passion for teaching. He adjusted his PDP to include education courses. Final Thought: Start Now! The biggest mistake youths make is waiting for the 'perfect time'. There's no perfect time – only now. If you're a student, start building skills early. If you're job-seeking, identify what employers want and train yourself. If you're employed but unhappy, plan your next move. Your future is in your hands. Write down your PDP today – your future self will thank you! Note: K. Krishnan is a career coach and writer, passionate about youth development. Follow for weekly career tips! If you have a question, write to [email protected].
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Too busy to work out? I added thousands of steps to my day using this simple trick
Walking is often recommended as one of the simplest ways to improve your health. It's been linked to a longer lifespan, better metabolism and a more balanced mood. But even though we know it's good for us, finding time to move more during the day can sometimes feel impossible. If your job keeps you glued to a desk or you're always rushing between tasks, getting in those extra steps might be the last thing on your mind. I decided to walk more during the workday. It felt like an easy win. No gym membership, no equipment, just a straightforward way to break up long stretches of sitting. I even wear one of the best fitness trackers to keep an eye on my step count, but still find it hard to make walking a consistent habit without setting aside time I don't have. When I first heard the term "habit stacking," I thought it was just another wellness buzzword. I imagined advice telling me to wake up at 5 AM, drink greens, work out, journal and meditate before breakfast. But it's actually much more approachable. Habit stacking means linking a new habit to something you already do; for me, it turned out to be the easiest way to walk more without changing my whole routine. If you struggle to build new habits that actually stick, you're not alone. That's where habit stacking comes in. The idea is simple: you add a new habit onto something you already do every day. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. It doesn't have to be walking. It could be drinking a glass of water while your usual morning coffee brews or doing a short mobility routine while catching up with your favorite TV show. The concept was popularized by James Clear in his book Atomic Habits, but it originally came from BJ Fogg's Tiny Habits program. His approach focuses on creating small, positive changes by linking new behaviors to existing routines. It works because the brain loves patterns. When you tie a new habit to an existing one, it strengthens the mental connection between them, making the new action feel more automatic over time. But can I back this up with my own experience? Here's how I used habit stacking to increase my step count. Getting to work, running errands, meeting friends, or heading to appointments are all part of a typical week for me. If you also usually default to public transport, it's worth checking if you could walk instead, even just for part of the journey. That simple swap helped me fit more movement into my week without needing to block out extra time. Walking between commitments gave me space to reset, clear my head and arrive feeling more focused. It also made me feel less rushed and more present than sitting on a crowded train or bus. If your route is too long to walk in full, try getting public transport halfway and walking the rest. You could also walk there and catch a bus or train back. Small tweaks like this can make it easier to hit your step goal and feel more energized throughout the day. I started thinking about my daily habits and where walking could naturally fit in. At one point, I considered investing in one of the best under-desk treadmills so I could walk while working. It's a great option if you're often tied to your desk and want to move more without heading outside. I decided I didn't want to spend money just to increase my steps, but it's still worth checking out if that setup suits your routine. Instead, I looked at where I was already spending time on my phone, mainly checking in with friends and family. Rather than doing that from the sofa, I grabbed my headphones and headed to the park. I'd walk and talk, or send voice notes, and before I knew it, I'd clocked up a couple of thousand steps. If you work from home, walking meetings are another simple way to move more. You could take non-video calls on the go, especially those that don't require note-taking. Research shows that walking meetings can help boost creativity, plus, the fresh air makes for a welcome change from sitting at a desk all day. I've run two marathons, and one of my favorite things about long training runs was the uninterrupted time to listen to podcasts. Those hours on my feet gave me a rare chance to tune in without distractions. After finishing my most recent race, I noticed that space in my day had disappeared, so I decided to bring the ritual back by pairing my podcast habit with a daily walk. There's something really grounding about getting outside, moving your body and listening to something that either makes you laugh or teaches you something new. I listen to a lot of food podcasts, so I often come back with a head full of recipe ideas or a mental grocery list. If you're into food too, Off Menu is a must. On days when I need a motivational push, The Mel Robbins Podcast always helps shift my mindset.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Cannes calling
Alia Bhatt Yash Raj Films Sanjay Leela Bhansali Ranbir Kapoor Debunking rumours that she skipped the Cannes Film Festival due to India-Pakistan tensions, actress Alia Bhatt is on her way to the French Riviera and has revealed what she's carrying with took to her Instagram Stories, where she shared a picture of her Gucci suitcase, which included a makeup bag filled with goodies and the phrase 'I'm worth it' written on it. She is also carrying two books, including Atomic Habits by James the caption, she wrote: 'Off we go.' The actress was spotted at the Mumbai airport early Friday morning, dressed in a beige trench coat paired with a fitted white top and baggy blue jeans. She completed her look with sunglasses. Alia is set to make her debut on the Cannes red the worl front, Alia will be seen in the upcoming all-female super spy film 'Alpha'.Directed by Shiv Rawail, 'Alpha' will mark the seventh film in' expansive spy universe. This universe began with the 'Tiger' franchise. The saga continued with 'War', 'Pathaan', and 'Tiger 3'. Upcoming films in the franchise include 'War 2', directed by Ayan Mukerji, 'Pathaan 2', and 'Tiger vs. Pathaan'.The makers of 'Alpha' revealed that the film will hit the screens on Christmas. In the film, Alia and Sharvari both play super agents. She also has filmmaker's 'Love and War' alongside her husband,and Vicky Kaushal. This marks Alia's second collaboration with Bhansali, following the 2022 drama 'Gangubai Kathiawadi'.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
10 American bestsellers every booklover must read for success
Success is built with good books in hand. If you're on a journey to grow smarter, think sharper, and reach your goals, books can be your best mentor. These days, we're surrounded by quick content. Reels, tweets, short videos, motivational quotes that disappear after 24 hours… It's easy to forget the power of sitting down with a good book. But if you're truly serious about leveling up in life—whether it's your mindset, your career, or just becoming a more well-rounded human—books are where the real magic happens. Why? Because books aren't just about information. They give you depth. Unlike a social media post or a five-minute video, a well-written book pulls you into the author's world, thoughts, and experiences. You get to walk in their shoes, learn from their failures, and soak up lessons that took them years—sometimes decades—to figure out. And that's powerful. Books are also mentors you can carry around in your bag. Whether it's personal development, leadership, money smarts, or emotional intelligence—someone's written a book about it, and chances are, it's brilliant. Plus, reading boosts your focus, sharpens your thinking, and keeps your mind flexible. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo In a world full of distractions, being able to sit and think deeply is practically a superpower. So, if you're chasing success in any shape or form, don't underestimate the humble book. It's not just about turning pages—it's about turning the page on who you used to be. The right book at the right time can seriously change your life. Here are a few bestselling American reads that can fuel your path to success—whether in business, mindset, or life. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill A personal development classic that dives into the mindset of wealth and success. Hill shares lessons from top achievers of his time, offering a blueprint for goal-setting, persistence, and turning dreams into reality. Atomic Habits by James Clear Success starts with small actions. Clear explains how tiny behavioral changes, done consistently, can create massive results. This book is a must-read for anyone wanting to build better habits and break unhelpful ones. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey Covey's iconic framework teaches powerful principles of personal and professional effectiveness, from being proactive to thinking win-win. It's a guide to becoming a more disciplined, focused, and trustworthy leader. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki Through personal stories and lessons, Kiyosaki explains the mindset difference between the rich and the poor. This bestseller challenges how we think about money, education, and financial independence. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie A timeless manual on communication and relationship-building. Carnegie shows how simple behavioral shifts—like listening more and appreciating others—can open doors, win trust, and grow influence. Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins This raw and powerful memoir by ex-Navy SEAL David Goggins teaches mental toughness, resilience, and how to overcome life's biggest hurdles by mastering your mind and pushing beyond pain. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle Success isn't just about ambition—it's also about presence. Tolle offers insights on how to quiet the mental noise, find peace in the moment, and unlock true clarity in both life and work. Grit by Angela Duckworth Talent is important, but grit—passion plus perseverance—is what really drives success. Duckworth's research and stories from athletes to entrepreneurs show how grit can outshine natural ability. The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss Ferriss turns the idea of traditional work on its head. Learn how to escape the 9-to-5 grind, create passive income streams, and design a life of freedom and adventure. Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell Gladwell explores what makes top performers stand out. It's not just intelligence or talent—it's timing, culture, and 10,000 hours of practice. A fascinating read for anyone chasing high-level achievement. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Alia Bhatt's debut Cannes look goes viral ahead of her red carpet appearance, see photo
Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt is all set to make her red carpet debut at the Cannes Film Festival. Ahead of her appearance, a photo of the actress has surfaced online, showing her standing on a balcony. In the picture, Alia is seen wearing an elegant, intricately embroidered gown in a soft, pastel shade, featuring delicate floral lace details. The First Glimpse of Alia Bhatt in Cannes 2025. She's serving already ❤️ — Eishaan🎀 (@eishaanix) May 23, 2025 Alia Bhatt was spotted in the French Riviera on Friday, putting to rest speculation that she might skip her Cannes appearance this year following the Pahalgam terror attack. Earlier in the day, the National Award-winning actress was seen arriving at a hotel with her entourage, heightening anticipation among fans about her debut Cannes red carpet look. In the video, Alia was seen wearing a chic brown wrap dress featuring a front slit, paired with strappy high heels. She completed the look with a luxury handbag and dark sunglasses. A post shared by SCREEN (@ieentertainment) Earlier, the actress was spotted at Mumbai airport, impressing fans with her simple yet stylish look. She wore a white tank top featuring Gucci's signature green and red striped trim along the scooped neckline. This marked the second time she sported the Rs 59,452 top, previously seen during her fan meet-and-greet in Mumbai. She paired the top with loose, washed-out denim jeans and completed the look with a tan double-breasted blazer featuring oversized lapels. For accessories, the actress chose small gold hoop earrings and narrow Gucci sunglasses. However, it was her Gucci bag—worth Rs 3 lakh—that truly stole the show. the next few days I'll be obsessed with alia bhatt at cannes — 🔮 (@lordofkong) May 23, 2025 Just before heading to Cannes, Alia Bhatt took to her Instagram Stories to give fans a glimpse of her journey. She shared a photo of her trolley bag, which had a stylish tote that read 'I'm worth it.' She also packed a couple of books for the trip, including Atomic Habits by James Clear. Alia Bhatt will be attending Cannes as a brand ambassador for L'Oréal Paris.
