Read Smita’s inspiring tips in Marie Claire, the popular glossy magazine, on using your travels for self-discovery:
How to use your summer holiday for personal development
Smita Joshi, life coach, author, and prolific traveller, explains where to start
Keep a summer holiday journal to get savvy with your personal development
Get an early breakfast while the sun is rising and begin a holiday journal. Kickstart by asking yourself questions that will give you openings for action; ‘If I could wave a magic wand, what would I love to do more of in my life?’, ‘What three personal qualities would I love to express more of?’, ‘Where would I love to take my career or relationship to next?’. This journal is for your eyes only so don’t censor anything. Allow the words to flow freely across the page, and over the next few days, jot down the insights that arise and the actions you have taken to achieve your goals.
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Quieten your ‘mind monkeys’ to further your personal development
As you unwind lying on the beach, enjoying the warmth of the sun on your face, note down the stubborn thoughts and emotions that barge in and attempt to ruin your enjoyment. Just as monkeys swing about from tree to tree, deafening the jungle with piercing screeches, so does this mental commentary – the ‘mind monkeys’ play havoc with our well-being. For example ‘I’ll never get that promotion’ or ‘What if I never find the right guy for me?’. Shedding light on your negative self-talk will allow you to address it. As you take a dip in the sea or pool to cool down, take your three most stubborn saboteurs and let them slip away with the waves.
