writing a personal growth essay

Essays About Personal Growth: Top 5 Examples and 8 Prompts

If you’re writing essays about personal growth, our guide’s article examples and prompts will help stimulate your creative thinking.

Personal growth is looking at ways to improve yourself mentally, socially, spiritually, emotionally or physically. It is a process where we envision a better version of ourselves and strive to realize that ideal self. Personal growth demands the setting of personal goals and ensuring routine progress. The work toward personal development involves a great deal of hard work and discipline as we push our existing skills and strengths to a higher boundary while reducing our underlying weaknesses.  

Read our essay examples and prompts below to help you produce a rich and creative essay about personal growth.

5 Essay Examples About Personal Growth

1. is it really too late to learn new skills by margaret talbot, 2. i’ve completed hundreds of 30-day challenges. here’s what i’ve learned by tara nicholle-nelson, 3. i was a self-help guru. here’s why you shouldn’t listen to people like me by michelle goodman, 4. how to craft a personal development plan that inspires meaningful results by scott jeffrey, 5. personal development and the power of feedback by emily marsh, 10 prompts on essays about personal growth, 1. why is personal growth important, 2. take up a personal growth challenge, 3. your personal growth journey, 4. personal growth among successful people, 5. personal growth for leaders , 6. personal growth at work, 7. best personal growth books, 8. strong motivation for achieving personal growth.

“… [H]e decides to throw himself into acquiring five new skills. (That’s his term, though I started to think of these skills as “accomplishments” in the way that marriageable Jane Austen heroines have them, talents that make a long evening pass more agreeably, that can turn a person into more engaging company, for herself as much as for others.)

Learning new things may not be a cup of tea for those in their middle ages. To get out of established expertise, be looked down on as a novice, and push the brain to work double time may even be a dreary and intimidating process. , But Journalist Tom Vanderbilt, award-winning writers, and Nobel Prize recipients prove that satisfaction is worth it for personal growth and fulfillment. 

“I think of Challenges as self-directed projects to change my behavior or spark some personal growth or development I’m clear that I’d like to have. Sometimes I want a mindset shift or want to make (or break) a habit, or I just have a sort of big project I want to sprint to finish…”

Why are we so drawn to self-imposed challenges? For one, it’s a competition only between you and yourself, giving room for flexibility in the rules you set. It provides structure to your goals, chunks your bigger long-term self-growth goals into gradual and doable daily tasks, provokes a sense of self-accountability, and helps you focus your energy on what matters most. 

“Apparently, I learned, gurus are people too, even gurus lining the self-help shelves of friendly neighborhood bookstores. They aren’t infallible, all-knowing oracles above worrying about their generous muffin top or widening backside. They are businesspeople — businesspeople with books, keynotes, and openings in their consulting practice to peddle”

From abhorring gurus to becoming one and then hating the industry much more — this is the story of a self-help book author who realizes it was herself who needed the most advice for personal growth. But, as she creates a facade of a well-balanced life to establish her credibility, things turn dark, almost costing her life. 

“When entertainment, distraction, and workaholism consume our attention, something doesn’t feel right within us… To have a full and meaningful life requires us to open to more dimensions of ourselves. And a Personal Development Plan can help us do just that.”

Everyone strives for personal growth. But once we jump at it, some wrong ingredients may spoil the sense of fulfillment we expect. The right process involves navigating your potential, creating a larger vision, selecting areas to focus on, setting your schedule, and monitoring your progress. You might also be interested in these essays about motivation .

“Without feedback, we would learn very little about ourselves, in or out of work. The feedback process is like holding a mirror up to yourself; that’s why it can be uncomfortable at times. You have to be prepared to listen to and acknowledge whatever reveals itself.”

Hearing feedback is critical to personal growth. Negative feedback is constructive in losing our bad habits. However, purely positive feedback is non-progressive and dangerous if we only seek to affirm how we regard ourselves.

We can never be perfect. But we can always progress. In your essay, explain why nurturing a growth mindset in life is essential. What long-term benefits can you reap daily from wanting to be a better person? How does it affect the mind, body, and overall wellness? Answer these while citing studies that outline the essence of personal growth.

Take up any challenge you find exciting and feel up to. Then, write about your experience. If successful, offer tips to your readers on how one can prepare their body, mind, and discipline to stick to the goals. If you did not complete the challenge, don’t worry! Your failure can still be a learning experience that contributes to personal growth and is worth writing about. In addition, you can add what areas of yourself you would like to improve on if you ever take up the challenge again. 

Talk about your goals and your daily efforts to reach this goal. It could relate to acing a test, your sports team winning or professional success. Of course, there will be a handful of challenges in any journey toward a goal. What were the obstacles and distractions that tried to keep you off track? Share these with your readers and how you strived or are striving to conquer them.

When you see people already at the height of their careers, you’ll find some continuing to walk out of their comfort zones and reach for the next higher mountain. For this essay, explain the connection between striving for personal growth and success. Then, provide a list of everyday habits among successful people that others could consider adopting.

Leaders must adapt and address problems efficiently and decisively as they move through a fast-changing landscape. Elaborate on how the pursuit of personal growth helps leaders deliver in their enormous role in organizations, companies, and communities.

If you firmly believe that growth at work translates to personal growth, it would be less hard for you to get by at work. But this gets a bit more complex if your feel that your work is no longer satisfying your self-actualization needs and even limiting you. For this prompt, help your readers determine if it’s time to quit their job and continue their journey for personal growth elsewhere. If you want to address companies, offer recommendations enabling their employees to grow and have a vision for themselves. You may also suggest how managers can keep an open line of communication so that personnel can relay their self-development needs.

We all have that book that has given us a new kind of energy that made us feel and believe we can do anything if we put our heart into it. We keep these books close to our hearts, serving as a reminder of other bigger goals ahead of us when the going gets tough. Create a numbered list of the books that have captivated you and helped you realize your potential. Talk about the best quotes that struck the chord and the thought racing in your mind while reading them.

When you tap onto your inherent and external motivation for a much-needed push, it may be easier to turn bad moments into something that helps advance personal development plans. For your essay, explain how motivation can be a bridge to get you to your growth goals.

If you’re still stuck, check out our general resource of essay writing topics .

For help with this topic, read our guide explaining what is persuasive writing ?

Yna Lim is a communications specialist currently focused on policy advocacy. In her eight years of writing, she has been exposed to a variety of topics, including cryptocurrency, web hosting, agriculture, marketing, intellectual property, data privacy and international trade. A former journalist in one of the top business papers in the Philippines, Yna is currently pursuing her master's degree in economics and business.

View all posts

6 ways to writing an empowering personal growth essay

Did you know that personal growth essays are a common and popular prompt during college applications? 

Like other essay prompts such as “ learning from obstacles ”, college admission essays are meant to help the college gain better insight into your character and personality. 

A winning essay should be personal — one which showcases your uniqueness.

Some schools ask targeted questions like “What was the most challenging event you have ever faced, and how have you grown from it?”.

Or a more open-ended one like “Describe an event that has had great meaning for you. Explain why and how it has affected you.”

Knowing how to craft a strong essay can increase your admissions chances by ten times, according to a  case study  done on Harvard’s admission rates. 

What’s more, college essays play a significant role in determining whether or not your  application receives a second look  or gets tossed aside. 

Hence, knowing how to craft an impactful essay can make a world of a difference: 

Here’s how to write a winning personal growth essay:

Elements of a good personal growth essay.

College admission essays are meant to help the college gain better insight into your character and personality. Source: Ina Fassbender/AFP

There are four main components of an excellent personal growth essay. 

Apart from having zero spelling and grammar mistakes, it’s also essential to have an engaging narrative, convincing argumentation, a well-organised structure and relevant information.

Your essay should also emphasise your motivations, strengths, and accomplishments that make you the ideal candidate.

If you are confused as to what you just read, remember the following when writing your essay:

• Craft a compelling narrative that highlights your experience and capabilities. A successful introduction usually begins with a story, anecdote, or personal experience.
• A well-organised structure consists of at least three to four paragraphs, excluding the introduction and conclusion.
• Place relevant information regarding your accomplishments and strengths.
• Like any other essay, conclude with an “answer” that is direct to the question posed and avoid adding new information.

6 steps to writing the best personal growth essay

Craft the best personal growth essay with these six steps. Source: Ethan Miller/Getty Images North America/Getty Images via AFP

The standard format for these types of essays consists of three primary components: an introduction paragraph, a primary body composed of two to four paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph.

1. Create an outline 

Creating an outline helps you determine the overall tone of the piece. A framework lets you lay out the main points you want to include.

These points can include a valuable lesson that had a personal impact on how you live your life.

2. Write a strong introduction

Think of your introduction as a “hook” to reel your readers in to make a solid first impression. A weak hook gives the impression that your content is dull.

Immediately give the reader an idea of what they can expect from the rest of the piece by explaining the topic from the get-go. This will encourage them to continue reading.

3. Crafting an impactful story with emotions

In the body paragraph, you flesh out what you’ve mentioned in the introduction.

When developing the body of your essay, keep your thesis statement in mind and build around it.

To keep your readers interested throughout your personal growth essay, you have to gradually take them on a visual journey across your essential points.

4. Be direct 

One of the most important points when writing your essay is being concise and direct. It can be tempting to input extra information to hit the word count, but we don’t recommend that.

Remember, the essay’s purpose is to talk about a significant moment in your life. So, it’s essential that you get to the point quickly with ample details.

5. Conclude 

Your conclusion should summarise and highlight the key takeaway from your essay.

6. Double-, triple-check for errors

Even the most famous writers proofread their work.

Since this personal growth essay is for your college application, paying attention to detail when reading your piece before submitting it can go a long way.

An excellent way to do this is by reading out loud; this helps highlight any errors you may have missed.

Apart from checking for grammar and spelling, check if your main message is conveyed accurately. Proofreading helps ensure that the narrative flows in the manner that you desire.

Popular stories

Student protests in the us: how to attend and keep your visa safe as an international student.

Boarding schools in America providing an excellent education to inspire the next generation of leaders

How to increase productivity by at least 12%: 8 tips to help you crush deadlines

Get a job in the US, UK, or Australia with these companies that sponsor visas for international students

10 tips on how to write a winning scholarship essay

5 tips on how to nail your college application essay

Should you use a bot to write your essays?

Tips for Writing an Essay on an Event That Led to Personal Growth

Tips and Strategies for an Essay on an Event that Led to Personal Growth

Jay Reilly/Getty Images

• Essay Samples & Tips
• College Admissions Process
• College Profiles
• College Rankings
• Choosing A College
• Application Tips
• Testing Graphs
• College Financial Aid
• Advanced Placement
• Homework Help
• Private School
• College Life
• Graduate School
• Business School
• Distance Learning
• Ph.D., English, University of Pennsylvania
• M.A., English, University of Pennsylvania
• B.S., Materials Science & Engineering and Literature, MIT

For the 2019-20 admissions cycle, the fifth essay option on the Common Application  focuses on "personal growth":

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

We all have all had experiences that bring about growth and maturity, so essay option five will be a viable choice for all applicants. The big challenges with this essay prompt will be identifying the correct "accomplishment, event, or realization" and then making sure the discussion of your growth has enough depth and self-analysis to show that you are a strong and thoughtful college applicant. The tips below can help guide you as you tackle essay option five:

What Defines a "Period of Personal Growth"?

The heart of this essay prompt is the idea of "personal growth." It's a remarkably broad concept, and as a result this essay prompt gives you the freedom to talk about almost anything meaningful that has ever happened to you. Your job with this essay prompt is to identify a moment that is meaningful and that provides the admissions folks with a window into your interests and personality.

As you work to define an appropriate "period of personal growth," reflect on the last several years of your life. You shouldn't go back more than a few years since the admissions folks are trying to learn about who you are now and how you process and grow from the experiences in your life. A story from your early childhood won't accomplish this goal as well as a more recent event. As you reflect, try to identify moments that made you rethink your assumptions and worldview. Identify an event that has made you a more mature person who is now better prepared for the responsibilities and independence of college. These are the moments that can lead to an effective essay.

What Type of "Accomplishment, Event, or Realization" Is Best?

As you brainstorm ideas for this essay prompt, think broadly as you try to come up with a good choice for the "accomplishment, event, or realization." The best choices, of course, will be significant moments in your life. You want to introduce the admissions folks to something you value highly. Also keep in mind that these three words—accomplishment, event, realization—are interconnected. Both accomplishments and realizations stem from something that happened in your life; in other words, without some kind of event, you're unlikely to accomplish something meaningful or have a realization that leads to personal growth. 

We can still break down the three terms as we explore options for the essay, but keep in mind that your options include, but are not limited to:

• You reach a goal that you have set for yourself such as earning a certain GPA or performing a difficult piece of music.
• You do something independently for the first time such as preparing a meal for the family, flying across the country, or house-sitting for a neighbor.
• You overcome or learn to appreciate a disability or handicap.
• Working alone or with a team, you win an award or recognition (a gold medal in a music competition, a strong showing in Odyssey of the Mind, a successful fundraising campaign, etc.)
• You successfully launch your own business (a lawn-mowing service, babysitting business, web company, etc.)
• You successfully navigate or extricate yourself from a dangerous or challenging situation (an abusive family, a problematic peer group, etc.)
• You do something challenging like winter camping, white-water kayaking, or running a marathon.
• You complete a meaningful service project such as creating a public garden or helping build a house with Habitat for Humanity.
• You pass a milestone in your life such as the first day of high school or your first time driving by yourself.
• You have an interaction with someone (whether that be a friend, family member or stranger) that opens your awareness in a profound way.
• You perform at an event such as a concert or competition in which your hard work and perseverance finally pay off.
• You experience a traumatic event such as an accident or sudden loss that makes you reevaluate your behavior or beliefs.
• You experience a moment of failure (much like option #2 ) that causes you to grapple with and grow from the experience.
• You are moved by a world event that makes you reflect upon what you most value and what your role in the world might be.
• You realize that you can accomplish something you hadn't thought possible.
• You realize your limitations.
• You realize that failure is as valuable as success.
• You realize that your understanding of people who are different than you had been limited or faulty.
• You experience something that makes you realize that you need to redefine your priorities.
• You realize that relying on the help of others isn't a failure.
• You come to understand how much a parent or mentor has to teach you.

Personal Growth Can Stem From Failure

Keep in mind that the "accomplishment, event, or realization" doesn't have to be a triumphant moment in your life. An accomplishment can be learning to deal with setbacks or failure, and the event could be a losing game or an embarrassing solo in which you missed that high C. Part of maturing is learning to accept our own shortcomings, and recognizing that failure is both inevitable and an opportunity to learn.

Most Important of All: "Discuss"

When you "discuss" your event or accomplishment, make sure you push yourself to think analytically. Don't spend too much time merely describing and summarizing the event or accomplishment. A strong essay needs to show off your ability to explore the significance of the event you have chosen. You need to look inward and analyze how and why the event caused you to grow and mature. When the prompt mentions "a new understanding," it is telling you that this is an exercise in self-reflection. If the essay doesn't reveal some solid self-analysis, then you haven't fully succeeded in responding to the prompt.

A Final Note for Common Application Option #5

Try to step back from your essay and ask yourself exactly what information it conveys to your reader. What will your reader learn about you? Does the essay succeed in revealing something that you care about deeply? Does it get at a central aspect of your personality? Remember, the application is asking for an essay because the college has holistic admissions —the school is evaluating you as a whole person, not as a bunch of test scores and grades. They essay, then, needs to paint a portrait of an applicant the school will want to invite to join the campus community. In your essay, do you come across as an intelligent, thoughtful person who will contribute to the community in a meaningful and positive way?

No matter which essay prompt you choose, pay attention to style , tone, and mechanics. The essay is first and foremost about you, but it also needs to demonstrate a strong writing ability. These 5 tips for a winning essay can also help guide you.

Finally, realize that many topics fit under multiple options on the Common Application. For example, option #3 asks about questioning or challenging a belief or idea. This can certainly connect with the idea of a "realization" in option #5. Also, option #2 on encountering obstacles could also overlap with some of the possibilities for option #5. Don't worry too much about which option is best if your topic fits in multiple places. Most important is that you write an effective and engaging essay. Be sure to check out this article for tips and samples for each of the Common Application essay options .

• The 2021-22 Common Application Essay Prompts
• Common Application Essay Option 2 Tips: Learning from Failure
• Common Application Essay Option 4—Gratitude
• Common Application Essay on a Meaningful Place
• Sample Common Application Essay for Option #5
• Tips for an Application Essay on a Significant Experience
• Common Application Essay Option 3 Tips: Challenging a Belief
• 2020-21 Common Application Essay Option 4—Solving a Problem
• "Gym Class Hero" - a Common Application Essay Sample for Option #3
• A Sample Essay for Common Application Option #7: Topic of Your Choice
• Tips for the Pre-2013 Personal Essay Options on the Common Application
• Sample College Admissions Essay - Student Teacher
• Common Application Essay, Option 1: Share Your Story
• Topic of Your Choice: Common Application Essay Tips
• "Handiwork" - Sample Common Application Essay for Option #1
• Common Application Essay Option 6: Losing Track of Time

• Admission Essay
• Statement of Purpose Editing
• Personal Statement Editing
• Recommendation Letter
• Motivation Letter
• Cover Letter
• Supplemental Essay
• Letter of Continued Interest
• Scholarship Essay
• Role Model Essay
• Our Editors
• College Admission Essay Examples
• College Cover Letter Examples
• College Personal Statement Examples
• Graduate Personal Statement Examples
• Graduate Statement of Purpose Examples
• MBA Essay Examples
• MBA Personal Statement Examples
• MBA Resume Examples
• MBA Recommendation Letter Examples
• Medical School Personal Statement Examples
• Medical School Recommendation Letter Examples
• Pricing Plans
• Public Health
• Dissertation
• Research Paper
• Thesis Editing
• Academic Editing
• Motivation letter
• Letter of Recommendation
• Personal Statement
• Statement of Purpose

Personal Growth Essay | A Winning Essay Writing Strategy

EssayEdge > Blog > Personal Growth Essay | A Winning Essay Writing Strategy

Personal Growth. Perhaps this topic is the most popular one since it delves into the heart of what the admissions essay is all about: helping the college gain better insight into an applicant’s personality and character. Some schools ask targeted questions — “What was the most challenging event you have ever faced, and how have you grown from it?” — while others leave the topic open: “Describe an event that has had great meaning for you. Explain why and how it has affected you.”

One of the most successful strategies is to use a past event as a lens through which you can assess who you were and the person you became, how you have grown and changed, your transformation. Most children are curious, but were you the one who asked your teacher what caused the change of seasons of the year and then created a solar system model and explained the concept to your classmates? Though you may think that your topic needs to be more grandiose, that is not necessary for an essay to be effective. Instead, success lies in painting an accurate and vivid picture of yourself — one that will show admissions officers that you have much to offer their school.

The most important advice we can give is to be honest, refrain from using clichés, and show maturity. College represents a radical change from high school, so you want your reader to realize that you are more than ready to take the next major step in your life.

Sample Essays And Comments

• Well Done Personal Growth Essay
• Poorly Done Personal Growth Essay

Next:   Accomplishments

Need help? Check out EssayEdge editing services:

Popular Posts

June 2, 2022 How To Start a Scholarship Essay: Catch Reader’s Attention Fast

May 16, 2022 My Role Model Essay: A Few Ways to Elaborate on The Subject

May 3, 2022 How To Start a Personal Statement? | Writing Tips and Samples

Related Posts

July 14, 2021 Personal Statement Sample: How Can It Help You With Writing?

June 3, 2021 Clichés in College Essay Examples: How To Recognize Them?

October 26, 2020 Alternative Medicine Application Essay Sample – Edited

©2024 Student Media LLC. All rights reserved.

EssayEdge: Essay Editing & Proofreading Service.

Our mission is to prepare you for academic and career success.

•   Log In  
•   Sign Up  
• Forgot password

Unable to log in? Please clear your browser's cache and then refresh this page and try again

Reset password Please enter your email address to request a password reset.

Check your email We’ve just sent a password reset link to your email.

This information is used to create your account

Presentations made painless

• Get Premium

102 Personal Growth Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Personal growth is an essential part of life that allows individuals to become the best version of themselves. It involves self-reflection, self-improvement, and the willingness to step out of one's comfort zone. Writing personal growth essays can help individuals explore their own thoughts and experiences, and can also serve as a tool for self-discovery and growth. If you're looking for inspiration for your next personal growth essay, here are 102 topic ideas and examples to get you started:

• The importance of setting and achieving personal goals
• Overcoming fear of failure
• Learning to embrace change
• The power of positive thinking
• How to cultivate a growth mindset
• Dealing with setbacks and challenges
• The benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone
• Finding your passion and purpose in life
• Building self-confidence and self-esteem
• The role of self-care in personal growth
• Practicing gratitude and mindfulness
• Learning to forgive yourself and others
• Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome
• Developing healthy habits and routines
• The importance of self-reflection and introspection
• Cultivating resilience and perseverance
• Embracing vulnerability and authenticity
• Finding balance in your personal and professional life
• The impact of positive relationships on personal growth
• How to overcome procrastination and improve productivity
• The benefits of seeking out feedback and constructive criticism
• The role of mentorship and guidance in personal growth
• Learning to let go of perfectionism and control
• Exploring your values and beliefs
• The power of self-compassion and self-acceptance
• Overcoming negative self-talk and limiting beliefs
• The importance of continuous learning and growth
• Finding meaning and fulfillment in your work
• Cultivating empathy and compassion for others
• The impact of gratitude journaling on personal growth
• How to overcome self-sabotaging behaviors
• The benefits of practicing mindfulness meditation
• Learning to set boundaries and prioritize self-care
• The role of resilience in overcoming adversity
• Developing emotional intelligence and self-awareness
• Overcoming perfectionism and fear of failure
• The importance of self-compassion in personal growth
• Cultivating a growth mindset in the face of challenges
• The benefits of seeking out new experiences and opportunities
• Learning to embrace uncertainty and take risks
• Overcoming limiting beliefs and self-imposed barriers
• The power of visualization and goal-setting
• Finding inspiration and motivation in your daily life
• How to overcome self-doubt and build self-confidence
• The impact of positive affirmations on personal growth
• Learning to practice self-care and prioritize your well-being
• Cultivating a sense of purpose and direction in life
• The role of resilience in bouncing back from setbacks
• Overcoming fear of rejection and failure
• The benefits of practicing gratitude and mindfulness
• How to develop a growth mindset and embrace challenges
• Finding balance and harmony in your life
• Learning to overcome negative self-talk and self-limiting beliefs
• Embracing vulnerability and authenticity in your relationships
• Building resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity
• The role of positive relationships in personal growth
• Overcoming perfectionism and the need for control
• The impact of continuous learning and growth on personal development
• Developing healthy habits and routines for success
• Learning to let go of past mistakes and regrets
• The power of positive thinking and visualization
• How to cultivate a growth mindset and embrace change
• Practicing gratitude and mindfulness in your daily life
• Overcoming fear of failure and rejection
• The importance of self-care and prioritizing your well-being
• Cultivating resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges
• Finding balance and harmony in your personal and professional life
• How to overcome self-sabotaging behaviors and negative habits
• The power of positive affirmations and self-talk
• Cultivating a growth mindset and embracing challenges
• The importance of self-compassion and self-acceptance
• Overcoming negative self-talk and self-limiting beliefs
• How to let go of past mistakes and regrets
• Cultivating empathy and compassion for yourself and others

These are just a few examples of personal growth essay topics that you can explore. Feel free to mix and match ideas, or come up with your own unique topics based on your own experiences and interests. Remember, personal growth is a lifelong journey, and writing about it can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and transformation. Happy writing!

Want to create a presentation now?

Instantly Create A Deck

Let PitchGrade do this for me

Hassle Free

We will create your text and designs for you. Sit back and relax while we do the work.

Explore More Content

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

© 2023 Pitchgrade

48 Personal Growth Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best personal growth topic ideas & essay examples, 📝 most interesting personal growth topics to write about, 👍 simple & easy personal growth essay titles.

• Student’s Personal Growth: University Experiences The chosen data collection method was the semi-structured interview, as this method enables the researcher to elicit a lot of information and encourage the participants to share their views freely.
• My Greatest Passion and How It Has Contributed to My Personal Growth Within no time I realized that I needed to pursue the career of a social worker to fulfil my passion for the poor and downtrodden section of the society.
• Effective Leadership: Character and Personal Growth In turn, this will ensure that the leader has an open mind and is accommodating to the different personalities of the followers.
• The Role of Music in Personal Growth I believed that someday I would graduate from school, then I would do my best to have a degree in the field that interests me the most and pursue the career that will make me […]
• Multispecies Ethnography and Personality Growth Politics became the determinant element to the determination of biodiversity protection, but the majority of the leaders focused on the essence of power.
• Stress Impact on Self-Esteam and Personal Growth The causes of stress in Jennifer’s life and its possible effect on her health number of factors can be regarded as causing stress in Jennifer’s life.
• Growth and Motivation Theories: Application in Personal Behavior, Professional Goal Setting, Social Policy Formulation Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory of Growth Maslow’s hierarchy of needs growth theory states that, an individual has needs that need to be fulfilled at various levels for the individual to achieve personal and professional […]
• Achieving Personal and Professional Development
• Relations Between Accept and Personal Growth
• Personal Growth in the Book “Great Expectations”
• Importance of Personal Development and Self-Assessment Exercises
• Blueprint for Professional and Personal Growth
• The Usefulness of Self-Assessment Tools for Personal Growth
• Coping With Childbirth: Brain Structural Associations of Personal Growth Initiative
• Grief After Suicide: A Health Perspective on Needs, Effective Help, and Personal Growth
• The Relationships Between Emotional Intelligence and Personal Growth
• Personal Growth and Happiness: Positive Psychology
• Five-Year Personal Growth Plan Overview
• From Childhood to Adulthood: Emotional and Physical Changes
• The Attributes That Complement Professional and Personal Growth
• Human Services Theory: Guidance for Personal Growth
• The Relationships Between Journeys Involve New Experiences and Personal Growth
• Learning and Personal Growth for Students of Poverty
• Volunteering and Sacrificing as a Pathway to Personal Growth
• Differences Between Nursing, Creativity, Self Care, and Personal Growth
• Importance of the Personal Growth in Career Development of Managers and Employees
• Personal Growth and Development: Behavioral Therapy
• Achieving Personal Growth From Teaching Practice
• Overview of Personal Growth and Preparation for Future Goals
• Personal Growth Development and Multiple Intelligences Analysis
• Importance of the Personal Growth for Women
• Personal Growth Initiative and Social Support Overview
• Analysis of the Plan for Professional and Personal Growth
• Promoting Personal Growth Through Experiential Learning
• What Children Can Teach Us About Risk, Failure, and Personal Growth
• Achieving Human Potential Through Self-Actualization
• Personal Growth, Self-Care, and Creativity in the Nursing Profession
• Revisiting the Organismic Valuing Process Theory of Personal Growth
• The Ladder of Sustainable Personal Growth and Its Steps
• Personal and Professional Growth Requirements in Relation to the NMC Regulation
• Supporting Personal Growth and Skill Development
• What Can Time Management Bring to Your Personal Growth
• Personal Growth Through Learning Overview
• Working for Personal Growth and Development
• The Importance of Personal Growth Within the Group
• How Young People Use New Media for Community Action and Personal Growth
• The Relationships Between Personal Growth and Development of Romanticism
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2023, September 27). 48 Personal Growth Essay Topic Ideas & Examples. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/personal-growth-essay-topics/

"48 Personal Growth Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." IvyPanda , 27 Sept. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/topic/personal-growth-essay-topics/.

IvyPanda . (2023) '48 Personal Growth Essay Topic Ideas & Examples'. 27 September.

IvyPanda . 2023. "48 Personal Growth Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." September 27, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/personal-growth-essay-topics/.

1. IvyPanda . "48 Personal Growth Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." September 27, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/personal-growth-essay-topics/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "48 Personal Growth Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." September 27, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/personal-growth-essay-topics/.

• Self Esteem Research Ideas
• Positive Psychology Titles
• Cognitive Psychology Topics
• Emotional Development Questions
• Psychology Questions
• Talent Management Questions
• Leadership Development Essay Titles
• Leadership Qualities Research Ideas

• SUGGESTED TOPICS
• The Magazine
• Newsletters
• Managing Yourself
• Managing Teams
• Work-life Balance
• The Big Idea
• Data & Visuals
• Reading Lists
• Case Selections
• HBR Learning
• Topic Feeds
• Account Settings
• Email Preferences

How to Write a Personal Essay for Your College Application

What does it take to land in the “accept” (instead of “reject”) pile?

How can you write an essay that helps advance you in the eyes of the admissions officers and makes a real impression? Here are some tips to get you started.

• Start early.  Do not leave it until the last minute. Give yourself time when you don’t have other homework or extracurriculars hanging over your head to work on the essay.
• Keep the focus narrow.  Your essay does not have to cover a massive, earth-shattering event. Some people in their teens haven’t experienced a major life event. Some people have. Either way, it’s okay.
• Be yourself.  Whether writing about a painful experience or a more simple experience, use the narrative to be vulnerable and honest about who you are. Use words you would normally use. Trust your voice and the fact that your story is interesting enough in that no one else has lived it.
• Be creative.  “Show, don’t tell,” and that applies here — to an extent. The best essays typically do both. You can help your reader see and feel what you are describing by using some figurative language throughout your piece.
• Make a point. As you finish your final body paragraphs ask yourself “So what?” This will help you hone in on how to end your essay in a way that elevates it into a story about an insight or discovery you made about yourself, rather than just being about an experience you had.

Where your work meets your life. See more from Ascend here .

We’ve all heard about the dreaded “college essay,” the bane of every high school senior’s existence. This daunting element of the college application is something that can create angst for even the most accomplished students.

• AA Amy Allen is a writer, educator, and lifelong learner. Her freelance writing business,  All of the Write Words , focuses on providing high school students with one-on-one feedback to guide them through the college application process and with crafting a thoughtful personal essay. A dedicated poet, Amy’s work has also been published in several journals including  Pine Row Press ,  Months to Years,  and  Atlanta Review .

Partner Center

How to Write a Personal Growth Essay: Structure and Tips

There are so many reasons why people and many expert writers write a personal growth essay. Students will write one as part of their application process for a university or college, while writers will write one to share stories with a particular audience. When this particular type of essay is well put together, it can not only inspire others, but also enlighten them with information taken from real-life experiences they had no idea about.

If you feel that you’re struggling to get your message across in your personal growth essay or you cannot find someone to  do my essay cheap , then you can always reach out to online essay writers  who can write your essay  for you. If you plan on writing one on your own, below are a few tips you can follow that will help you put together good-quality essays. Before touching on the tips, one needs to know the structure of such papers.

The Structure of a Personal Essay

When putting together a personal essay, pro essay writers, or you have to make sure it has an introduction, main body, and most importantly, a conclusion. Many personal essays are around 5 paragraphs long, however some can be longer or shorter than this. Everything should be okay as long as one puts these three main sections in their paper.

1. The introduction

This is all about captivating the reader and booking them in. You should give the reader a glimpse of what they should expect in the main body of your paper. Refrain from using any common clichés because your goal is to connect with the reader, not bore them with famous quotes.

2. The main body

This is regarded as what many professional essay writers call the meat of any paper and should be filled with personal evidence and points that support your thesis. You talk about the knowledge you’ve gained and some of the personal experiences you’ve been through that have made you see things how you do.

3. The conclusion

This is your chance to remind the reader of what you talked about in your paper and the moral of the story you’ve been telling. Sum up some of the things you want the reader to take away and also tell them why this paper means a lot to you

Useful Tips to Follow When Writing a Personal Growth Essay

1. come up with an outline.

Coming up with an essay outline will help you come up with the tone of the essay, as well as lay out some of the important points you want to add to your piece. With the important points laid out, you will be able to decide which ones will make it in your paper and which ones won’t. No matter the topic you decide to talk about, make sure it is one that has taught you a lesson or had a strong impact on your personal life.

2. Write a good introduction

An introduction makes or breaks many students’ essays or those written by an essay writing company because the goal is to hook the reader in and not make them lose interest. You have to create a good first impression because a boring introduction can mean boring content in some people’s eyes. Make it compelling by stating the thesis and using words that will tag your reader’s heartstrings. Let the reader know from the get-go what your piece will be about so they know what to expect and not be set up for disappointment.

3. Have a good body of work

This is just as important as the introduction because it is the meat of your essay. You need to provide your readers with as many details about your chosen topic as possible. Look at your thesis carefully and work around it when building up your personal essay.  You have to slowly guide your readers to the main points in your essay to keep them engaged.

4. Write to the point

Your piece should not be filled with filler content just for the sake of meeting the required word count. The point of the essay is to write about very important moments in your life, meaning that you have to write straight to the point and be specific. Don’t waste your reader’s time by adding unnecessary details because that will make your paper less engaging.

5. Write the conclusion

This is your chance to summarize everything you’ve spoken about in your essay and highlight the important message you want the reader to take to heart. You might add things in there that are controversial and unsettling for some people in your content, but ending on a high note always helps the reader see the brighter side of things as well as be inspired .

6. Proofread before submitting

On top of making sure that grammar and spellings are on point, you want to make sure that your message gets across perfectly. You can do this by proofreading your work to ensure the narrative flows how you want. One might have impressive writing skills, but going through content a few times before submitting helps highlight any mistakes one might have missed. You can also use websites like Grammarly, essay writing services, or enlist the help of a family member, classmates, or friend when it comes to proofreading.

Overall, a personal growth essay is content that describes what one has been through in their personal life. As a matter of fact, essay writing performance influences personal growth in a lot of ways. It talks about important events from the writer’s point of view and usually takes the form of an essay. They have a conversational tone to them, which allows the writer to connect to the person that is reading the content. The goal of this essay is to inspire, uplift, and educate someone while also making sure that the person reading it doesn’t make the same mistakes in life the writer did. A variety of topics can be covered in this type of essay which can range from surviving an abusive relationship, kicking a drug habit, family disputes, failing an important exam, and more. An event that changed you or inspired growth can be written as part of your personal growth essay.

How to Write a Cover Letter

What to look for in an investment company and birch gold reviews, related articles.

Discover Why Online Korean Tutors Are the Easiest Way to Learn Korean

Homework Stress: Now and Then

Essays Make Me Anxious: 5 Ways to Deal with Writing Anxiety

Teaching English Abroad: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• 720-279-7577

‹‹ BACK TO BLOG

Common App Essay Prompt 5 About a Period of Personal Growth

Mark montgomery.

• June 30, 2023

Write a Great Common App Essay on Personal Growth

Common App Essay Prompt 5 asks you to “discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.” If you’re looking to highlight your transformative journey, consider crafting a Common App essay on personal growth.

The best Common Application essays show how you have grown as a person over time and how you reflect on that personal growth. Great news: Common App essay prompt 5 makes it easy for you to do just that!

On its surface, this prompt seems to be asking about a specific moment in your life, and telling a story about a specific time will definitely help your essay come together. But really, this prompt wants a before-and-after. Tell the reader about one way you’ve grown as a person, and demonstrate that you are aware of that period of personal growth and able to reflect on it in a mature way. If you can do all that, you’re well on your way to writing a strong Common App essay!

Defining “Event, Accomplishment, or Realization,” “Period of Personal Growth,” and Other Keywords from Prompt 5

Period of Personal Growth and Understanding 

As we grow older, we find that in some situations we feel—or are treated—as children, while in other situations we feel more like adults. Sometimes this transition is subtle, as in how other adults begin to treat you with greater seriousness in restaurants, at the post office, and in other public  places. Sometimes, however, this transition can seem more abrupt, as in the day you get your driver’s license or register to vote for the first time. Religion often marks this transition (first communions, bar mitzvahs), as do particular cultures (quinceañeras, debutante balls). This prompt asks you to examine more closely  your own transition from childhood to adulthood. Granted, for all of us, this transition is slow and gradual (and frankly, sometimes even we are not sure we have completely transitioned to adulthood!). But no matter our age, religion, or culture, this transition is  punctuated by some memorable stories—stories that you are being asked to share with your  readers.  

Accomplishment or Event 

The transition to adulthood is marked by both accomplishments and events. An accomplishment  is something that you achieved through hard work. An event, on the other hand, is a happening in which you may have been more passive, but nonetheless marks a very important milestone in your life. Some of these accomplishments and events are formal (e.g., learning Hebrew and reciting the Torah before your congregation in a ceremony before your friends and family). Some of these  accomplishments and events are informal (e.g., you finally looked old enough that when you entered a restaurant with your parents, the hostess no longer gave you the kiddie menu). College admissions folks do not care so much about the exact nature of these accomplishments or events;  rather they care about how you tell an interesting story about your transition to adulthood. 

Realization 

Unlike an accomplishment or event, a realization can have no outward manifestation that others can see or experience. You may, instead, experience some sort of internal “Aha!” moment. Your  understanding changes. You see yourself—or others—in a completely new light. Perhaps you shared this realization with others, or perhaps it is one that is intensely private. But the change or transition is real, because it leads to a new and different understanding of yourself and the world  around you. 

At first glance, this prompt doesn’t seem to have a story at the heart of it. However, the focus is on a transition, which implies a description of “before” and “after” this event, accomplishment, or  realization. So you should retell the story briefly to help your reader understand the transition. As with the other prompts, you should then go on to put this event, accomplishment, or realization into a larger context. You need to interpret this story for your reader through analysis and synthesis. By focusing your “discussion” of what happened after this event, accomplishment, or realization, you can give your reader a sense of your increasing maturity and your priorities, values, and personality.  

Examples of Essays That Worked for Common App Essay on Personal Growth

We have worked with hundreds of students over the years, and many of them have written excellent essays about experiences that sparked a period of personal growth. Here are just a couple examples of students who successfully wrote about accomplishments, events, or realizations that sparked periods of growth.

Example One:

→The writer is a volunteer tutor in a Saturday program for refugee students. One day, one of the younger students asks the writer why he is helping them, and the writer explains that he is part of the Refugee Outreach Club at his school (a club the writer founded). The younger student bristles, saying that he is not a refugee since he was born in the US. The writer realizes that the younger student doesn’t want to be seen as a refugee, and that by using that term, the writer is alienating the younger student. The writer then thinks about how people in the US often view refugees as poor people in need of charity, rather than as respected peers and neighbors. The writer acts on these thoughts and begins making changes to his club and his approach, including using the phrase ‘new Americans’ rather than ‘refugees’ and coordinating social events like playing basketball between his classmates and the new Americans in order to foster genuine relationships.

→The event the writer highlights is quite simple: a three-line conversation between himself and another student. What makes this essay so successful is that the writer shows that he can think deeply about the connections between his personal life and the wider social and political landscape around him. He understands that the relationship he has with the younger student he tutors is a tiny example of the broader patterns experienced by refugees in the United States. Not only is the student able to articulate this realization,   but he pushes himself to grow and change his thoughts and his behavior accordingly.

Example Two:

→ As a freshman in high school, the writer tries to pursue both volleyball and modeling, two activities that speak to her values and interests in different ways. Her volleyball coach tells her to gain fifteen pounds of muscle to be a better player, while her modeling agency tells her to lose fifteen pounds in order to conform to the look they want. The student realizes that she can’t possibly meet both of those expectations at the same time. She chooses to quit modeling and pursue volleyball. Her team is quite successful throughout her high school career. More importantly, volleyball helps her solidify values like hard work, collaboration, and teamwork.

→In this essay, the writer successfully recounts a fairly narrow event (being given opposing demands by different activities and subsequently choosing one activity over the other). The writer then articulates a couple realizations she experiences as a result of this event. For one, you can’t please everyone and fit into all molds. Sometimes tradeoffs are required to find success. Secondly, while some change is necessary to grow, not all change is good or healthy. People should be intentional about the types of change they want to pursue. The writer is able to show how she parlays her new understanding into a period of growth in which she becomes more focused on her chosen activity and finds success, all while strengthening her values and her connection to those around her.

Avoiding Traps: Topics That Don’t Tend to Work for Common App Essay on Personal Growth

Like many of the Common App prompts, this one is quite broad, so many topics could work well for it. However, there are some pitfalls to be aware of. 

Avoid Writing About Other People

For this topic, you might be tempted to write about an interaction you had with a significant person in your life, such as a parent, grandparent, or teacher. There is nothing wrong with writing about such an interaction. However, writing about a relative or other mentor figure can quickly verge into an essay about someone else. If you find yourself filling your reader in on all the details of someone else’s life, that’s a strong sign that you are not actually writing about yourself. Of course it is okay to mention other people in your essay. However, make sure that you and your journey are at the heart of the essay. 

Avoid Topics That Are Very Commonly Done – Unless You Have a Unique Spin

Certain growing experiences are common to many American teenagers. For example, we have seen countless essays about students who get their driver’s license and then experience a period of increased independence. This topic fits the prompt and could be meaningful to you personally. However, because this is such a common experience, it will be very challenging to write about it in a way that allows you as an applicant to stand out…unless there was something unusual about your experience! Perhaps, for example, you are a student with a physical disability, and you were only able to get your license after a significant amount of work and help from others. Or maybe you are an undocumented student, and your driver’s license is the first piece of government ID that anyone in your family has had access to. In a unique case like that, writing about getting your driver’s license might actually allow you to showcase what makes you unique.

A similar case could be made for topics such as an impactful conversation with a grandparent, getting your first job, or winning (or losing) a big sporting event. Nothing is strictly off limits, but make sure that if you are relating a common experience, you have a very unique spin on it.

Stop Reading and Start Writing Your Common App Essay on Personal Growth

Essay prompt 5 will work best if you can focus on one moment in your life and use it as a jumping-off point to explore some sort of before-and-after. Tell a story about how you grew as a person, and reflect on how you think about that growth now and how that growth has helped you navigate your life or think about your future. Now get writing!

Need More Help Writing Your Common App Essay?

At Great College Advice, we offer a wide range of services designed to help students with every aspect of the college application process, including writing and revising their Common App essay. Our team of experienced counselors and writing coaches can provide personalized feedback, guidance, and support to help you craft an essay that is compelling, authentic, and effective.

Whether you need help generating ideas, organizing your thoughts, or polishing your final draft, we are here to help. We offer a variety of service packages to fit your specific needs and budget, including comprehensive application counseling, essay coaching, and hourly consultations.

Great College Advice has helped hundreds of students just like you write their Common Application Essays and submit college applications that they’re proud of. Learn more about how we can help you with your essays . We can help with the rest of your application , too! 

Additional Resources for Common App Essay Prompt 5

• In this informative video, Dr. Mark Montgomery dives into Common Application essay prompt 5 which focuses on discussing an accomplishment, event, or realization. With his expertise in college admissions and essay writing, he provides expert guidance on how to effectively approach this prompt and craft a compelling essay.

For additional writing help, check out our Common App Essay Series for in-depth guidance on various topics. Our expert tips and insights will help you showcase your unique experiences and perspectives in a compelling way. Whether you’re just starting your essay or simply refining it, our series is designed to help you every step of the writing process. Make your Common App Essay stand out!

• Common Application Essays: What are they?
• Writing about Background Story
• Writing About Failure
• Writing about Questioning Beliefs and Ideas
• Writing about a Period of Personal Growth
• Supplemental Essays
• Why Our College? – Supplemental Essay Question

Archive by Date

Recent posts.

• Four Benefits of Online College Counseling
• AP Scores and College Admissions
• An internship for my college application
• Cómo postularse a universidades de EE. UU. desde México: una guía básica
• How to Apply for US Universities From Mexico: Your Helpful Guide

Join our Facebook Group ›› Stay informed about college admissions trends and ask questions of experts who can give you Great College Advice.

Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, examples of personal growth essays for common app.

Hey everyone! I'm working on my essay for the Common App and I want to focus on personal growth. Does anyone know any good examples of personal growth essays that were successful? Would appreciate any advice or resources, thanks! 😊

Hello! It's great that you're focusing on personal growth for your Common App essay. Personal growth essays can be powerful and memorable ways to share your experiences with the admissions officers. Here are a few ideas and examples to get you started:

1. Overcoming a personal challenge: You could write about a time you faced a significant personal challenge, such as moving to a new city, dealing with a family issue, or struggling with mental health. The key is to focus on how you overcame the challenge and what you learned about yourself through that experience. For example, you could discuss how moving to a new city forced you to adapt, develop resilience, and learn to rely on your resourcefulness.

2. Discovering a passion or hobby: Share a story about how you discovered a new passion or hobby and how it has transformed your life or changed your outlook. For example, you could describe how joining your high school's robotics club ignited your interest in engineering and led you to take on leadership roles and participate in competitions, helping you develop essential teamwork and problem-solving skills.

3. Gaining perspective through travel or cultural experiences: If you've had the opportunity to travel or immerse yourself in a new culture, reflect on how those experiences contributed to your personal growth. For example, you could talk about your experiences volunteering in a different country and how it broadened your worldview or taught you about the importance of empathy and understanding in tackling global issues.

4. Developing empathy and understanding: Write about an experience where you gained deeper empathy and understanding for a person or group that you initially judged or misunderstood. For example, you could discuss how interacting with an autistic classmate grew your awareness of neurodiversity and the importance of individual accommodations in education.

To learn more about writing a personal growth essay, read this Common App prompt breakdown: https://blog.collegevine.com/common-app-prompt-five/

Remember, the most important part of a personal growth essay is to convey what you learned and how you changed as a result of the experience. Be genuine, reflective, and share your unique voice. Additionally, resources like CollegeVine's Essay Breakdowns and their Essay Guides can give you more insights and tips on writing successful essays. Good luck on your essay!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Essay on Personal Growth

Students are often asked to write an essay on Personal Growth in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Personal Growth

What is personal growth.

Personal growth means improving yourself, learning new things, and becoming a better person. It’s like when you play a video game and your character gets stronger and smarter. In real life, you grow by gaining new skills, being kind, and understanding others better.

Learning from Mistakes

Imagine you’re building a tower with blocks and it falls. You try again, but this time you use what you learned to make it stronger. That’s what happens when we make mistakes. We learn, and next time, we do better.

Setting Goals

Goals are like treasure maps for your life. They guide you to where you want to go. If you want to be good at math, you make a plan, study, and keep trying. Your goal helps you stay focused.

Being Brave

Growing often means trying things that scare you. It’s like the first time you ride a bike without training wheels. You might fall, but you get up and keep going. Being brave helps you grow a lot.

Helping Others

When you help friends, you grow too. You learn to be caring and to work with others. It’s like playing on a seesaw; it’s more fun when you’re both helping each other have a good time.

250 Words Essay on Personal Growth

Personal growth means getting better over time. It is like a plant that starts from a tiny seed and grows into a big tree. For people, it means learning new things, becoming stronger, and being a better person. It is not just about being smart in school, but also being kind, brave, and good at solving problems.

Why Personal Growth Matters

Growing as a person is important because it helps us face new challenges. Like when you learn to ride a bike, at first you fall, but you keep trying. Then one day, you can ride without help. This is personal growth. It helps you do things you couldn’t do before, like making friends or helping others.

How to Grow Personally

To grow, you need to try new things. It can be scary, but it’s like going on an adventure. When you read a new book, join a club, or play a new sport, you learn and become better. Also, when you make mistakes, don’t be sad. Mistakes are like clues that show you how to improve.

Personal Growth is a Journey

Remember, personal growth doesn’t happen in one day. It is a journey that takes time. Just like going on a long trip, you need to keep going even if it gets tough. Every day, try to be a little kinder, work a bit harder, and learn something new. This way, you will keep growing and one day, you’ll be amazed at how far you’ve come.

500 Words Essay on Personal Growth

Personal growth is like a journey where you learn more about who you are and what you can do. It’s about becoming a better person, not just in one way, but in many parts of your life, such as your emotions, your mind, your skills, and how you get along with other people.

Learning New Things

One part of personal growth is learning new things. This could mean going to school and doing well in your classes, but it’s not just about books and homework. It’s also about learning from the world around you. You might learn how to play a sport, cook a meal, or even how to be a good friend. When you learn something new, your brain grows stronger, just like your muscles do when you exercise.

Overcoming Challenges

Another important part of growing as a person is facing challenges. Think of a video game where each level gets a bit harder. In life, when you face a problem, it’s like you’re on a tough level in the game. But when you find a way to solve that problem, you move up to the next level in your own life. You become braver and smarter each time you overcome a challenge.

Setting goals is like drawing a map for your journey. You decide where you want to go, and then you figure out how to get there. Your goals could be small, like finishing a book, or big, like becoming a doctor. When you set a goal and reach it, you feel proud and happy, and you’re ready to set a new goal.

Building Good Habits

Good habits are actions you do regularly that are good for you. Brushing your teeth, going to bed on time, and saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ are all good habits. When you practice good habits, they help you grow without you even thinking about it. It’s like having a helper inside you that makes sure you’re always moving forward.

Being Kind to Yourself and Others

Personal growth isn’t just about what you can do; it’s also about how you treat yourself and others. Being kind means being friendly, caring, and helpful. When you’re kind to yourself, you feel good inside. When you’re kind to others, you make friends and spread happiness. Being kind helps everyone grow together.

Everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone learns from them. When something goes wrong, it’s easy to feel sad or mad. But if you look at your mistakes and try to understand what went wrong, you can learn. This helps you do better next time. Learning from mistakes is a big part of growing up.

Personal growth is an adventure that never ends. As long as you keep learning, facing challenges, setting goals, building good habits, being kind, and learning from your mistakes, you’ll continue to grow. And the best part is, you can start right now, no matter how old you are or where you are in life. It’s never too late to grow!

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Personal Goals
• Essay on Personal Experience In Art
• Essay on Personal Culture

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Entertainment
• Environment
• Information Science and Technology
• Social Issues

Home Essay Samples Life

Essay Samples on Personal Growth and Development

Community service: the synthesis of societal progress and personal growth.

The tapestry of society is woven with myriad threads, each representing diverse pursuits, challenges, and endeavors. Among these threads, community service stands out as a beacon of altruism and societal progress. Through various academic studies, personal narratives, and historical references, it becomes evident that community...

• Community Service
• Personal Growth and Development

Personal Reflection About How to Find True Passion in Learning

Is there we could learn from others? How can I help others/myself learn? As we all know humans are better than the other animals at learning from each other. We must always take benefit of this power and learn from as many people as we...

Growing A Grit And Growth Mindset

In today's society, there is a belief that intelligence is tied to GPA. There is a stereotype about intelligence. It is the idea that you are either smart or not smart. You either understand it or you do not. What happens if you are between?...

• Intelligence

Why I Want To Be A Nurse And My Future Plans

A family nurse practitioner is a trained person in the field of nursing that majors in looking at the wellbeing of a patient either a child or adult based on family context. The aim of this research is to focus on seven main key points,...

• Why I Want To Be A Nurse

The Role of Personal Development Planning Today

The essay deals with the PKSC module experiences that reflect on the academic study. Here, the different lectures are guided regarding the reflection that ensure the personal development. The other skills are mentioned research skills, digital skills, reading skills and MS office skills. Besides, the...

• Personal Development Planning
• Personal Goals

Stressed out with your paper?

Consider using writing assistance:

• 100% unique papers
• 3 hrs deadline option

Do What Makes You Believe: Standing Up For What You Believe In

We all know that every person has its own different beliefs as they experience it, specially from the places or culture they have been through that has been past through out the different generation. It may be different from the usual happenings but it still...

Building Capacity: Improving Your Skills

On behalf of Access Community Services Limited, which is one of Australia’s foremost multinational, Non- Governmental Organizations and has more than thirty years of experience in the provision of employment, training, youth support services, opportunities for migrants and refugees, and empowerment of the women as...

Sports And Life Experiences And How They Shape The Person You Are Today

Over time, people have begun to believe sports shape people poorly, they’ll say that it makes the player arrogant, cocky, and even rude, but what if I told you they were completely wrong? What if I told you sports changed your personality for the better?...

• Competitive Sports
• Individual Identity

Never Quit Or Give Up: Personal Story Of Not Stopping

It was a bright Saturday morning at the fields I was seven years old and all that was going through my head was “just quit, you’re not good” and I think “just go home and watch tv.” The thoughts just kept continuing and now I...

• Never Give Up

Benefits Of Being Open Minded And Tolerant To Other People

As we grow up, we are told to keep an open mind, as it is equated with growth and positivity. It helps people find opportunities, take risks, manage uncertainty, and understand other people. However, there are certain events in our lives which make us close-minded....

Fun Hobbies And Interests That Can Enrich Your Life

Summer’s finally here! After all those exams, research papers and group projects, it’s finally time for a well-deserved, long break. I’m sure you’ve already made plans to fill up your time during this vacation. That’s great. Have some sun and fun travelling to interesting places...

• Positive Psychology

Important Info To Know About Hobbies And Interests

The realm of interests includes some thing for anyone. There is no fascination or expertise so imprecise that we now have no other people to discuss it with. So, think about something that you love to learn about or would love to discover how to...

Growing Up: The Same Person That You Were 5 Years Ago

What causes a person to change? Could it be a person's age, physical appearance, their mindset? Even if these things change does that necessarily mean a person themself is changing? Is it still that same person if everything about them is different from when they...

My Personal Responsibility: Taking Responsibility For Your Actions

First of all, I have a personal responsibility to know who I am, what I can do and what I want in my life. What's going to help me set my goals, know the strategies I'm going to use, and know how to fight for...

• Personal Beliefs
• Responsibility

The Significance Of Philosophy In My Personal Philosophy Of Life

Philosophy “love of wisdom”, the study of knowledge an activity some people take part in when they seek to understand fundamental truths about themselves, the world they live in, and their relationships to the world and to each other. As an academic discipline philosophy is...

• Personal Philosophy

Being In National Honor Society: What Makes Me A Good Candidate

When my parents placed a for sale sign in what used to be our front yard, I lost the sense of feeling at home. Our dining table was no longer used for sharing a warm, hot meal on ceramic, detailed plates. Instead, it was used...

• National Honor Society

Du Bois And His Theoretical Contributions As What I Learned In Sociology

Introduction For this paper, I have chosen to write about Du Bois and the historical issues, theoretical contributions, and the contemporary relevance of his sociological work. Du Bois was very influential in the sociological field, he gathered a wide range of theoretical ideas and embedded...

Defining Sociology: What I Learned In Sociology

What is sociology? Sociology defined by the Oxford dictionary states that it is ‘the study of development, structure, and functioning of human society’. Or to make it simple the study of society and social problems. Many things make up sociology. Three major Sociological perspectives are...

Personal Idea Of Real Self And Striving To Be Ideal Self

As the name suggests, the ideal self refers to the characteristics a person wants to have (Przybylski et al. 2012) - this could be in all aspects of self, including appearance, personality, lifestyle, etc. A match between a person’s ideal and actual self-concepts has been...

• Being Yourself
• Personality

Incorporating A Growth Against Fixed Mindset In Education

Good morning! I need you guys to shake that feeling of tiredness and give me your undivided attention. Don't worry I will make it worth your while, just stay with me. I would like to start with a couple of statements, I want you to...

• Growth Mindset

Hard Work Over Talent As The Key To Success

The one vast element of being’s civilization is the conception of the equal opportunity. The notion that some of us are given more capacity than others is a general problem globally, as most of people take that, as human kind, all people are supposed to...

How Hard Work Beats Talent When It Comes To Success

Colin Powell once said “A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” No one has ever achieved their dream through wishing upon it, although many have tried. To ever achieve you’re aspersions you must put your all into it....

Learning Patience And Its Importance In Life

How to learn patience when you don't see what you want to happen materialize in your life. You make an effort, but you would like it to go anyway faster! Here are some ways to allow time for things to build naturally: Everything you learn...

• Relationship

Fixed Mindset Vs. Growth Mindset: What Characteristic Leads To Success 

Remembering an unforgettable quote I have read from a book called “Life, the Truth, and Being Free” by Steve Maraboli, like a miracle, it has played a significant role on changing my mind and the way to choose to face the obstacles. “Once your mindset...

Motivation Letter On Abolishing Mental Slavery And Becoming Open-minded

Imagine that you have to talk about other people's gestures on talk, where you try to reveal the originality that you get a sharp scolding. In such a situation, the mind does not get matured. All his originality is destroyed and corrupted. That mind becomes...

• Mental Health
• Mental Slavery

Ultimate Values Of Human Life In The Movie The Ultimate Gift

Have you ever met a spoiled kid with no concept of work or any other type important ethics? In the movie The Ultimate Gift, this happens. The Ultimate Gift is a movie about a spoiled young adult, Jason, whose grandfather passed away. The man expects...

• Values of Life

Character Journey and Development of Tsitsi from the Novel Nervous Conditions

“The victimisation I saw was universal.” The bildungsroman Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga functions as a feminist novel which aims to unravel the nuances and incongruencies of the traditional Shona culture and the Western colonial modernity in alignment with Tambudzai’s progressive character development. This essay...

• Nervous Conditions

Goals and Purposes of the Wilderness Programs

To begin, multiple options have been made to provide therapeutic interventions for at risk youth like wilderness experience programs. According to Ruddell and Thomas, wilderness experience programs can include adventure-based therapy, wilderness therapy, outdoor behavioral healthcare, experimental learning, or education and wilderness boot camps (Ruddell...

• Development

Born to Run: Learning Not to Give Up in a Race

With shaky knees, I hesitantly made my way across the field. The moment of truth was on me. With the back of my hand, I brushed away the remaining salty tears from my face. The official times of the girls who qualified for state were...

• Personal Strengths
• Track and Field

Gratitude: Knowledge of Giving Thanks in Life

To take things for granted is a very human attitude. In general, it is difficult for us to appreciate what we are used to. There is a mechanism in us that makes us live, unconsciously, with great greed for novelty. Yes, as soon as this...

The Insights Brought to the Personal Identity in Literature

Reading fiction and poems were not always my favorite activities. In the last couple of months, after reading through various poems and stories, introduced to me a wider and unknown perspective of human character, of the disparity of the social class and various forms of...

• To His Coy Mistress

Pragmatism’s Take on Education and Learning

Introduction Pragmatism is a philosophical tradition that began in the US. Charles Sanders Peirce is often regarded as the Father of Pragmatism. Pragmatism revolves around the concept of accepting practical solutions rather than ideological ones. Pragmatists believe in change, rather than sticking to the idealist...

The Definition Person of Substance

We may be considered a fully-grown adult today. However, we are still in the process of learning how to navigate the world and interact with the places and people within it. And during this interaction we meet with all kinds of people. There are some...

• Helpful Person

Analysis of Subtext and Characters from the Anime Movie Spirited Away

The subtext of Spirited Away is when Hayao Miyazaki said that the inspiration for the story came from meeting the sullen 10-year-old daughter of a friend and his desire to make a film that would give her some useful lessons. These lessons provide us with...

• Spirited Away

Overview of the Education Programms at The Hutton House

The Hutton House is a place where people with developmental needs can attend for a variety of programs. They have programs for fitness, adult education, artworks, daybreak and life works. The Hutton House does service a thousand different individuals that have developmental disabilities. These programs...

• Adult Education Program

Application of the François Truffaut’s Auteur Theory to Mel Gibson's Filmography

Historic overview Mel Gibson was born in January of 1956 to Hutton and Anne Gibson who were“staunch Catholics” (Peter Carrick, 1998, pg.18) which became the main focus of Gibson’s upbringing and then his creative direction as director. As Carrick (1998, pg.19) also said “The children...

Childhood Memory That Shaped Me as a Person

We all have childhood memories that we hold dear to us. These memories are what get us through the dark days and cheer us to keep going. Imagine how it would be if we lost those childhood memories. It would be sad because we would...

• Childhood Memories

Comparison of Me from My Childhood Memories and How I Changed Through Years

Childhood. We say that this is the happiest time of life. But we begin to appreciate it only when it passes or has already gone away for good. Growing up, we begin to evaluate the world around us and people in a different way. We...

Movies and Screenplays that Influenced My Work on My Own Storyboard

My chosen brief was to establish and develop a single character. The protagonist I used was female and I decided to develop this character. The screenplay and storyboard I created called ‘Apart’ is about the loss of a relationship and the reminiscent aspect people go...

Character Transformation of Dunstan Ramsay in Fifth Business

Experiences are something that can change a person's life for the better or for the worse. In the novel Fifth Business, written by Robertson Davies, the main character Dunstan Ramsay encounters many experiences that shape him into the person the reader knows by the end...

• Fifth Business

The Personal Growth of Achilles in Iliad

From the begging of The Iliad, the character Achilles is played out to be a very petty, haughty, and vengeful character. Throughout the book Achilles can seem to be a little rude but towards the end he seems to have matured and can be seen...

Integration of Diversity in Social Studies 

One of the most interesting perspectives and theories I have read in this class was proposed to us by Postman(1995), the idea of a “school-god narrative” (p. ). The idea of school is like that of a Church, except not in the traditional religious setting...

Personal Perspective on Mindset: How You Can Fulfil Your Potential

I chose to read this book because of the reviews and recommendations I got for it, and because of the author, ms. Carol Dweck, which is a Stanford University’s psychologist. The research behind this book is enormous so the amount of knowledge inside is trusted....

• Self Awareness

Dancing in the 1920’s Compared to Dancing Now

“Dancers are the athletes of God”. 'Good morning/afternoon honourable judges, teachers, staff, parents, and fellow students'. That quote was made by Albert Einstein. As u know Albert Einstein is scientist but he did love dance. Dancing is considered a sport that allows you to express...

• Competition

The Question of What It Means to Be a Human

The whole question of what it means to be human can de defined in many different ways. The overall idea of humanity is constantly being bounced around between a variety of perspectives, trying to understand what the life we live in means. To me, I...

• Human Nature

Personal Growth in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a bildungsroman novel written by Mark Twain that tells us a series of events that happen to a boy from the south of the United States who lives in a town near the Mississippi River. A bildungsroman is a...

How The JROTC Program Helps Me To Put My Leadrship Skills in Use

I have a very tight-knit family, and we believe in giving back to our community and our country. At a very young age, I began to assume leadership and teaming roles. In school, I have or am currently performing as the Team Member/Middle Hitter, Stockbridge...

How the Power of Gratitude Can Change Your Life

To have a healthier heart we must relax and learn to value the little things and value what we have in its rightful measure. Lao Tzu left us a phrase that should make us reflect: 'gratitude is the memory of the heart'. The power of...

• Personal Qualities

Living with Gratitude: Opening the Door for Self-Improvement

Gratitude Living: More often than not, we find ourselves going through life with a lot of anxiety, stress, sadness and hurt and mostly for things that are beyond our control. In the present world, it seems that we are all in a craze to achieve...

The Role of Volunteering in Community and Personal Development

Introduction The objective of this literature review is to attempt to discuss on the topic of “Volunteering”. In the early years to the present day, there are many studies that are related to this area. This dissertation will go through a much more comprehensive literature...

• Helping Others
• Volunteering

Properly Dealing with Adversity to Meet Challenges Life Throws at You with Resilience

“I never lose. I either win or learn.'' These words that Nelson Mandela said should be true for everyone. He suggests that we shouldn’t view adversity as a bad thing but instead view it as an opportunity. If we view adversity as an opportunity then...

Adversity, a Harsh Path Towards Personal Development

While adversity is never longed for by anyone, perseverance during pain or a trial will result in personal development. The famous Roman poet Horace phrased this idea as, “Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant.” Examples of...

The Importance of Facing Adversity and Using It as an Opportunity to Grow

There is adversity and challenge in life. The question isn’t whether you are faced with adversity or not. You’re going to meet adversity but how are you going to face it? Take all the energy you want to use towards giving up and divert it...

Neo Confucianism: Ethical and Personal Growth

Confucianism seems to have been one of the major thoughts and ideas for 2000 years in conventional Chinese culture, and has been leaving a great effect on Chinese culture, economy, politics, and social psychology. However, with communist took over in 1949, Marxism ideology has replaced...

• Confucianism

How To Develop Your Skills

Everyone wants to have a fulfilling career. But, why do you think you need to have it? and why always the successful people want to develop themselves and their skills more. Developing skills is great thing to do, it will help in our life, in...

Re-thinking My Personal Development Theory

The study of this article that I found that caught my attention is Re-thinking Youth Suicide: culture, and Power, by Jennifer White and Michael, Summer 2014. In this article it examines, the resource for re-thinking youth suicide is Sociocultural and a political issue. Social and...

Maturity And Myself: Key Aspects That Affects Me

There are three critical perspectives that play a noteworthy run in my life. They can be arranged as scholarly, social, and profound. My scholarly self is intriguing in light of the fact that I am predominantly right-brained which implies that I tend to utilize my...

• Self Reflection

Computer Science – An Area To Realise My Potential

The catalyst for my my interest in computer science was found back in year nine, when I discovered Apple’s Swift programming language and the iOS development frameworks. Armed with these, I devoured hours upon hours of lectures and programming talks and undertook multiple personal projects....

• Computer Science

Self-Assessment Of The Principals And Practices Of Personal Effectiveness

Introduction The aim of this assignment is to submit a piece of written work that demonstrates my understanding of the principals and practices of personal effectiveness which include: Self-awareness Time management Goal setting Stress management Positive management Reflection and evaluation of learning. For all of...

The Place of Culture In Personal Development

Culture, religion, and gender in my opinion play a big role in who we are as people. They shape our morals and why we act and do the things we do. If any of these three things were different, it could drastically change someone’s life....

• Sociological Imagination

Identifying Personality by Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and Using Adlerian Techniques for Treatment

Part 1 The results of my MBTI assessment are: Extravert: I was at nine percent which means I have a slight preference of Extraversion over Introversion. Sensing: I was at forty four percent which means I have moderate preference of Sensing over Intuition. Thinking: I...

Challenges Are Opportunities Or Obstacle

Difficulties are a piece of regular day to day existence. They make us more grounded and without them life turns out to be to some degree unimportant in light of the fact that we don't have anything to contrast the great circumstances with. These difficulties...

Creating Personal Evolution Through Mindfulness And Self Love

What is keeping you from achieving your goals or overcoming a situation or obstacle? Is it the fear of taking yourself out of your comfort zone to make a drastic change; even if you know it is for the better? A lot of us may...

• Human Evolution
• Personal Life

Dealing With Failures & Mistakes

How to deal with failures and mistakes We all fail sometimes. Failure is an integral part of a human being’s reality. Whenever I fail at something, I go through these basic sequences. Accept the fault. The hardest thing about failing is learning to fully and...

• Personal Experience

How I Reached The Perfection I Had Always Wanted

“Good afternoon class! Please clear off your desk and get out a pen or pencil. ” It was only after I had run across the building that I heard this phrase, feared by so many. It is this phrase that is so often used to...

How I See Myself Engaging In And Contributing To Team Fuqua

Growing up, my parents taught me that in order to go far in life, I needed to learn from the people around me - from my bosses and colleagues to my classmates. Inadvertently, these people became my extended family, still are, and we have learned,...

Liberal Self Improvement Vs. Fascist Self Mastery

As the decayed edifice of modernity moves along on to its natural conclusion, more and more young men are finding their souls hollowed out inside. Thus they are seeking something more, therefore it's no surprise that apparent inspirational figures like Jordan B Peterson are becoming...

Main Steps Towards Sharpening Your Talents

"To ignore your talent, is to ignore God in your life. To attempt to succeed apart from your talent, is to insult the wisdom of God. He made things that way. Every person on this planet is talented and you are not exempted, believe me...

The Main Drivers of My Fascination of Mathematics

One of the most striking aspects of mathematics for me is how something so seemingly abstract can have such a major purpose in the inner mechanisms of the universe. For example, which number, when multiplied by itself, is -1? By inspection, you can see that...

• Mathematics in Everyday Life

My Interest In The Internal Medicine Residency Program

I am writing this letter to express my genuine interest in the Internal Medicine Residency program at the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). Upon researching thoroughly, it’s clear that you’re looking for a candidate that is extremely familiar with the responsibilities associated with this role and...

The Impact Produced By Ml Techniques In Practice During The Past Decade

The reviewed article makes a thorough analysis of the impact produced by ML techniques in practice during the past decade. One of the central directions of the work is the classification of the present jobs or skills as “SML” or “not (yet) SML”. At the...

The Importance Of Living On Purpose

By world standard, Jesus should be regarded a failure. No material possession, no wife, and died at 33, an age most people would term too early to die. Guess what? For living his purpose, more than two thousand years after his death, the world has...

The Principles Of Self-Discipline

Being a self-directed person means following autonomous methods of learning to be successful, following our own terms or preferred ways. One of these methods, which I believe to be of great importance, is taking initiative in wanting to do and learn something new, and continue...

The Use Of Essay Writing Skills In Real Life

Subsequently, um, we Hate to confess it, nonetheless, newspaper writing is equally very important. Nearly all of the second we urge the standpoint as analysis papers and books, along with the best way to writing them have a number of pitfalls. However, admit that school...

• Writing Experience

Applying the Benefit of the Doubt in Order to Live a Happier Life

Walk outside on a clear night and look up at the sky. There are thousands of stars piercing through a blanket of darkness. Due to human nature, we are full of assumptions. One of them being that the stars we see are actually there. But...

Analysis Of My Growth Through The Lens Of Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory And Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Theory

A theory is an interrelated, coherent set of ideas that help to explain phenomena and facilitate predictions. As Santrock rightly explained, it is difficult, if not impossible for any child to grow strictly through the lens of just one kind of theory. The eclectic theoretical...

• Erik Erikson

Best topics on Personal Growth and Development

1. Community Service: The Synthesis of Societal Progress and Personal Growth

2. Personal Reflection About How to Find True Passion in Learning

3. Growing A Grit And Growth Mindset

4. Why I Want To Be A Nurse And My Future Plans

5. The Role of Personal Development Planning Today

6. Do What Makes You Believe: Standing Up For What You Believe In

7. Building Capacity: Improving Your Skills

8. Sports And Life Experiences And How They Shape The Person You Are Today

9. Never Quit Or Give Up: Personal Story Of Not Stopping

10. Benefits Of Being Open Minded And Tolerant To Other People

11. Fun Hobbies And Interests That Can Enrich Your Life

12. Important Info To Know About Hobbies And Interests

13. Growing Up: The Same Person That You Were 5 Years Ago

14. My Personal Responsibility: Taking Responsibility For Your Actions

15. The Significance Of Philosophy In My Personal Philosophy Of Life

• Perseverance
• Fear of Failure
• Someone Who Inspires Me

Need writing help?

You can always rely on us no matter what type of paper you need

*No hidden charges

100% Unique Essays

Absolutely Confidential

Money Back Guarantee

By clicking “Send Essay”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement. We will occasionally send you account related emails

You can also get a UNIQUE essay on this or any other topic

Thank you! We’ll contact you as soon as possible.

Essay Writing as a Tool for Self-Reflection and Personal Growth

T raditionally, essay writing was seen as an academic exercise, but not anymore. An essay is a piece of writing that is written to convince someone of something or to inform the reader about a particular topic. As students write essays, they introspect and learn at the same time. They understand that the essay writing process is not just about forming arguments or persuading readers; it is also a powerful mechanism for self-discovery. By articulating thoughts and emotions on paper, you better understand your perspectives and experiences.

Writing essays encourages writers to confront their inner thoughts, beliefs, and values. This confrontation is not always comfortable. Many of you already know this fact. However, the process is invariably enlightening. Through the structured thinking that essay writing demands, individuals can explore and organize their thoughts in ways other forms of reflection might not allow.

This process often leads to a deeper understanding of oneself. And not just that; it’s crucial for personal development. A 2019 study found that expressive writing has been shown to improve emotional and physiological health. Besides, the iterative nature of writing, that is, drafting, revising, and refining, mirrors the iterative process of personal growth. What does this premise mean? Well, self-awareness leads to new insights, which then lead to further questions and exploration.

But not everyone can write a compelling essay. Even the most talented writers can struggle with some topics. However, did you know that professional essay writers can help you with your paper? These experts specialize in specific disciplines and can provide subject-specific, content-savvy papers that surpass your expectations. And if you are not very conversant with writing an essay, rest assured that they will convince you or be adequately informed.

All in all, an essay must include several important components to make it flow logically. Its main parts (or sections) are the introduction, body, and conclusion. In a standard short essay, five paragraphs can provide the reader with enough information in a short space. However, more than five paragraphs must be present for a research paper or dissertation to not overwhelm the reader with too much information in one section.

Moreover, essay writing is a tool for emotional intelligence. Yes, you read that right. It offers a safe space for writers to express and manage their feelings. You often find clarity and a sense of relief as you translate complex emotions into words. The reflective practice of writing helps individuals cope with past experiences and prepares them for future challenges by building resilience and adaptability. Thus, the benefits of essay writing are vast. The following is a list of how essay writing is a tool for self-reflection and personal growth.

How Essay Writing is a Tool for Self-Reflection and Personal Growth

Essay writing can be the bridge between internal exploration and external expression. But how so? This practice allows individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, translating introspection into tangible form. As you articulate your experiences and viewpoints, you engage in a dialogue with yourself, which fosters emotional growth.

• Enhances self-awareness : As previously mentioned, writing essays requires self-examination, which can significantly increase self-awareness. When you choose topics that resonate personally, you’re prompted to reflect on your beliefs, behaviors, and motivations. This process helps you understand yourself, highlights areas for improvement, and reaffirms your core values.
• Cultivates empathy : A recent study on the importance of writing practice showed statistically significant increases in various aspects of empathy, such as reasoning, including multiple perspectives, expressing emotion, and proposals for action, and statistically significant increases in empathy as a latent construct. When crafting essays, writers often explore different perspectives and consider alternative viewpoints. This exercise can cultivate empathy, as it encourages them to understand and articulate feelings and situations from other people’s points of view.
• Promotes critical thinking : Like any other form of academic writing, essay writing compels students to think critically about their experiences and the world around them. But the question is: how so? It involves analyzing one’s thoughts and questioning existing beliefs. This process can lead to new insights and a more informed perspective. Besides, critical examination helps you develop a more mature understanding of complex situations.
• Improves communication skills : Strong writing skills contribute to effective communication. Regular essay writing hones one’s ability to convey thoughts clearly and effectively. In fact, this point is scientifically proven. Essay writing helps individuals learn how to express their ideas in a structured, coherent, and persuasive manner.
• Facilitates emotional healing : We cannot emphasize this point enough. Writing about personal experiences, especially traumatic ones, can be therapeutic. Yes, you read that right. Putting emotions into words helps people process and make sense of their experiences.
• Encourages mindfulness : Writing promotes mindfulness, or present-moment awareness, and its associated qualities of calm/relaxation, nonjudgment, and intentionality. The focus required in essay writing can promote mindfulness. By concentrating on the present moment and the task of articulating thoughts, you can experience a calming effect, reducing anxiety and enhancing your overall mental health.
• Strengthens problem-solving abilities : Students’ problem-solving skill is heavily influenced by the learning process in the classroom. Essays often explore solutions to problems. They can involve real-world problems that trigger learning and optimize the power of problems to incorporate key learning processes. This aspect requires writers to think strategically about possible solutions, weighing pros and cons and considering outcomes.

Improve Your Writing Skills

For students, most of your assessments are done through writing. You will be asked to write essays for assignments and exams in most study areas. Accordingly, knowing how to write well is suitable for your grades. But there are other personal benefits as well. It can be a tool for personal growth and self-reflection. Essay writing can transform your understanding of yourself and the world around you.

The Racine County Eye, which includes the Kenosha Lens, is your source for local news that serves our diverse communities. Subscribe today to stay up-to-date with local news.

Follow us on Facebook: Racine County Eye or Kenosha Lens to make sure you get the latest news.

Racine County Eye and Kenosha Lens – Journalism that serves.

101 Personal Growth Examples

Personal growth is the process in which an individual recognizes and maximizes their own potential.

For instance, a person may seek to improve their communication skills (a facet of personal growth) by participating in public speaking workshops over a period of time.

Personal growth is a continuous and lifelong process, often marked by periods of rapid personal development followed by periods of slower growth, much like the physical growth from infancy to adulthood (Johnson & Swanson, 2016).

The personal growth process entails the development and enhancement of various aspects of life, including but not limited to:

• Career Growth: Career growth pertains to the progression and advancement in one’s professional life. It entails acquiring new skills, achieving high performance in current roles, and moving upward in professional responsibilities (Ng, Eby, Sorensen, & Feldman, 2010). An example of career growth could be a junior software developer who hones their coding expertise over time, eventually leading a team of developers. Career growth is not just about upward mobility; it’s about doing work that is fulfilling, challenging, and aligned with personal interests and values.
• Intellectual Growth: Intellectual growth involves the expansion of knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and cognitive skills . It can occur formally through education or informally through self-directed learning and reasoned experience (Ramsden, 2015). For example, you might take online courses on philosophy, triggering deeper questioning and critical examination of life’s profound questions.
• Emotional Growth: Emotional growth refers to the maturation of emotional responses and the strengthening of emotional intelligence (Brackett, Rivers, & Salovey, 2011). A person growing emotionally might learn how to manage anger more effectively or become better at expressing feelings in a healthy manner. Emotional growth fosters better interpersonal relationships, self-awareness, and psychological resilience.
• Moral Growth : Moral growth signifies the development of your ethical understanding, values, and behavior (Nucci, 2014). It includes the cultivation of virtues such as honesty, integrity, and empathy. For instance, an individual might reflect on an unfair action they have taken and decide to apologize and rectify the mistake, demonstrating moral growth. By refining our moral compass, you may enhance your sense of justice, empathy, and social responsibility.

Personal Growth Examples

1. Cultivating a Growth Mindset : When you cultivate a growth mindset, you’re building the inner belief that your abilities and intelligence can be developed over time (Dweck, 2010). Embracing such a mindset provides a pathway for maximum self-improvement . It also promotes lifelong learning , with the recognition that you can always improve and become a better you. This means embracing the thought, “I can’t do it…yet,” rather than “I can’t do it.”

2. Developing Leadership Skills : Leadership skills can include the ability to guide, inspire, and influence others toward achieving a common goal (Van Vugt, Hogan, & Kaiser, 2008). They might be important indicators of personal growth if you’re going for a promotion. These skills include abilities like decision-making, communication, delegating tasks, and fostering team spirit.

3. Engaging in Volunteer Work: Volunteering allows you to contribute to your communities while fostering empathy and understanding (Wilson, 2012).  Doing volunteer work, such as serving food in a soup kitchen, can allow you to connect with diverse backgrounds, widens their perspective, and therefore nourish your empathy and social conscience.

4. Nurtiring Self-Compassion: Self-compassion involves acknowledging your own shortcomings and treating yourself with kindness despite failures (Neff, 2011). Instead of harsh self-criticism, self-compassion offers a balanced approach to dealing with personal flaws and failures. For instance, if you fail at a job interview, self-compassion would entail understanding that failure is part of human experience and does not reflect your overall worth. This, obviously, is good for your mental health.

5. Overcoming Fears: Fear often deters us from exploring our full capabilities (Öhman, 2008). Overcoming fears means confronting what scares us, be it fear of heights, public speaking, or failure. Overcoming fear is a telltale sign of personal growth To overcome fear, you might intentionally and gradually expose yourself to the fearful situation in a process called systematic desensitization . For example, someone afraid of heights might start by climbing a short ladder, then moving to a two-story building, and so forth. Such bravery encourages psychological resilience and enables exploration of unknown territories, hence fostering personal growth.

6. Improving Time Management: If you’re trying to demonstrate personal growth to an employer, this one’s perfect. When done successfully, time management enhances productivity, mitigates stress, and unveils avenues for growth – all things your employer loves to see. An example of improved time management could be an individual employing a systematized daily planner or a digital application. This system aids in organizing tasks, creates reminders for deadlines, and consequently opens up time for self-development, relaxation, and recreation.

7. Adopting Healthy Habits: Healthy habits can totally change your life, leading to huge personal growth (Lippke, Nigg, & Maddock, 2012). They may help you lose weight, sleep better, have more energy, wake earlier, and so on. For instance, an individual might opt to consume five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. By doing this, the individual improves their physical health, enhances their immune system, and acquires necessary energy for undertaking other personal growth initiatives.

8. Cultivating Humility: Humility, a vital attribute of personal growth, involves acknowledging our limitations and displaying a lessened level of arrogance (Exline & Hill, 2012). The development of humility occurs through the getting of wisdom and growing as a person. In real-world terms, a humble person acknowledges errors or mistakes, an act that catalyzes learning and cultivates interpersonal relationships.

9. Pursuing Passions: Passionate engagement in activities increases joy, reduces stress, and augments motivation, thereby contributing to personal growth (Vallerand & Houlfort, 2019). Allocating time to pursue hobbies or other passions can lead to the acquisition of new abilities and experiences. For instance, a person with a zeal for painting can foster creativity, hone focus, and derive deep satisfaction—elements imperative for personal growth.

10. Developing a Sense of Purpose: The possession of a life-purpose instills a sense of direction, and fortifies motivation, resilience, and satisfaction (Steger, 2012). Identifying this purpose—be it nurturing a family, building a career, or serving the community— gives life meaning and direction. An illustration of this can be an individual who discerns their purpose in educating and empowering others. This realized purpose provides both fulfillment and the impetus for continued personal growth.

11. Understanding Personal Values : Personal values are profound beliefs that shape behavior and provide a guide for decision-making (Hitlin & Piliavin, 2019). Having a true understanding of personal values, whether they be honesty, integrity, or kindness, helps an individual align their actions with their beliefs. For example, a person who values honesty might prioritize transparent communication, improving their relationships with others. Thus, by understanding personal values, individuals can lead a more authentic and fulfilling life.

12. Understanding Personal Biases: Personal biases, conscious or unconscious, can significantly distort our perspectives (Greenwald, Poehlman, Uhlmann, & Banaji, 2009). Developing an understanding of these biases allows us to challenge their influence over our decisions and actions. If someone identifies a bias against a particular group, they might purposefully educate themselves about that group and interact more with its members. Therefore, recognizing and addressing personal biases fertilifies our dealings with others, advancing personal growth.

13. Learning About Mental Health: Mental health awareness is a cornerstone of personal development (Kutcher, Wei, & Coniglio, 2016). By learning about mental health, people can better understand their emotional experiences, recognize signs of mental distress and seek appropriate help, either for themselves or others. For instance, a person studying about the symptoms of depression might realize a friend’s struggles and suggest they seek professional help. In this way, learning about mental health promotes not only self-growth but also the welfare of others.

14. Learning to Deal with Rejection: Life presents instances of rejection in various forms, such as not getting a job or a breakup (Buckley, Winkel, & Leary, 2004). Knowing how to cope with rejection in a healthy way reduces its negative impact and promotes resilience. After a job rejection, one might evaluate their application process for possible improvements, providing a growth opportunity for future applications. This demonstrates how dealing with rejection rather than avoiding it leads to self-improvement.

15. Encouraging a Work-Life Balance : Achieving the right balance between work and personal life positively affects mental health and satisfaction (Michel, Kotrba, Mitchelson, Clark, & Baltes, 2011). Striking a fruitful equilibrium could involve setting boundaries to disconnect from work during personal time, such as turning off work notifications after office hours. Encouraging a work-life balance nurtures personal well-being and enhances productivity, ultimately leading to substantial personal growth.

16. Building Conflict Resolution Skills: Conflict is inherent in all spheres of life. Therefore, developing skills to resolve conflicts amicably is a significant element of personal growth (Deutsch, Coleman, & Marcus, 2011). Conflict resolution skills involve active listening , empathy, problem-solving, and negotiation. For instance, during a heated disagreement, someone might employ active listening, aiming to understand the other party’s perspective, before proposing a solution. This practice encourages a positive outcome, which not only preserves the relationship but also expands an individual’s emotional intelligence and communication skills . 

17. Cultivating the Habit of Reading: Reading is a powerful conduit of personal growth that can stimulate intellect, broaden horizons, and encourage empathy (Mol & Bus, 2011). By inculcating a routine reading habit, an individual can immerse themselves in varied thoughts, cultures, and experiences. An avid reader might dedicate a specific time each day for reading, working through different genres. Over time, this steady commitment to literature can bolster verbal abilities, critical thinking skills, and provide a more profound understanding of the world, thereby driving personal growth.

Full List of 101 Personal Growth and Development Examples

I’ve categorized the following examples into the four categories for you. Although, it’s worth noting that the categorizations overlap a lot, and can span multiple categories simultaneously (Mruk, 2013).

• The courage to change your mind (Moral, Intellectual)
• Embracing change (Career, Intellectual, Emotional)
• Becoming self-aware (Career, Intellectual, Emotional)
• Setting personal goals (Career, Intellectual, Emotional)
• Developing emotional intelligence (Career, Emotional)
• Pursuing lifelong learning (Career, Intellectual)
• Improving communication skills (Career, Intellectual, Emotional)
• Building resilience (Career, Emotional)
• Learning new languages (Career, Intellectual)
• Cultivating a growth mindset (Career, Intellectual, Emotional)
• Taking up meditation (Emotional)
• Practicing gratitude (Emotional, Moral)
• Improving physical health (Career, Emotional)
• Cultivating positive relationships (Career, Emotional)
• Learning to listen actively (Career, Intellectual, Emotional)
• Becoming financially literate (Career, Intellectual)
• Developing leadership skills (Career, Emotional)
• Fostering creativity (Career, Intellectual)
• Engaging in volunteer work (Career, Moral)
• Strengthening problem-solving skills (Career, Intellectual)
• Learning stress management (Career, Emotional)
• Nurturing self-compassion (Emotional, Moral)
• Pursuing spirituality (Emotional, Moral)
• Developing a healthy self-image (Career, Emotional)
• Cultivating mindfulness (Emotional)
• Overcoming fears (Career, Emotional) (like speaking in public)
• Honing negotiation skills (Career, Intellectual)
• Seeking therapy (Emotional)
• Practicing patience (Emotional, Moral)
• Cultivating optimism (Career, Emotional)
• Improving time management (Career, Intellectual)
• Adopting healthy habits (Career, Emotional)
• Learning to forgive (Emotional, Moral)
• Building confidence (Career, Emotional)
• Developing a strong work ethic (Career, Moral)
• Cultivating discipline (Career, Intellectual, Moral)
• Establishing boundaries (Career, Emotional)
• Adopting sustainable living practices (Moral)
• Cultivating curiosity (Intellectual, Emotional)
• Strengthening decision-making skills (Career, Intellectual)
• Cultivating humility (Emotional, Moral)
• Nurturing an appreciation for diversity (Career, Intellectual, Moral)
• Taking self-defense classes (Career, Emotional)
• Encouraging self-expression (Career, Emotional)
• Developing assertiveness (Career, Emotional)
• Engaging in professional development (Career, Intellectual)
• Pursuing passions (Career, Intellectual, Emotional)
• Nurturing empathy (Career, Emotional, Moral)
• Improving body language (Career, Emotional)
• Learning to say no (Career, Emotional)
• Gaining cultural competency (Career, Intellectual, Moral)
• Learning cooking skills (Career, Emotional)
• Developing a sense of purpose (Career, Emotional, Moral)
• Understanding personal values (Career, Emotional, Moral)
• Developing public speaking skills (Career, Intellectual)
• Recognizing personal strengths and weaknesses
• Maintaining a personal journal (Emotional)
• Improving social skills (Career, Emotional)
• Developing IT skills (Career, Intellectual)
• Cultivating adaptability (Career, Intellectual, Emotional)
• Understanding personal biases (Career, Intellectual, Emotional)
• Exploring personal identity (Intellectual, Emotional)
• Encouraging personal reflection (Intellectual, Emotional)
• Building a personal brand (Career, Emotional)
• Developing listening skills (Career, Intellectual, Emotional)
• Cultivating self-love (Emotional)
• Learning about mental health (Career, Intellectual, Emotional)
• Improving networking skills (Career, Emotional)
• Developing critical thinking skills (Career, Intellectual)
• Learning to deal with rejection (Career, Emotional)
• Cultivating courage (Career, Emotional)
• Understanding and respecting differences (Career, Intellectual, Moral)
• Developing environmental consciousness (Career, Intellectual, Moral)
• Understanding personal rights and responsibilities (Career, Intellectual, Moral)
• Taking care of personal grooming (Career, Emotional)
• Improving personal organization (Career, Intellectual)
• Encouraging a work-life balance (Career, Emotional)
• Encouraging diversity in thought (Career, Intellectual, Moral)
• Engaging in self-care activities (Career, Emotional)
• Learning personal finance management (Career, Intellectual)
• Building a supportive network (Career, Emotional)
• Building conflict resolution skills (Career, Emotional)
• Practicing active citizenship (Career, Intellectual, Moral)
• Seeking continuous feedback (Career, Emotional)
• Enhancing customer service skills (Career, Emotional)
• Building a personal library (Intellectual)
• Developing an understanding of politics (Career, Intellectual, Moral)
• Practicing self-advocacy (Career, Emotional)
• Improving personal presentation skills (Career, Emotional)
• Encouraging the love of nature (Emotional, Moral)
• Developing a hobby (Career, Intellectual, Emotional) (like model trains)
• Enhancing writing skills (Career, Intellectual)
• Gaining awareness of global issues (Career, Intellectual, Moral)
• Cultivating the habit of reading (Intellectual)
• Encouraging fitness activities (Career, Emotional)
• Pursuing a healthy diet (Career, Emotional)
• Taking up music or art (Career, Intellectual, Emotional)
• Developing etiquette (Career, Emotional)
• Pursuing self-directed learning (Career, Intellectual)
• Strengthening emotional regulation skills (Career, Emotional)
• Encouraging exploration (Career, Intellectual, Emotional)

These myriad examples of personal growth represent not only opportunities for self-improvement but also crucial assets that can enhance our professional lives. Whether preparing for a meeting with a boss, designing a personal development plan, or simply reflecting on one’s journey, each of these areas can significantly contribute to our abilities, resilience, and well-being. They enable us to be more effective leaders, collaborators, and innovators , fostering better relationships and a more fulfilling life. Therefore, it’s vital to continuously strive for growth, leveraging these examples as stepping stones on the path towards our personal and professional objectives.

Brackett, M. A., Rivers, S. E., & Salovey, P. (2011). Emotional intelligence: Implications for personal, social, academic, and workplace success. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 5 (1), 88-103. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-9004.2010.00334.x

Deutsch, M., Coleman, P. T., & Marcus, E. C. (2011). The Handbook of Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice . New York: John Wiley & Sons.

Dweck, C. S. (2016). Mindset: The new psychology of success . United States: Random House Incorporated.

Exline, J. J., & Hill, P. C. (2012). Humility: A consistent and robust predictor of generosity.  The Journal of Positive Psychology ,  7 (3), 208-218. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2012.671348

Greenhaus, J. H., & Allen, T. D. (2011). Work–family balance: A review and extension of the literature. In Handbook of occupational health psychology . American Psychological Association.

Johnson, B., & Swanson, E. (2016). Personal Growth in Adults: A Literature Review. Journal of Adult Development, 33 (4), 274-285.

Leary, M. R. (2001). Interpersonal rejection. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Mol, S. E., & Bus, A. G. (2011). To read or not to read: a meta-analysis of print exposure from infancy to early adulthood. Psychological bulletin, 137 (2), 267. doi: https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/a0021890

Mruk, C. (2013). Self-Esteem and Positive Psychology: Research, Theory, and Practice . Springer Publishing Company.

Neff, K. D. (2011). Self‐compassion, self‐esteem, and well‐being. Social and Personality Psychology Compass.

Ng, T. W., Eby, L. T., Sorensen, K. L., & Feldman, D. C. (2010). Predictors of objective and subjective career success: A meta‐analysis. Personnel psychology, 58 (2), 367-408.

Nucci, L. (2014). Handbook of moral and character education . New York: Routledge.

Ramsden, P. (2015). Learning to teach in higher education . London: Routledge.

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Social-Emotional Learning (Definition, Examples, Pros & Cons)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ What is Educational Psychology?
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ What is IQ? (Intelligence Quotient)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *