Can we just take a moment to appreciate how much (and fast) the world around us is changing?

It’s like we’re living in a sci-fi movie, but without the cool outfits and flying cars (yet!).

As the world around us shifts and evolves, so do our individual experiences and perspectives.

It’s important to take stock of our own journey and reflect on how it aligns with the broader shifts happening in the world.

By looking back at the past and examining the evolution of personal growth, we can gain insight into the potential direction of the next 30 years.

Join me on a whistlestop tour of personal development through the decades, as we explore the connection between societal shifts and our own evolution and what the past can teach us about what’s coming next.

Together, we can navigate the changes ahead with more grace and purpose, rather than feeling we’re at the mercy of the ever-increasing speed of the changes around us.

If I’m honest, sometimes I can get a bit jaded about the whole personal development ‘thing’ – it can feel exhausting or overdone.

Feeling the need to evaluate everything, thinking there’s something always ‘wrong’ with you, or that you need to be fixed.

Because let’s face it:

• Sometimes watching TV is just wanting to relax or be entertained, not because you’re avoiding responsibilities.
• Sometimes buying expensive clothes is because you like the way they look and not because you’re trying to impress anyone.
• Sometimes you’re staying up late just because you want to enjoy some quiet time and not because you’re unable to maintain a regular sleep schedule.
• Sometimes you’re having a glass of wine (or two) just because you like the taste and not because you’re trying to numb your emotions.
• Sometimes you’re eating a donut just because you want to eat a donut and not because you’re filled with self-loathing or are unable to control your impulses.

I’ve resisted even claiming, or admitting, that this is the field of work that I’m in.

Even though I’ve written not one, not two, but THREE books on how to live a more aligned life! If that’s not personal development… then what is!?

Rebellion

This all got me thinking about the evolution of the self-development industry, and how it’s pretty much been one generation rebelling against the values of their parents and/or society.

And rebelling and breaking free of how it’s been done, is how we’ve always evolved.

The 60’s and the ‘hippy’ free-love movement rebelling against the idea of the 1950’s housewife.

The developing idea of the ‘self’ of the 70’s taken to its extreme with consumerism and the ‘Yuppies’ of the 80’s.

And then the 90’s tempering that extreme with its focus on becoming more emotionally aware and concerned about others – rather than just ourselves.

Of course these are horribly over simplified observations, but those patterns were there whether you bought into them or not.

A reminder

And this reminded me why I actually do love personal development, not as a tool to ‘fix’ yourself (thanks ‘work hard’ 80’s influence), but as a tool of discovery and awareness.

A tool to get clear on who you are, to understand what’s important to you in terms of values etc and how you want to contribute to the world around you. Then from that clear and grounded place, you can take a stand for those things and not just get swept along by whatever the popular ‘group think’ of the moment is.

Where it all began (for me…)

When I was 16, way back in the 90’s, I started reading a book called ‘Teach Yourself Yoga’. That small book, started what I now know as my journey into this weird and wonderful world of personal development.

Back then I had been searching for something, although I didn’t know what and I certainly didn’t have the language to describe it, I somehow came across this book.

I grew up in a small fishing village, way before the days of Amazon next day delivery, but somehow this book ‘found’ me and was my first gateway into a new way of seeing and being in the world.

Growing up in the 90’s immersed in ‘Girl Power’, Grunge music, and a sprinkling of some upbeat BritPop had more effect on me than I realised.

I think many generations think they’re the ones that are going to ‘save the world’, I was no different, feeling that we’d herald in a new one with changes in tech and systems in society. But now, older and possibly wiser, I feel that we, as a collective, rather than one generation, really are ready to change the world, and this is most definitely reflected in the current transits in astrology with Pluto starting its transition into Aquarius, where it will stay until 2043, I think this is that time!

Little did the 16 year old me know what a Pandora’s box of curios and ‘worlds’ that one book would open for me and how different it would be from the world of the family I was born into.

I think we can learn so much about ourselves when we look backwards. Not to dwell in the past, but to notice the patterns and untangle their grip on us, so that we can move forward with wisdom rather than baggage.

There is so much to be learnt from the past, yet we often like to rush forward embracing the next shiny, new object, often thinking ‘new’ means better. And of course sometimes it does, and other times maybe not so much… (Who remembers the fleeting life of mini-discs!?)

Whether we’ve consciously chosen to explore our own self-development or not, changes in society will have shaped you, your beliefs and your experience of the world.

My own personal development journey has changed as I’ve changed. As I’ve learnt more about myself, my interests and life, and of course as the world around me has changed, but it’s always been rooted in personal power and celebrating your individuality – thanks to the 90’s and my Aquarius Sun lol.

And where it all began for us…

So let’s take a look at how Western society has also been on its own self development journey and how it could’ve influenced you, or your parents, and where we might be heading….

Each decade has shaped the next, with an emergence of new ideas, breakthroughs and methods in the ever-expanding field of personal development, body, mind and spirit.

These changes have influenced cultural attitudes and values, changing everything from how we view health to how we define success in our own lives.

The 1960’s

Get High on Life!

The Rise of Self-Discovery, Mind Expansion, and Civil Rights

Psychoanalysis and psychedelics became more widely used in the 1960s, and people became increasingly curious about exploring consciousness and the nature of the self. 

A counterculture movement grew up, which rejected the values of mainstream culture and encouraged people to try out new ideas and different ways of living.

Events that shaped personal development:

• The Civil Rights Act of 1964 in the US, outlawed discrimination based on race, colour, religion, sex, or national origin, and contributed to a more tolerant cultural attitude.
• The publication of Timothy Leary’s “The Psychedelic Experience,” which popularised the use of psychedelic drugs for spiritual exploration and self-discovery.
• The publication of R.D. Laing’s “The Divided Self,” which helped popularise anti-psychiatry and contributed to a growing interest in psychoanalysis and self-discovery.
• The formation of the Beatles, which brought a new wave of music, fashion, and youth culture to the UK and helped contribute to a more liberal and tolerant cultural attitude.

The 1970’s

Unleash Your Inner Potential!

The Human Potential Movement, Feminism, and New Age Spirituality

The human potential movement, which promoted personal development and fulfilment, emerged in the 1970s. This led to a move toward a more individualistic philosophy with a focus on freedom of choice and expression.

People realised they had a ‘self’ and their experiences were valid. This brought about the rise in therapy as we know it today.

Also during this time, the feminist movement gained greater traction. It always shocks me that here in the UK, it wasn’t until 1975 that women could open a bank account in their own name! That was only a few years before I was born.

Events that shaped personal development:

• The publication of Abraham Maslow’s “Toward a Psychology of Being,” which contributed to the rise of the human potential movement and the emphasis on self-actualisation.
• The publication of “The Secret Life of Plants,” which helped popularise the idea of plant consciousness and alternative spirituality.
• The founding of the Ms. Foundation for Women, which promoted gender equality and women’s empowerment.
• The rise of the punk movement in the UK, which rejected mainstream cultural values and encouraged individualism and self-expression.

The 1980’s

Think Positive and Get Rich!

The Business, Fitness, and Positive Thinking Craze

The 1980’s saw a rise in materialism and consumerism, it became very much about the individual with the backdrop of blockbuster films such as Wall Street; ‘greed is good’ – Gordon Gekko.

Self-help books and tv shows aimed to show individuals how to improve themselves, and their financial and professional lives.

Aerobics and other exercise fads helped create a focus on physical health and fitness.

Self-help ‘gurus’ like Tony Robbins, popularised positive thinking and the law of attraction.

Events that shaped personal development:

• The rise of conservative political figures such as Reagan and Thatcher emphasised individualism, hard work, and success.
• The publication of John Naisbitt’s “Megatrends,” predicted the rise of a service-oriented, information-based society and contributed to the focus on business and financial success.
• The popularity of Jane Fonda’s workout videos started to shape a culture with a focus on physical fitness and wellness.
• The AIDS epidemic brought a greater awareness of sexual health and the importance of mental and emotional wellbeing.

The 1990’s

Your Body Speaks Your Mind!

A Revolution in Personal Development.

The 1990s saw a trend towards emotional intelligence, emphasising the value of recognising and controlling your feelings.

Mind-body practices such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and tai chi became increasingly popular—”hello,” my ‘Teach Yourself Yoga Book!”—and researchers began paying more attention to the relationship between the mind, emotions, and the rest of the body.

Events that shaped personal development:

• The publication of Daniel Goleman’s “Emotional Intelligence,” helped popularise the concept of emotional intelligence and its importance in personal and professional success.
• The popularity of Eckhart Tolle’s “The Power of Now,” focused on mindfulness and the mind-body connection.
• The Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, which helped promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace and other areas of society.
• The emergence of Britpop in the UK, which represented a rebellion against cultural and musical norms of the time, and reflected a desire for change.

The 2000’s

I Am the Brand!

Navigating Personal Development in the Growing Digital Age.

In the 2000s, personal branding became more popular as social media grew and people began to curate their online presence.

The idea of being able to live a more balanced lifestyle, which included more time for rest and rejuvenation, and the idea of self-care, became increasingly popular.

Novels and shows that had themes of resiliency and triumphing over hardship also became more popular during this time.

Events that shaped personal development:

• The rise of social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, promoted the idea of personal branding as people curated their personal digital presence.
• The publication of Arianna Huffington’s “Thrive” which wanted to redefine success by exploring the importance of work-life balance and self-care.
• The global financial crisis meant people focused on financial stability and the importance of work-life balance.
• The establishment of the European Social Charter in 2000, which helped promote social justice and the importance of human rights.

The 2010’s

“I Saw That”- Karma

Personal Development in the Age of Authenticity.

In the 2000s, personal branding became more popular as social media grew and people began to curate their online presence.

The idea of being able to live a more balanced lifestyle, which included more time for rest and rejuvenation, and the idea of self-care, became increasingly popular.

Novels and shows that had themes of resiliency and triumphing over hardship also became more popular during this time.

Events that shaped personal development:

• The rise of social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, promoted the idea of personal branding as people curated their personal digital presence.
• The publication of Arianna Huffington’s “Thrive” which wanted to redefine success by exploring the importance of work-life balance and self-care.
• The global financial crisis meant people focused on financial stability and the importance of work-life balance.
• The establishment of the European Social Charter in 2000, which helped promote social justice and the importance of human rights.

The Lessons Learnt

As I mentioned earlier, there’s a lot of wisdom that can be gained by taking a moment to look backwards.

Here’s what we can learn from the evolution of personal development:

• The 60’s remind us to expand our awareness and challenge the status quo.
• The 70’s gave us personal development as we know it today and emphasised the importance of free expression.
• The 80’s showed us the importance of creating a healthy balance in both our personal and professional lives.
• The 90’s affirmed that the mind and body work together; we can’t treat one without the other.
• The 00’s taught us resiliency in a fast-changing world.
• The 10’s highlighted the importance of mindfulness and social responsibility.

We’ve moved from being self-aware about how others have treated us to being self-obsessed and wanting to just look out for ourselves.

To being self-aware about how others have treated us and wanting to take responsibility for ourselves and become resilient.

To becoming resilient and knowing that whilst we and our experiences matter, so do other people and their experiences, and those of our communities too.

This is a natural evolution that could only have happened with each stage of growth.

Just like the natural progression from a toddler’s ‘selfish’ ‘mine’ and ‘no’ as it realises that it’s an individual who can influence the world around it. To a healthy adult taking personal responsibility and responsibility for how they show up and contribute to the world around them.

What’s next for your body, mind and soul…

As we continue to move through the 2020s and into the 2030s, these events and movements from the past will continue to shape our cultural attitudes and values towards personal development.

We can pretend we don’t live in an ever-changing and evolving world, or we can create the change consciously and intentionally and not just get swept along trying to hold onto things that are familiar to us.

I believe the more we can ‘develop’ ourselves so that we know ourselves deeply, not only will we navigate these changes with greater ease, we’ll also be able to contribute to them and shape them in a really meaningful and constructive way.

And I think the main areas of focus over the coming years will be:

• mental health,
• resilience,
• digital wellbeing and health,
• social justice and activism,
• sustainability.

And as we continue to evolve, there will be a growing interest in, and need for, a focus on:

Spiritual health
To support you find, and embody, your purpose, and experience fulfilment in everyday life.

Energetic health
To keep your own energy running freely, so that you don’t pick up, or aren’t unduly, influenced by other people and their energy.

Psychic health
To protect yourself from the awakening (and unrefined) energies of others as they begin to explore their spiritual and energetic selves.

And we will develop these areas through community and connection – “Hello again!’ Pluto transiting through Aquarius.

Next steps..

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