If you are on a personal growth journey, you’ve likely discovered the many tools experts claim you must use to achieve transformation.
But do you need all of them? No.
Do they all work equally as well? No.
Each person is different. Therefore, a tool that works well for someone else may not work as well for you. One that creates massive change for you may create little or no change for another person. You must try different tools to determine which ones are personally most effective.
However, I swear by a few personal growth tools because they are sure to create transformation for most people. That’s why I suggest them to my coaching clients and teach them to the members of the Inspired Creator Community.
Personal Growth Tools that Really Work
The seven tools I suggest are ones I have used on my personal growth journey. I know they work. I use them consistently or return to them regularly.
I’ve also known people in other programs who have used these specific tools successfully. Plus, my clients and members of my programs use them and achieve exceptional results.
That doesn’t mean that other tools don’t work. Nor does it mean you shouldn’t read books and apply what you learn in them. Everything you do or try offers the potential to provide your next step towards transformation. So, by all means, try other tools.
But always have the following seven personal growth tools in your toolbox…and use them often.
1. Self-hypnosis
Self-hypnosis offers a technique for entering a deeply relaxed state in which you can then reprogram your subconscious mind. Research shows it can effectively reduce anxiety, manage pain, and promote behavioral changes. Additionally, self-hypnosis helps you change limiting beliefs and create positive habits. It’s also effective for setting intentions, changing personal characteristics, healing, or changing behaviors.
Self-hypnosis’ power lies in its ability to bypass the critical thinking layer of the brain and allow you to implant positive suggestions more deeply. Doing so leads to lasting change.
It’s surprisingly simple to learn. You can learn self-hypnosis using audio programs or scripts. (I recommend audios from https://hypnosisdownloads.com). Then, use your hypnosis audio two or three times per day to visualize yourself being the type of person who can take the actions that realize your goals.
You can hire a hypnotist or hypnotherapist. However, learning to hypnotize yourself is a skill you can use long-term to create change.
2. Tapping or Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
Tapping, which is also known as Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), combines cognitive therapy with actual tapping on specific meridian points delineated by traditional Chinese medicine. You combine this action with verbal affirmations.
Studies suggest tapping can lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, leading to decreased anxiety and improved emotional regulation. It’s a blend of psychology and energy work that addresses both emotional and physical blocks.
Tapping’s power lies in its ability to release stress, unsupportive beliefs, and negative emotions stored in your subconscious. This makes space for positive, supportive beliefs and positive emotions. The energetic change created in your body also allows change to happen more easily.
Tapping is also a tool you can learn quite easily. You begin by tapping (with your fingers) on what is called the “karate chop point” on the side of your hand. At the same time, you repeat several times a phrase, like, “Even though I have this issue with ____, I deeply and completely love and accept myself.” You then tap on two points near your eyebrow, under the eye, under the nose, on the chin, just below the collarbone, under your arm, and on the top of your head while repeating positive statements.
3. Affirmations
Affirmations are positive statements you repeat to yourself to change thought patterns. They help override negative self-talk, which often keeps you stuck. When used correctly, affirmations rewire your brain to accept new beliefs.
The science behind affirmations lies in neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself and create new neural pathways. Repeatedly affirming positive thoughts rewires your brain, fostering healthier self-perceptions and behaviors. Research indicates that this type of positive self-talk boosts self-esteem, improves performance, and helps people overcome self-sabotaging thoughts.
Always use affirmations that contain positive words. For instance, don’t say, “I am no longer in pain” or “I am now pain-free.” Instead, affirm, “I move through life with ease and joy,” or “I now enjoy a healthy, strong body.”
A great time to use affirmations is when negative thoughts arise. Replace the thought with positive self-talk. For example, if you catch yourself saying, “I am stupid,” immediately say, “I am smart,” or “I have the ability to figure things out.” Focus on who you want to become.
Speak with energy and conviction. Adjust affirmations so they feel authentic and obtainable.
4. Visualization
Visualization is a tool that uses your imagination to create detailed mental images of desired outcomes. The simple process requires you to imagine yourself as someone who achieves your goals. Do this as vividly as possible and with as much emotion as you can. Your brain cannot distinguish between real and imagined scenarios. Thus, when you visualize a desired outcome, the brain believes you have achieved it. Utilizing neuro-plasticity, visualization rewires the brain to believe you can—and have—achieved that goal, which makes it easier for you to change.
This technique is often used by athletes and performers to enhance performance. Visualization causes the muscles to fire in the same manner as if the athlete were actually practicing.
Visualization primes your mind and body for success, and it’s an easy tool to use.
- Relax and close your eyes.
- Picture yourself in a situation where your goal is achieved—see, hear, and feel the experience of being someone who can get the desired results—and has done so.
- Do this regularly, ideally in a relaxed (or hypnotic) state.
5. Identity Choices
While some might think identity is fixed, it changes all the time. After all, your identity is based on how you see or what you think about yourself. This can change based on whether you’ve had a bad or good day, failed or succeeded.
However, you can choose who you want to be. And you can decide to be someone capable of achieving your goals and dreams.
Changing your identity or self-image makes behavioral change easier and more sustainable. This tool is rooted in self-concept theory, which posits that our identity influences our behavior, beliefs, and choices. By consciously choosing identities aligning with your goals, you transform your actions and life. The power of identity choice lies in the fact that, as soon as you choose an identity, your habits and mindset align with that identity. You naturally begin behaving like that person and getting their results.
To choose a new identity:
- Determine what result you want to achieve, such as getting up early each morning.
- Clearly define who you want or need to become to achieve that result. In this case, you might declare, “I am a morning person.”
- Do what a person with that identity would do. Adjust your habits accordingly. For example, go to bed earlier each night, so you wake up earlier each day.
- Train your thoughts and language to mimic that of someone with that identity. For instance, tell yourself and others that you are an early riser.
- Reinforce this choice consistently; your habits will follow naturally. Don’t question if you will arise early; just do it.
6. Energetic Shifts
Changing your emotional or energetic state helps you become more receptive to growth. You can’t create from a negative or drained emotional, physical, or mental state. Positive energy boosts your ability to attract and manifest positive outcomes and supports personal transformation.
Energetic shifts often relate to practices such as meditation, breathwork, and mindfulness, which change your emotional, mental, and physical energy. These practices have been shown to impact brainwave patterns, reduce stress, and promote well-being. Scientific evidence also shows that changing your energetic state improves mood and mental clarity.
It’s easier to create energetic shifts than you might think. For instance, you can:
- Engage in physical activity like walking or exercise.
- Move your body—even standing rather than sitting works.
- Practice deep breathing or do any breathwork exercise.
- Use positive affirmations or visualization.
- Focus on something different, like the sunset or petting your dog or cat. Monitor your energy. Make intentional shifts when you notice negativity creeping in.
7. Coaching
Working with a qualified coach makes transformation easier, thus accelerating your growth process.
A coach serves as your mentor, cheerleader, teacher, guide, and challenger. Additionally, a coach helps you see yourself differently, recognize your blind spots, and question your beliefs. Sometimes, you need an outside perspective to help you become aware of outgrown identities and unsupportive behaviors. A coach also helps you clarify goals and stay accountable. While journaling and meditation are valuable ways to gain knowledge of your thoughts, beliefs, habits, and unsupportive identities, coaching helps you move from introspection to transformation more quickly and effectively. It’s a collaborative process that harnesses the power of questions to facilitate personal growth.
There are many types of coaches, such as life coaches, Certified High Performance Coaches and Transformational Coaches. Determine what kind of coach you need; meet with a few to help you determine what type of coach—and which coach—fits your needs and personality best.
Research indicates that coaching can significantly improve goal achievement, confidence, and well-being. The coaching process often utilizes techniques from psychology—although coaches are typically not therapists, which helps clients tap into their potential and overcome obstacles.
Decide to Grow
The seven tools above are based on psychological principles and neuroscientific research. As such, they can become powerful allies on your journey to self-improvement and personal growth. Put them in your toolbox…and use them!
Remember that transformation requires a willingness to explore who you are and what keeps you stuck. You can’t engage in the change process if you refuse to look at yourself honestly, make excuses for your behavior, or won’t admit you need to change.
Transformation begins with a decision about who you want to be. A decision to change. The seven tools described above serve as catalysts that accelerate that process.
Remember, everyone’s personal growth journey is unique. Experiment, and find the tools that resonate and work for you.
Select one or two tools from this list. Practice regularly, reflect on your progress, and stay committed. With patience and persistence, you’ll notice shifts that lead to lasting, meaningful change.
Most importantly, take consistent action. Use the tools regularly to become a person capable of achieving what truly matters to you.
Have you tried these transformational tools? Or do you have other ones you swear by? Tell me in a comment below. And please share this post with those who might benefit from reading it.
Image courtesy of Wamsler.
