According to that fount of knowledge Wikipedia, "Personal Development includes activities that improve awareness and identity, develop talents and potential, build human capital and facilitate employability, enhance quality of life and contribute to the realisation of dreams and aspirations".

Having been a member of JCI for over seven years, I can wholeheartedly agree with this: developing potential and realising aspirations is what JCI is all about. When I joined I was terrified of public speaking, little did I know that I'd end up making a speech in front of an audience of 100 at the House of Lords, taking part in international debating competitions and even training others on public speaking. Thanks to JCI, I've also organised a 3 day conference, lead a team of 18 as local president and developed a love of blogging!

And personal development can come in all shapes and sizes and fromunexpected places, not just training courses. This year I've once again been taking part in the JCI UK Pound a Day Challenge, living off a budget of £1 a day for my food and drink. Cooking is not really my thing and last year I relied heavily on my then housemate and past national president, Solveig Malvik, who is a great cook. This year I'm on my own and so decided to have a go and try making soup and a casserole from scratch. They tasted good, don't appear to have given me food poisoning, so have given me the confidence to attempt more new recipes in the future.

This is why I'm so passionate about personal development/training in JCI - the opportunities are endless. I've taken on the role of National Personal Development Director this year as a new challenge for myself. The roles I've done for the past two years have been very much in my comfort zone with lots of spreadsheets, admin and e-mails; all relatively individual and quiet. Training will push me to be more creative, delegate and put myself out there more (but no fear there will of course still be spreadsheets!).

If you want to share what personal development in JCI has done for you, what you want to get out of personal development this year or have any ideas for training in JCI UK, please get in touch: sarah.beckwith@jciuk.org.uk