With so many methods and tools taught on goal setting, from high priced seminars to moderately priced books, it can bewildering sorting out what works.

Personal development has become increasingly popular in today's busy world for everything from career improvement and weight loss to public speaking. Unfortunately, people are now even more confused on what are the best choices to follow.

Still, there are a number of simple, fundamental steps that can be used to get you started on the right path to reach your own personal development goal.

1) Identify the Cause

A good starting point with personal development is to look at how you got to where you are right now. For example, if your area of personal development relates to weight loss then look at what lifestyle factors contributed to your weight problem to start with. Write down everything you can think of that contributed to the problem and then analyze how you can modify each factor to get the result you desire.

2) Goal Setting

It is essential to have a clear goal in mind to achieve your own particular personal development requirements. Ask yourself exactly what it is that you wish to achieve and the more refined and clear your goal the more chance you will have of successfully attaining it.

3) Make a Plan

Once you have decided on your goal then formulate a plan that details the steps you will take to reach your goal. Use the details you uncovered when identifying the cause of the problem and expand on these to incorporate as much detail as possible on how you can achieve your personal development goal.

4) Focus and Commitment

Once you know your goal and have designed your plan you then need to focus on your goal and commit to the plan you have designed. Set aside a certain amount of time each day to work on your plan and do not allow general daily chores to distract you from what you need to do. Once you have become accustomed to working on your plan each day it will become a habit and therefore easier over time to stick too.

5) Look for Inspiration

It will be of great benefit to look for inspiration from others that have overcome the same personal development challenge as your own. This can be in the form of books, seminars, courses or even a person from your local community that you may be able to contact to get some tips or advice. Personal development is about identifying areas of your life that you wish to change for the better and having an attitude of continual self-improvement.

Following the steps outlined above--no matter which area of your life you intend to improve-- you can be assured of achieving your goals.

Once you gain more confidence as you achieve your personal development goals, you will find it quicker and easier each time.