About the author -- Acknowledgements -- Before you begin -- The way this text works -- Introduction: first things first -- The makings of brilliant personal development -- Two things you might need -- and a warning -- Getting started -- Luck or effort? -- Discovering you -- Discovering your core beliefs -- Discovering your values -- Discovering your strengths -- Developing your vision -- Developing your mission -- Developing and achieving your goals -- Developing your motivation -- Gaining support -- Getting development fit -- Achieving self-esteem -- Achieving self-confidence -- Achieving success out of failure -- Achieving assertiveness -- Dealing with change -- Achieving relaxation (by reducing stress) -- Understanding people -- Understanding other people -- Body language and rapport -- Building your network -- Final words -- Index.