The Origin and Development of IDGs

The IDGs were born out of a shared concern about the slow progress towards the SDGs. As detailed on The New Division, a group of individuals and organizations came together to create these goals, believing that personal development is necessary for societal change. They saw the potential in each of us to contribute to the SDGs and developed the IDGs as a means to unlock this potential.

The Inner Development Goals framework

The Inner Development Goals (IDGs) framework is a comprehensive model that focuses on five key dimensions, each encompassing several skills and qualities.

Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Being — Relationship to Self: This dimension emphasizes cultivating our inner life and developing our relationship with our thoughts, feelings, and body. This helps us be present, intentional, and non-reactive when facing complexity. The skills and qualities under this dimension include:
   • Inner Compass
   • Integrity and Authenticity
   • Openness and Learning Mindset
   • Self-awareness
   • Presence
2. Thinking — Cognitive Skills: This dimension focuses on developing cognitive skills by taking different perspectives, evaluating information, and making sense of the world as an interconnected whole. This is essential for wise decision-making. The skills and qualities under this dimension include:
   • Critical Thinking
   • Complexity Awareness
   • Perspective Skills
   • Sense-making
   • Long-term Orientation and Visioning
3. Relating — Caring for Others and the World: This dimension is about appreciating, caring for, and feeling connected to others, such as neighbors, future generations, or the biosphere. This helps us create more just and sustainable systems and societies for everyone. The skills and qualities under this dimension include:
   • Appreciation
   • Connectedness
   • Humility
   • Empathy and Compassion
4. Collaborating — Social Skills: This dimension emphasizes the need to develop our abilities to include, hold space, and communicate with stakeholders with different values, skills, and competencies. The skills and qualities under this dimension include:
   • Communication Skills
   • Co-creation Skills
   • Inclusive Mindset and Intercultural Competence
   • Trust
   • Mobilization Skills
5. Acting — Enabling change: This dimension focuses on qualities such as courage and optimism that help us acquire true agency, break old patterns, generate original ideas, and act with persistence in uncertain times. The skills and qualities under this dimension include:
   • Courage
   • Creativity
   • Optimism
   • Perseverance

This framework provides a holistic approach to personal and societal development, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various skills and qualities. It serves as a guide for individuals and organizations aiming to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through inner development. For more details, you can read the full report on the IDG Framework.

Applying Inner Development Goals in Practice

So, how can these goals be applied in practice? The answer lies in the tools and resources available for learning about and practicing the skills associated with the IDGs. 29k provides a wealth of information on this, offering courses, exercises, and methods for developing these skills. The key is to start small, focusing on one goal at a time, and gradually build up your skills and knowledge.

The IDG Community

The IDGs are not just about individual growth; they’re also about community. The IDG Community is a network of people who are using the IDGs to accelerate progress towards the SDGs. By joining this community, you can connect with like-minded individuals, share your experiences, and learn from others.

The IDG Toolkit

To further support your journey, the IDG Toolkit provides a range of tools for exploring the IDGs in practice. This toolkit, which is open-source and community-driven, can help you develop the skills associated with the IDGs and accelerate your progress towards the SDGs.

STUDIO.WHY and Inner Development Goals

Now, you might be wondering how all of this ties in with STUDIO.WHY. As an organization dedicated to unlocking innovation potential, STUDIO.WHY aligns well with the concept of IDGs. We focus on innovation, problem-solving, collaboration, impact, and entrepreneurial behavior, all of which are key aspects of the IDGs.

In our reference cases, such as the Green Team Vattenfall, the Ministry of Defence, and Nétive STUDIO.WHY demonstrates how these principles can be applied in real-world settings, providing valuable insights and practical tools for achieving the IDGs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Inner Development Goals offer a powerful framework for personal growth and societal change. By understanding these goals and applying them in practice, we can all contribute to accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Whether you’re just starting out or already on your journey, remember that every step counts. So, why not take the first step today?

References

For more information, feel free to explore the following resources:

1. Inner Development Goals
2. The New Division
3. 29k
4. IDG Community
5. IDG Tools
6. STUDIO.WHY
7. Green Team Vattenfall – Accelerate the Climate Transition
8. Ministry of Defence – Talent Development Program to Realize Innovations

Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Start your journey towards inner development today, and let’s make a positive impact on our world together.