Thus, according to data from Bootcamp University, one of the most complex personal development programs, Romanians are increasingly concerned about having a better life in all its aspects.

"What prevents most Romanians from progressing in life are a series of obstacles, including low self-esteem (almost 7 out of 10 Romanians), lack of trust in peers (66%) and insufficient awareness of the importance of self-education after completing formal studies (58%), Bootcamp University data shows. Our study highlights Romanians' major challenges in their personal development and the essential areas they want to improve," explains Andy Szekely, founder of Bootcamp University.

Although in Romania the percentages of those interested in personal development are low (1%-3% compared to other countries where the percentages are in double digits), a growing trend can be observed in Romania as well.

In part, this is caused by the increased degree of individualism (compared to the traditional collectivist approach). As Professor Daniel David observes, the orientation that Romanians currently have, especially young people, tends towards a more individualistic model.

Collectivist societies have a much more pronounced inclination towards long-term self-education, as Geert Hofstede observes for example. He showed in his studies of organizational cultures that in societies with a high score of individualism (such as the United States or Northern European countries), there is a stronger tendency towards self-education and personal development.

What Romanians want to improve in their lives

Studies conducted by researchers (Harvard, Gallup) show that the state of happiness and fulfillment does not result from the achievement of goals in specific areas of life. Rather, a fulfilled life is the result of harmonious progress in the following 6 areas:

• Growth (self-knowledge, learning, development of personal potential)
• Body (health, vitality, practical spirit, the relationship with the environment in which you live)
• Cash (prosperity, money, investment, ability to generate income)
• Connection (fulfilling relationships, communication with important people)
• Career (professional skills, long-term career development)
• Contribution (leadership, assuming responsibility as a mentor/role model)

Among the essential areas in which Romanians feel the need for improvement are "body" and "cash" (50% together), followed by career and connecting with other people (30%) and personal growth and social contribution (20%).

Romanians' goals for personal development

Most Romanians participating in Bootcamp University programs focus on developing four main areas: financial situation, physical health, career, and social relationships, many of them already have financial and professional stability, but seeking to deepen their relationships and connection with others.

Romanians who choose to participate in personal development programs especially want to eliminate self-sabotage and internal blockages, discover their potential, clarify their life goals, and develop discipline and constructive relationships with people who share the same values. Some participants managed to achieve their goals within two to three months of starting the personal development program. The starting point for most of them is a short, intense program, such as the 6C Self Growth Summit conference, organized on November 16, 2024, through which Romanians can start the process of reinvention in all 6 areas of life.

In this program, most participants want to eliminate self-sabotage or concrete blockages, find themselves because they feel "lost" or feel they are missing something, find practical solutions to existing problems, learn to have discipline, and connect with other people with similar values.

The 6C Self-Growth Summit is an intensive one-day program where participants will learn effective ways to overcome personal limitations and gain the clarity needed to achieve their goals. The mentors of this year's program are Andy Szekely, Cristian Onețiu, Dragoș Anastasiu, Atena Boca, Adrian Asoltanie, and Elena Țambrea. They will address practical strategies for self-knowledge and transformation of beliefs that keep Romanians in place, helping them make conscious, courageous decisions aligned with everyone's desires. After the program, the participants will know how to create a personal development plan that will lead them to a balanced and fulfilled life, in each of the 6 areas.

Interest in personal development and reinvention programs has grown significantly in recent years. If between 1995-2008 only 0.5% of Romanians showed interest in such initiatives, the percentage increased to 1.5% in the period 2008-2019, and after 2020 it reached approximately 2-2.5% of adults.

Participants in the Bootcamp University programs are characterized by ambition, perseverance, a constant search for solutions, and the desire to ensure a better life for their children. This desire for evolution is the main driver that prompts them to actively engage in personal development programs and invest in self-education.

Bootcamp University is the only program in Romania, in which all 6 important areas of a person's life are developed simultaneously: Growth (Personal Evolution), Contribution (Public Speaking), Body (Energy and Vitality), Career (Leadership & Performance), Connection (Authentic Relationships), Cash (Prosperity and Money), having over 50,000 participants in physical or online events since its inception (2003) to date. Bootcamp University continues to contribute to this growth trend, offering programs adapted to individual needs and pace, aimed at supporting Romanians in the process of self-improvement and creating a more balanced life.