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The remit of this paper is to identify what might be the future direction of one of the Ottawa Charter's five main action areas; developing personal skills (DPS). It is contested that this was never going to be an easy task. This opinion article argues that, while a watchful eye should be kept on evolving and innovative DPS strategy and programmes that Ottawa principles generally espouse, that type of activity is not representative of the current location and practice of many health practitioners—particularly clinically located health professionals. Targeting such professionals who, otherwise, might remain unaware of or unengaged with health promotion practice is the main reform required for future DPS activity. It is predicted that, where universal progress can be made, the potential for DPS development would be significant. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]