When I lead discussions about personal development, I always ask who would like to experience personal growth. Everyone raises their hands. And I love that. But when I ask who has a growth plan… Silence. Usually, no hands are raised.
In this article I’m sharing a link to my own growth plan template, along with two principles to guide our thinking about personal growth.
Growth is not automatic. It must be intentional.
Many people think personal growth is automatic, that we will naturally grow if we live long enough. This is a myth. While some growth can occur without intentional effort, the best growth happens when we are deliberate and strategic.
Personal growth is not automatic. It must be intentional.
When I adopted this principle eight years ago, I began to devour everything in sight that promoted growth. I read, attended seminars, and met with mentors. However, my efforts were random and immeasurable. I was passionate about growing, but I lacked a plan and metrics to intentionally track what I was exposed to. I quickly learned that in order to maximize my growth, I must be intentional to plan it.
Without a plan, growth is inconsistent.
Early on in my growth journey, I also failed to implement a means of accountability. I passionately pursued growth, but when my schedule would become demanding, my growth efforts would plummet. After some trial and error, this led me to another vital truth about personal growth.
Without a plan, growth is inconsistent.
I became intentional to create specific growth plans for myself. Once I did, my growth became targeted and measurable. I created a Growth Plan Template, which allows me to list what I plan to do and to record what I actually accomplish in each category. Each year, I fill it with the growth opportunities I plan to engage throughout the course of that year.
I continue to refine my plan as the year progresses. For example, two nights ago I was honored to hear Mr. Gilbert Montez speak about writing to approximately twenty of us at our clinic. A professional writer for over twenty-five years, Mr. Montez offered excellent ideas and resources on writing. I took copious notes, including the titles of several books he recommended. Later that night and the next night as I reviewed my notes, I added those titles to my Growth Plan under the section Books to Read. I also included newspaper reading at his suggestion, as newspaper writers are experts at concise writing.
We must record what we intend to pursue if we are to deliberately expand our personal growth. Remember, the adage what gets measured, gets done not only works for others, but also for ourselves. When it comes to personal growth, strategically planning what we want to be exposed to and tracking whether we have accomplished it is of great importance to us as leaders.
Keep in mind, this only represents the first stage of growth: Exposure. All of these growth activities expose us to new ideas. While this first step is crucial to growth, exposure does not imply change. Real personal growth results in a change in our perspectives, thoughts, and habits. In another blog, I will share the subsequent steps of growth which must happen for change to occur.
Your Friend,
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