7 Steps to Personal and Professional Growth
1. Be Intentional: Plant a seed of thought that will grow into a fruitful tree of the thing you want in your life.
- “Begin with the end in mind.”
- “Plan your work, then work your plan.”
- Steven Covey, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People)
2. Make a Public Commitment to Grow Intentionally.
- Sharing your commitment publicly makes your desire to achieve it stronger.
- Keep your word to yourself and to the public.
3. Identify Two or More Areas You Will Grow In.
- The first area is for something personal, such as learning a new language, reading an entertaining book, learning to dance or cook, etc.
- The second area is for something professional.
4. Invest 30 Minutes per Day on Each Area.
- Preparation + Opportunity = Success
5. Invest 1 Hour per Week to Reflect – personal, intrinsic observation, and professional, SWOT analysis – and Journal Your Observations.
- “Examine yourselves…” (2 Corinthians 13:5)
- “Know thyself.” (Socrates)
- What have you learned about yourself?
- What have you identified about your business strengths?
- What have you identified about your business weaknesses?
- Do you see any opportunities?
- Do you see any potential threats?
6. Share Your Growth.
- Social media can be a powerful ally when your friends and fans show you their support and encouragement, but it can also come with heckling and criticism. As such, observe the reactions of others from an emotional distance. This will help you prevent (1) gloating and (2) despair from negative criticisms.
Final thoughts: Spend time with positive, uplifting people and stay clear of negative people who display ill-will towards your progress and achievements. As the saying goes, “birds of a feather flock together.”
Source: Adapted from 15 Laws of Growth by Dr. John C. Maxwell
John W. Tanner, J.D., M.S. 