Today Matters, Decision #12: GROWTH

12. Decision #12: GROWTH: “Today’s growth gives me potential”
Seek and experience improvements daily.

Become what you are capable of becoming.

Growth is not automatic. Take responsibility for your growth or it won’t happen.
Growth doesn’t come simply by gaining knowledge. Knowledge must be used to be of value.
Growth doesn’t come with experience. Reflection on experience is essential.

Importance of growth:
1. Gifting without growth leads to ineffectiveness. Build on your talent. If you merely draw on your talent without growing you will run out of resources.
2. It prevents personal and professional stagnation. Don’t make external changes but pursue internal changes.
3. Your personal growth impacts your organization’s growth. If you want to grow the organization you must first grow the leader. In order to DO more I’ve got to BE more.
4. Only through continuous improvement can you reach your full potential.
Tartar tribe curse: “May you stay in one place forever.”

Practical steps:
1. Make a commitment to maximize your potential. “What is my potential?” Boy with only one hand, “I don’t have a handicap, I only have one hand.”
2. Make a commitment to change. Can’t expect things to stay the same and become better at the same time. “The only thrill worthwhile is the thrill of making something of yourself.”
3. Set growth goals. Set goals in specific areas of your strengths: communication, leadership, etc. Areas that will add value to yourself personally and professionally.
4. Put yourself in a growth environment. We will grow to the size of our environment. We will expand to reach our potential.

Every day I will grow on purpose with my plan. Continually tailor your growth plan to your changing situation.

Make it your goal to improve in some way every day. Break large goals down into small achievable goals.