Have you ever thought of these two words?
Personal Growth.
Three years ago, I came to a point where I didn’t know where I was going or what I was going to do with my life. I graduated from high school and then from college. I even received a master’s degree. So the next step was obvious – a successful career. Right? That’s what society tells us.
I flew from New York to Hawaii to visit my family to recharge my batteries. I sat on the couch watching TV during a late Saturday morning. My dad came in from doing his morning routine of working in the yard and took a seat on the couch next to me.
We sat in silence.
Finally he said, “What do you want to do with your life? If you could do one thing what would it be? Where do you see yourself down the line?” He seriously threw all those questions at me.
He knew I was stuck in a rut and had no direction. I said, “If I woke up every morning and could go to the gym, I would be happy.”
Today as I reflect on that moment I’m thinking -Really Daniel? That’s the best you could come up with?
But those questions stuck with me. I flew back to New York and spent the next year learning more about myself and reading more than I ever had.
Recently, on Dave Ramsey’s Entreleadership podcast, I listened to an interview by Chris LoCurto with John Maxwell. Maxwell said “Personal growth doesn’t come automatically, it has to be intentional” during his talk about his new book The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth
Palm to the Forehead Moment
When I heard these words, “Personal growth doesn’t come automatically, it has to be intentional” during my bike ride home, I actually stopped on the side of the road. Rewinded. And listened to those words again. The questions from my dad all of sudden hit me. It was as if my dad whacked the side of the head and said, “Only now you understand?”
I am going to ask you the same question. In order to live a meaningful and fulfilling life it truly starts with being intentional with personal growth. There are always going to be doors of opportunity but it’s up to you to open them but you must have an idea about where you want to go.
- What makes you happy? Write down the things that excites you and brings energy to your soul. Don’t be stuck with “good enough”, you deserve “awesome”.
- Where do you see yourself down the line? Think of everything you want to accomplish in your life. What do you see yourself doing in one year, 5 years, 10 years. You can even think about tomorrow.
- What do you want out of your life? As you look back on your life how do you want people to remember you. Think of those who you admire and list their characteristics. That’s a good start.
Finally, you should see every day as an opportunity to grow and learn more about yourself. These three questions are just to light a fire, and get you reflecting on personal growth.
Here’s a question for you: What do you think you could do tomorrow or now to make yourself better?
John Maxwell’s book (affiliate link):
The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: Live Them and Reach Your Potential
Mahalo. Aloha. A hui hou.