Don’t leave your growth up to chance. You need a growth plan.
I’ve always wondered why plants grow as much as they can; animals get as big as they can; but humans most likely never maximize their potential. We grow to a point and settle.
Professional growth is not a one-time achievement; it is an ongoing process. In the rapidly changing world of work, shaped by AI, new technologies, evolving expectations, and increased competition, we must remain intentional to keep growing.
Growth is not automatic and the passing of time does not guarantee that growth will occur. To remain effective, confident, and relevant, we must commit to continuous development. It is critical to have the heart of a student.
Here are 5 practical ways to grow intentionally:
I. Read
In our busy world, we are reading less. Make up your mind to gradually re-introduce reading into your day. Maybe the first thing you do in the morning or the last thing you do at night. Find a rhythm that works for you. Read a chapter, read a page, read for 10 minutes, whatever works… just read.
A great book to start with is Atomic Habits by James Clear. The book is a comprehensive and practical guide on how to change your habits and get 1% better every day using a framework called the Four Laws of Behavior Change.
II. Ask for feedback
Seeking and using feedback is a cheat code. Constructive feedback is a gift. Feedback will allow you to identify blind spots and areas for improvement that may not be obvious on your own. Don’t get your emotions mixed up in feedback, look at the points objectively and ask yourself what you can do to improve.
III. Embrace challenges outside your comfort zone
We all have things that we have mastered, and we can choose to stay there. Growth happens when you stretch. Just like physical growth happens with tension, stepping out of your comfort zone primes you for growth.
Stretching your abilities, such as leading a new project, mentoring others, or learning an unfamiliar role will help you grow.
IV. Set small goals
When it comes to annual goal setting, we adopt SMART goals and attach metrics. The same approach works for personal professional goals, but you must start small. Life is too busy to add another pressure. Set small goals and make it work.
V. Learn something new
Use a part of your brain that you have not been using. If you are data driven, try learning to play a musical instrument. If you are artistic, explore coding. Other examples of things to learn include dancing, ballroom dancing, ballet, sports, woodwork, pottery making, cooking classes, photography, writing a novel, blogging, learning a new language, car repair, gardening, knitting, golfing, etc. Find something that makes you smile and go do it. Do it for you.
What are other practical ways that you have grown personally and professionally?