Planning Your Personal Growth
Look how you’ve made all your lovers to flourish like palm trees, each one growing in victory, standing with strength! You’ve transplanted them into your heavenly courtyard, where they are thriving before you. For in your presence they will still overflow and be anointed. Even in their old age they will stay fresh, bearing luscious fruit and abiding faithfully. Psalm 92:12-14 TPT
Where do you want to go in your life? Your personal growth is important and should not be left to chance. Growth is not automatic. It has to be intentional. First though, you need to ask yourself just how important personal growth is to you, for your commitment to it is directly connected to seeing your dreams and goals realized. If you don’t perceive the connection, you will not value growth. I like to say it in this way: “What you value, you will move toward.” If you truly value personal growth, you will get on with it. Admittedly, it is going to take hard work and it can be difficult to know where to begin. One place to start is by asking yourself this question: “Are there any barriers preventing me from growing?” If there are, and you are going to commit to personal growth, you must identify whatever may be getting in your way.
Flourishing like a palm tree and standing in strength signifies growth. This is the place where the “overflow” happens. Overflow is when your capacity is so enlarged that “spillover” happens. That’s the portion you have for others. But, the process of growth must begin with a commitment and then going beyond it. I once read a riddle about three frogs sitting on a log. Two decided to jump into the river. How many frogs were left sitting on the log? The answer is three. Not a single one of those frogs actually left the log. Don’t be like the frogs. Personal growth requires so much more than talking about making a decision. It requires putting the decision into action. It is a hard move to make, but here are some simple steps to help you begin your journey.
Step 1: Develop a personal growth plan. Growth doesn’t just happen. You must be intentional about it. It is far too important to be left to chance. Therefore, take some time to identify areas in which you need to grow and develop. It might take a few days to complete your list. Be thorough in your self-evaluation and above all, try to be honest. If you are married, ask your spouse to help you. Ask your closest friend. When they respond, don’t let yourself become defensive, even if you don’t totally agree with their perceptions. Remember, they may be offering valuable insights that you’ve not yet considered. People who love you want you to be successful and will welcome the opportunity to help you move forward in your growth journey.
Step 2: Find an accountability partner. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify someone who can hold you accountable in your growth process. It could be a family member, a friend, or a counselor, but it needs to be someone you trust. An accountability partner can help to motivate you during times of difficulty and also hold you accountable when you fail.
Step 3: Find ways to be mentored. There are many avenues offering mentorship besides turning to another person. Conferences, books, instructional videos, etc., all offer meaningful sources of mentoring. Identifying other leaders whose gifts and calling are similar to yours, and who have written books, produced instructional videos or hosted conferences, can nourish your development. Mentoring is a form of nurture and growth requires nurture and care. When a seed is planted in the ground, it must be watered and weeds hindering its growth must be pulled up. Personal growth is like that seed. When you seek out mentorship, you are providing your growth a measure of nurture that can be a profound help in your development. If you have an opportunity to receive mentorship from an individual, here are some useful questions for you ask yourself first:
- Why do you feel you need a mentor?
- What does mentorship look like to you?
- What sort of leader are you trying to become?
These questions can assist you in finding a mentor who is the right fit for you. Remember, because most mentors are busy people, they are likely to be unwilling to enter into a relationship with someone who is not prepared or willing to do the work. I read post on Facebook that said: “Don’t connect with movers and shakers if you are not willing to move or shake.” Someone with the capacity to mentor you is most likely considered to be a “mover and shaker.” They will expect the same of you.
Step 4: Be consistent. Sporadic implementation of your growth plan won’t bring you the desired results. If you are going to change your life from non-growth to real growing and developing, you will have to make deliberate changes in your routine and then stick to it. Growth requires a commitment to change, and change requires consistency. What kind of framework do you need to implement to make sure that you follow your growth plan? Be realistic. While you should never neglect daily prayer and Bible reading, it may not be practical to implement other aspects of your plan each day. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you in this area.
Step 5: Develop discipline. Lack of personal growth can often be attributed to a lack of discipline. Binge-watching old movies and sitcoms whenever you have a moment of free time is enjoyable, but it may be counter-productive to your growth. This does not mean you will need to shut off your television and become a recluse, but you must exercise discipline about it. You will need to consider a time when you can disengage from social media and turn off your cell phone. Lack of personal growth is akin to being overweight or out-of-shape. The problem didn’t occur overnight, and neither will the solution. Developing discipline takes time. When you lapse back into old behaviors, don’t become discouraged. Renew your commitment and keep moving forward.
Step 6: Expect to be tested. Professional boxers undertake certain disciplines when they are preparing for a match. They exercise, train, watch their weight and limit their distractions as part of their preparation. They are increasing their capacity in the hope of securing a win over their opponent. The merit of their preparation is tested in the ring. Your ring is likely to be around others, especially among your friends and family. That’s probably where the test of your growth will happen. These individuals will be the first to notice your growth and will most likely be the first to test its strength. This may be painful for them as well as for you. Be prepared. Remember, they love you and want you to be successful.
If growth means flourishing like a palm tree, then lack of growth is a condition of withering. Palm trees can often withstand fierce winds without breaking. Moreover, they can grow in some of the driest climates of the world and still produce lavish and nourishing fruit. They endure the desert without withering. As you commit to personal growth and development, you will find that your capacity to endure the storms and droughts of difficult times will increase. As you grow in strength, your focus and vision will be directed by the Holy Spirit and your priorities will be the priorities that God has set for you. Commit yourself to this rewarding path. You will be glad you did. Let’s begin the journey toward personal growth today.
