Are you hindering your own growth?
Recently I have been asked to be part of a book study with a fellow Superintendent. We both enjoy books written by John C. Maxwell, and you guessed it we chose his book, The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth. I thought this week it would be good to share some highlights from our discussion on the first part of the book. In our positions as Superintendent, we are not often given the luxury of Professional Development for our personal growth plans. Many times, we must seek steps and build ourselves. This led to a conversation on intentionality and finding our purpose.
We are all the same, to some extent. Mr. Maxwell introduces this book with the discussion of our potential and unfulfilled potential. Potential is a positive outlook on ourselves, and unfulfilled potential is a negative if we miss the mark and not reach our potential. He goes on to make the point of intentionally taking steps to grow. My colleague and I shared with one another that we always strive to grow, and he suggested we dive into Maxwell’s 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth.
John Maxwell shares six gaps we run into that hinder our growth or stop it all together. First is the Assumption Gap, when we believe we will grow in some way with the actions we take. This is true to some extent but not growing in the way we may intend to. Second is the Knowledge Gap, where we are unsure of the steps we need to take to grow. I struggle with this at times, because I get great ideas and plans but fail to fine-tune the steps needed to grow specifically. Third is the Timing Gap, when we plan to start our goals later. Diet and exercise are the perfect examples for me, as I tell myself to exercise later or next week. Fourth is the Mistake Gap, when we fear that we will do something wrong or make mistakes. We all have been at this point with a new job or starting some new adventure. Fifth is the Perfection Gap, where we fail to start a goal because we are too concerned in finding the right route. Finally, the Inspiration Gap is when we fail to act because we do not feel like it or fear something. All of these are very common for me and reasons why I fail at goals at times.
All these gaps discussed led me to my next question. What is my purpose? Obviously, being a school leader is an honorable purpose that I am happy to take on. What if I have an alternative purpose, say one that is more fine-tuned? My colleague shared that his purpose was to bring value to others, which is another honorable purpose. It has been said that the best way to understand your purpose is to know yourself first. I agree with this, but I cannot help but think I have not found my purpose yet. To find it, I have taken intentional steps to grow is some way daily. Mr. Maxwell and my Superintendent colleague both understand this and share this message often. We need to make choices each day that help us grow and become better. It is easier if you know yourself, what stops you from growing, and if you have identified your purpose.
What assumptions are you making, that could be leading you in the wrong direction?
Are you afraid you may not know what you are doing, or the timing is off on a goal?
Who are you, and what is your purpose in life?
Are you failing to act on a goal because you don’t know how to start or lack inspiration?
We get in our own way sometime, or at least I do. I hope the points I shared from John C. Maxwell’s book will spark some thinking for you. Know yourself, I mean down deep in your core! Know who you are, and there is where you will find your purpose. Thanks for checking out my blog this week and I hope you will leave me your thoughts in the comment section. I hope you have a great week.
Steven C. Bucks- Leading Conversations
Resource: Maxwell, John C. The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth. New York, Hachette Book Group, 2012
