Stagnation is the antithesis of success in the business and leadership world. In a world that is vastly changing at an incredible rate, it is vital to match that same intensity with personal growth. This focus on growth and development is not just about achieving success, but about becoming the best version of yourself, both as a leader and as an individual. Henry Thoreau phrased it this way, “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” Allow me to give you two quick principles on personal growth.

I. The Percentage Pathway

There are many good books, studies and articles on personal growth. One point of research out of Harvard Business Review noted a percentage breakdown that served as a formula for success. They mentioned that to achieve true transformation you should divide your growth plan in this manner. Spend 45% of your time with mentors, 45 % of your time focused on your personal mission and 10% of your time on materials. Often times this is where we go wrong! In the information age we live in, we are tempted to think that personal growth is primarily about the materials we are consuming. However, research shows us that direct application to your mission and accountability from your mentors is actually where the magic happens.

II. The Flow Pathway

There is a certain zone when and where your personal growth really hits a sweet spot. It can really begin to accelerate. Your personal growth really begins to flow and flourish in a profitable way. That zone is the intersection between Challenge and Skill. Jesus modeled this perfectly. He told 12 primarily uneducated men to change the world. ~ 10 on the Challenge spectrum. He then spent the next 34 months training, teaching, modeling, encouraging and empowering them to do just that. ~ 10 on the Skill spectrum. Upon Jesus departure, the disciples really hit their stride. 2,000 years later Christianity is still taught all over the world.