It’s the one piece of advice we all know is true, but don’t necessarily want to hear. If I could say one thing to my generation it would be this – Grow on purpose!
This post is part of the series – Personal Life Planning that Works
Your Life Matters
Grow on Purpose
3 Reasons Everyone Should Have a Personal Life Plan
The #1 Way to Get Better Results with Your Personal Life Plan
3 Personal Life Plan Tips Most People Miss
Over the past few weeks, I’ve received scores of email with questions and comments about self-development and leadership. And the resulting conversations often involve how to improve priority management and make better decisions.
Leaders and team members are looking for solutions to complex challenges in their life and work. And our conversations inevitably lead back to the same solution – grow on purpose.
When life happens
When your words are misunderstood. When people are criticizing you. When you think you can’t handle any more – grow on purpose.
When you feel discouraged and you want to quit – keep growing.
When you’re not sure if your life or your work is making a difference. When you don’t know if your leadership or influence matters – just grow on purpose.
There is one, and only one, silver bullet solution to breaking through to the next level in your life and work — to becoming the leader you long to be: You must grow!
Whatever you do – don’t stop
So many people struggle when vision or plans are unclear. They don’t know where to start or how to move forward. And they do the absolute worst thing – they stop.
So when you’re feeling unsupported, blocked, or stuck – grow on purpose.
When it doesn’t feel like you and your team are making progress – don’t stop, keep growing.
When your life and work seems designed to frustrate you and thwart your plans on your journey – grow on purpose.
Don’t stop. Keep going. Your breakthrough is closer than you think. Just keep growing.
Stop and start
No matter where you are on your journey, successful leaders who have gone before you knew one thing – the secret is to keep growing. So keep moving. Keep deciding. Keep learning. Keep leading.
Whatever your fear – grow on purpose.
If you feel like a wannabe – grow on purpose.
If you are waiting for your “big break” (and it feels like you’ve been waiting forever) – grow on purpose.
Grow. Step up. Lead. When you’re done, do it again. There’s no better way to make maximum impact – grow on purpose.
Stop complaining, whining, and questioning yourself. Stop criticizing others. And stop blaming everyone and everything else. Start doing this one very simple (but very difficult) thing – grow on purpose.
I’m so committed to helping you succeed in your life and work that we developed the SIMPLE Personal Life Plan Guide and Template just for you! I want you to enjoy the freedom and clarity that comes from identifying your top priorities and I want you to avoid the struggles that I faced personally.
Once you download it and try it out, shoot me an email. You can even send me your draft to review for you. I’m looking forward to hearing about the dramatic improvements to your life and work.
Thanks for re-sharing this, Michael. A few years ago I penned 3 words on the top of my blog that I didn’t even realize then the importance of. “Perspective Brings Focus”. Since then, I’ve run into your 3 words “Grow On Purpose”…and the two sets of words continue to be a great encouragement to me. So many times we see something that is “inspiring” and we smile, swear it will change our life…and then promptly forget about it. That’s the perspective piece. But when we allow it to actually change who we are and what we do? That’s intentional focus. And to me…that’s what it means to “Grow On Purpose”. Thanks for your encouraging words on a regular basis. Your presence here is a blessing to many. Thanks, Michael!
Thanks my friend. I appreciate your kind words. Keep up the good work.
“Grow on purpose” – I like that! And I agree 100%.
There’s opportunity in every hour of every day. We just have to be aware and take advantage of all the learning experiences.
Your post fits in nicely with my “Making Good Choices” project. Love it!
I’ll check it out, Michael. Thanks!
I like this Michael! We have to be intentional with our choices. Growing means we are making progress..even small steps are progress.
You’re right, Eileen. Thanks for joining the conversation!
Always hold on to hope.
So true!
I completely agree with you and would say that “Growing on Purpose” seems to be even more critical in today’s very dynamic digital age. I observe a clear distinction between people that are consciously investing in their own development and those that are relying on the things that have made them successful in the past. Great post!
I completely agree with you and would say that “Growing on Purpose” seems to be even more critical in today’s very dynamic digital age. I observe a clear distinction between people that are consciously investing in their own development and those that are relying on the things that have made them successful in the past. Great post!
I agree – those who are intentionally assessing and growing are more likely to positively impact the lives of others and leave the legacy they desire.
I agree with you and would say that “Growing on Purpose” seems to be even more critical in today’s very dynamic digital age. I observe a clear distinction between people that are consciously investing in their own development and those that are relying on the things that have made them successful in the past. Great post!
I agree with you and would say that “Growing on Purpose” seems to be even more critical in today’s very dynamic digital age. I observe a clear distinction between people that are consciously investing in their own development and those that are relying on the things that have made them successful in the past. Great post!
I totally agree with you. If you’re not growing you’re not leading. I really like your statement, “Grow on purpose”.So powerful and true. It takes being intentional to grow and develop yourself. This is one of the best things a leader can do and remember. Great post!!!
Thanks Dan. So true. It’s a life long journey!
Best leadership advice? I’d have to go with what you said, Never Stop Learning. When you do, you grow stagnate and old. Your skills become rusty. And you are out of touch with those you need to serve.
I agree, Joe. We can all greatly benefit from ongoing learning in our core competencies.
All good points! And each of these pose significant challenges – particularly in today’s marketplace. Keep up the good work!