The ONE Thing That WILL Improve Your Leadership is a guest post by Tammy Helfrich. She writes about life, marriage, and encouragement and is the author of Becoming a LifeChanger: Move Away from Ordinary. Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook or her blog.
What has most impacted YOUR personal growth?
John Maxwell has always said that personal growth will open more doors in your life and work than anything else.
Leaders are readers
I have always been a reader, but for a long time I read mainly fiction books. I love a good story! However, for the last five years, I have primarily read nonfiction books – books about leadership, personal development, time management, and building community.
The result has been a significant increase in personal growth. Why? Because I’ve challenged myself to step outside of my comfort zone.
I’ve pushed myself to start and actually finish things.
I began to question more. And in the process, all kinds of doors have opened.
Enjoy the journey
A friend recently told me that he loves watching these doors open for me.
I have to admit that I hadn’t really been looking at it like that. I was just concentrating on the doors opening. And I was excited about it. But, he is right. When we step forward in faith, God opens doors.
[Tweet “When we step forward in faith, God opens doors.”]
Sometimes, the open doors make sense – they continue the journey. Other times, a door opens and life takes an unexpected turn.
Now that can be frustrating. Sometimes it’s not easy.
Let’s face it – life’s not fair! Some doors suddenly slam shut. We can’t always see the big picture. The road of personal growth is not easy.
That’s why it’s important to grow and improve intentionally – into better parents, better team members, better friends, better community members, better leaders.
So how do we do that? Here are a few things that are working for me:
1. Interact with others who are making a difference in the world.
2. Feed your mind with positive and energetic messages. Read books. Listen to podcasts.
3. Step outside of your comfort zone. Try something new. Decide to change.
No matter where you are on your journey, remember, successful leaders know one thing – the secret is to keep growing.
So keep moving and keep improving. Keep deciding and keep learning. Keep leading.
Question: Now it’s your turn – what has most impacted your personal growth? Share your thoughts in the comments.
We gravitate toward people that are like us. We need people in our tribe that will give us a different view.
Great thoughts Ron!
Reading books has and still continues to impact my life in a positive way. Books are powerful! Great post and thoughts.
Reading has become a significant part of my growth as well – blogs, books, industry news and articles, etc. Thanks my friend.
I think most leaders or achievers can say the same thing.
Reading is so vital to growth – it has been a big part of mine. I have found if you read two or three books on one topic you become knowledgable enough to help others – and at the end of the day that’s what I want to do.
So true, Tom! I am constantly recommending books to people. I really find it helps us look at situations differently and with a new perspective.
I have too, Tom. When and how much do you read?
I try to get one non-fiction book in a month… usually an hour or so before bed. I’ve tried the audio book thing a few times for the car, I just can’t make it stick.
Good reminder for us all Tammy. I have always been a reader of non-fiction, mostly business and computer related, and biographies myself. I try to learn from others so I can be wiser myself and avoid some of the mistakes they made. I am reading Walt Disney by Neal Gabler now as I have always been fascinated and amazed by his life and what he was able to accomplish.
I believe what Charlie “Tremendous” Jones said,”You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read” so I keep reading.
That is such a great point. It reminds me of the phrase “you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” I think when we are intentional about personal growth, it impacts us.
Good reminder – you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.
Thanks Stan!
Right on, Tammy! Your three areas that are working for you area also working for me. The only difference, I put #3 first and make the decision to grow daily by doing something out of my comfort zone. Of course, this helps when you intentionally surround yourself with those making a difference in the world (shout out to Michael!).
One thing in particular that has impacted my personal grown is taking ownership of my decisions. Accountability and responsibility often lead to growing confidence and humility simultaneously.
So true, Chad! I find that stepping out of my comfort zone always pushes me to grow. And you are right. Accountability and responsibility are so important!
Good point Chad – I like the reminder to take ownership of decisions. It’s easy to back away when you sense someone is not pleased.
Great post Tammy! My personal growth has been the most impacted when I committed to train for a half marathon. This is where I grew the most learning to wait in the Lord rather than rush forward to the prize. I always enjoyed the recognition of the prize without the real work involved. As of today I’ve run 5 halfs and 1 full marathon. The full marathon was a healing journey from past abuse. It was those steps of faith which lead to seeing God move in my life.
Wow, Michelle! That’s awesome. That is such a great reminder. It’s so easy to want the recognition of the prize, when sometimes God needs to heal us and teach us patience.
I’ve had many people tell me of similar experiences. Love hearing about the healing and growth you experienced.
Thanks Michael! My experience of healing and rebuilding of my confidence caused me to create a transformational weekend called Weekend of Wins around the half marathon. I took the first group of 21 ladies last November and the stories of transformation are incredible. The day before the race, we went through parts of the book of Nehemiah and related it to the rebuilding of their past ruins into something new God was doing in them. The marathon added to their experience as they had forward movement amongst obstacles to the finish line. Just wanted to share how God used that for me to reach others. I am writing the book in regards to the weekend which includes some of the women’s stories of transformation. Thanks for your blog and for having others like Tammy guest post. Many blessings to you, Michelle
That’s great! I’m looking forward to seeing your book.
Thank you for having me here today, Michael!
It’s my pleasure – great post!