Inspired by John Maxwell’s profound insights in *The Success Journey*, these ten strategies will propel your leadership potential to new heights.
Each one is a stepping stone on the path to becoming a more effective, dynamic leader.
1. Choose a Life of Growth
Growth isn’t a destination; it’s a lifelong journey, so committing to constant growth keeps you moving forward.
When you decide to coast, thinking you’ve achieved enough, that’s when the backslide begins. Embrace growth as a daily habit, not a milestone to reach and forget.
2. Grow Today
Procrastination kills ambition and dreams. “Someday” isn’t a day of the week, and growth isn’t automatic.
You have to own your growth, take responsibility for it today to ensure a better tomorrow.
Growth delayed is growth denied.
3. Stay Teachable
John Wooden, the legendary UCLA basketball coach, once said, “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.”
The biggest barrier to growth isn’t ignorance; it’s thinking you know it all.
The moment you stop being teachable, you stop growing. Stay open, stay curious, and keep learning.
4. Focus on Self-Development, Not Self-Fulfillment
Self-fulfillment is about feeling good, but self-development is about being good.
The former is a fleeting emotion, while the latter is a lasting transformation.
Pursue self-development—it’s a higher calling. It’s about reaching your full potential and fulfilling the purpose you were created for.
5. Never Be Satisfied with Current Accomplishments
Resting on your laurels is as dangerous as thinking you’ve learned everything there is to know.
Achieving a goal doesn’t mean you’ve arrived; it’s merely a step on your journey, so remember, success is temporary.
Keep striving, stay hungry, and avoid the comfort zone.
6. Be a Continual Learner
To keep moving forward, you must become a perpetual learner and make learning a daily habit.
Henry Ford observed, “Most successful people get ahead during the time others waste.” Commit to learning something new every day.
7. Concentrate on a Few Major Themes
Your time and energy are finite, use them wisely and focus them on the core themes of your life.
Narrow your focus to what truly matters—your purpose, your impact on others, and your personal growth. Clarity on these themes will guide your actions and decisions.
8. Develop a Plan for Growth
Growth doesn’t happen by accident; it requires a plan. Earl Nightingale said, “If a person will spend one hour a day on the same subject for five years, that person will be an expert on that subject.”
Craft a plan and stick to it. Daily dedication is the secret to expertise.
9. Pay the Price
Growth demands discipline, persistence, and resilience. It involves constant change, taking risks, and sometimes, facing loneliness, but the price of growth is worth it.
Theodore Roosevelt noted, “There has not yet been a person in our history who led a life of ease whose name is worth remembering.”
Embrace the challenges—growth is worth the effort.
10. Apply What You Learn
Learning is only valuable when it’s applied. Turn knowledge into action, and do it daily. Make it a habit and practice new skills for 21 days, and they become part of your routine.
This consistent application ensures continuous growth and prevents stagnation.
Abby is an executive career expert and master resume writer with over 20 years of experience. Specializing in personal branding and modern executive resumes, Abby helps leaders over 50 to articulate their value and navigate career transitions and achieve seemingly impossible career goals.
