We all have far greater potential in us then our current level of achievements. Everyone can grow into that person who they dream to be but very few take a step towards the path of growth. It is very unfortunate that most people will live the life of mediocrity by fearing pain of change rather than deciding to grow and leaving their mark on this world.

Nothing worthwhile is ever achieved by anyone without paying the price for it. If you are looking for pearls you need to dive into the depths of ocean, superficial efforts won’t yield results. Diamond is simply carbon that has endured the pressure over time. Some people though hope for miracles that they will achieve their goals and their desires will be fulfilled automatically. But they need to understand that miracles don’t happen, they are made by people who work continuously with discipline for their progress. You need to Embrace Discomfort for Growth

You get most fulfillment when you progress. The feeling you get on seeing yourself improving is the most satisfying one. To make your future better ‘now’ is the time when you need to invest in your growth plan. As John Maxwell says “growth is only guarantee that tomorrow is going to be better.”

Everybody hopes for a better future. It is one of the most positive feeling that gives you support in most difficult of situations, but you need to work on your plans to realize your goals. Everybody hopes but only those who work continuously for their dreams get results. So in order to reach your goals, to grow into a person who you desire to be, you need to start working on yourself because you will grow only when you decide, only when you take first steps toward it. Don’t assume that you will grow with time. Remember growth can not be accidental, it has to be deliberate, it has to be intentional. You need to resolve that you will grow into a better person by working for it.

John says that you need to ask yourself question that what are you doing to develop yourself. If you are not taking any intentional steps for making you a better version of yourself then nothing is going to happen on it’s own. You need to develop yourself first because that is vital for your own success, at the same time you will not be able to contribute to others because you can not give what you don’t have. By taking first steps toward growth you lay the foundation of your future. Another thing that you need to be conscious of is to see that you do something to develop others also. This will be your biggest contribution to others, that will give you feeling of fulfillment as there is multiplication of talent and good ideas.

 

To make your own personal growth plan start with clear cut defined goals. Mark out the areas that you want to grow in and write them in your journal. It is said that you get what you focus on. Once you are clear about your objectives and area of growth next step would be to start immediately. Having a role model can be of great help. To follow someone who has already achieved what you desire is one of the shortest and quickest way to get started. Study your role model deeply and analyze what has worked for them. But remain analytical also at the same time, as what has worked for them may not work equally well for you. Be consistent in moving towards your goal but at the same time remain flexible about your approach.

Make friends with books. Wealth of knowledge is at your disposal. People pour their lifetime wisdom when they write a book, you may be able to save years by just reading them. Books have the power to mold your mind. As William Faulkner said “Read, read, read. Read everything – trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! you’ll absorb it.” Develop the habit of reading daily for at least half an hour on the topics where you want to develop your skill and within two years you can be a master in it.

Share your growth plan with someone close to you. It is said that when we declare something to others, we become more conscious about it and do not deviate easily from decided path. At the same time they will be able to analyze our progress and give us their viewpoint. Even better would be if you get along with someone who is also striving for growth in same areas as you. This way healthy competition will keep you on your toes.

Starting immediately is of vital importance. Don’t wait for some perfect plan, you will improve your plan en-route if you keep reviewing your progress and have a flexibility of approach. To reflect on how you are moving ahead is also very significant. Develop the habit of writing a journal about your plan and progress. See the weaker areas where you need to do more and adjust accordingly. This will be a big help to prevent you from going off-track.

 

Finally it is not enough to learn something, action is of even greater importance. World belong to those who are ‘doers.’ Keep in mind an imperfect plan acted upon efficiently is far superior to a perfect plan on which no action is taken. Practice daily what you have learned and modify to suit your plan.

In summary, your personal growth plan should be:

• Decide that you want to grow, have a firm resolve.
• Have clear defined goals.
• Follow a role model.
• Study about skill you want to develop.
• Share your plan.
• Start immediately, don’t procrastinate.
• Review your performance.
• Keep acting in continuous disciplined manner.

In the end your elevation from a mediocre level or from being a commoner to a higher level justifying your full potential is very much possible and it starts the moment YOU decide to grow.

Related article: 9 Success Factors For Growth