John C. Maxwell’s Law of Environment - the sixth principle in The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth - is deceptively simple: “Growth thrives in conducive surroundings.” But what does that mean in practice? It means that your personal development isn’t just about willpower or goals. It’s about where you spend your time, who you surround yourself with, and what influences you allow into your life. Maxwell writes, “The people closest to you determine your level of success.” If you’re always the smartest, most driven person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. Why Environment Shapes Identity Psychologist Kurt Lewin famously said, “Behavior is a function of the person and their environment.” James Clear, author of Atomic Habits , echoes this: “Environment is the invisible hand that shapes human behavior.” Your habits, mindset, and even your sense of possibility are deeply influenced by your surroundings. A cluttered space breeds distraction. A toxic workplace st...
I used to think consistency was overrated. A word tossed around in leadership books and productivity podcasts, usually followed by a checklist or a habit tracker. But the older I get - and the more I coach - the more I realize: consistency is the difference between intention and impact. One of my colleagues decided to run a marathon. Not someday. Not “when life gets less busy.” He picked a date, mapped a plan, and ran every single day. Rain, heat, fatigue - none of it mattered. He didn’t wait for motivation. He built momentum. And when race day came, he didn’t just finish. He flew. It wasn’t talent. It wasn’t luck. It was consistency. John C. Maxwell’s Law of Consistency , from The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth , is deceptively simple: Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally - it comes from what you do consistently . Maxwell argues that personal growth is not a one-time event but a daily commitment. You don’t need to be excellent to start, but you must start to become ex...