Ever feel like you’re just drifting through life, hoping to “figure it out” someday? I used to think personal growth would just happen - like I’d magically wake up wiser, more confident, or better at something.
John Maxwell, in his book "The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth", nails this with his Law of Intentionality: Growth doesn’t just happen. You have to make it happen. He argues that if you want to become the best version of yourself, you need to actively pursue growth every single day. No excuses, no waiting for the “right time.” Intentionality is about taking the wheel and steering your life where you want it to go.
Why does this matter? Because without a deliberate plan, life’s chaos - work, stress, Netflix binges—will eat up your time and energy. You’ll look back years from now and wonder why you’re still stuck. Intentional growth flips that script. It’s about small, consistent actions that compound over time into massive change.
But here’s the truth: growth doesn’t work that way. It’s not automatic. It’s not a gift that lands in your lap. It’s a choice, and it starts with intentionality.
John Maxwell, in his book "The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth", nails this with his Law of Intentionality: Growth doesn’t just happen. You have to make it happen. He argues that if you want to become the best version of yourself, you need to actively pursue growth every single day. No excuses, no waiting for the “right time.” Intentionality is about taking the wheel and steering your life where you want it to go.
Why does this matter? Because without a deliberate plan, life’s chaos - work, stress, Netflix binges—will eat up your time and energy. You’ll look back years from now and wonder why you’re still stuck. Intentional growth flips that script. It’s about small, consistent actions that compound over time into massive change.
So, how do you start? Below, I’m sharing five practical steps to create a daily growth plan that’s simple, doable, and powerful. These steps are designed to fit into your busy life while pushing you toward your goals. Let’s dive in.
5 Steps to Create a Daily Growth Plan
1. Define Your Growth Areas (5 Minutes a Day)
First, get clear on what you want to grow in. Is it your career skills? Emotional resilience? Health? Relationships? Pick one or two areas that matter most right now. For example, I decided to focus on communication and mindfulness last year. Write down your focus areas and keep them somewhere visible - like a sticky note on your desk. Spend five minutes each morning reflecting on why these matter to you. This clarity fuels motivation.2. Read 10 Pages of a Growth-Focused Book (20 Minutes a Day)
Reading is like downloading wisdom from the world’s smartest minds. Commit to reading just 10 pages a day of a book that aligns with your growth areas. If you’re working on leadership, try Maxwell’s "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership". Want better habits? Check out "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. Ten pages might sound small, but that’s over 3,600 pages a year - roughly 12 life-changing books.Pro tip: Keep your book on your nightstand to make it easy to grab.
.jpg)
Journaling isn’t just for teenagers with diaries. It’s a tool to process your thoughts, track progress, and spot patterns. Each evening, spend 10 minutes writing about your day. Answer questions like:
3. Journal for Clarity and Reflection (10 Minutes a Day)
.jpg)
- What did I learn today?
- What challenged me?
- How can I improve tomorrow?
I started doing this a year ago, and it’s like having a conversation with my future self. Use a notebook or an app like Notion or OneNote - whatever feels natural.
4. Learn from Others Intentionally (15 Minutes a Day)
You don’t have to figure everything out alone. Seek out mentors, podcasts, or even YouTube channels that inspire you. For example, if you’re growing your business, listen to a 15-minute episode of How I Built This while you’re making coffee. Or message someone you admire and ask one specific question.I recently reached out to a colleague for advice on executive communication, and their tips were game-changing. Be curious and proactive - it’s growth on steroids.
These steps aren’t rocket science, and that’s the point. Intentional growth doesn’t require hours of free time or a PhD. It’s about carving out 60 minutes a day - less time than you might spend scrolling social media - to invest in yourself. The magic happens when you stick with it. Maxwell says, “Small disciplines repeated with consistency every day lead to great achievements gained slowly over time.” That’s the Law of Intentionality in action.
What’s one area you want to grow in this year? Drop a comment below or share this post with a friend who needs a nudge. Let’s stop waiting for growth to happen and start making it happen - together.
5. Take One Small Action Toward Your Goals (10 Minutes a Day)
Every day, do one thing that moves you closer to your big goal. Want to write a book? Write 100 words. Aiming to get fit? Do a 10-minute workout. These tiny actions add up. Last month, I committed to posting one insightful LinkedIn update weekly, or a comment on someone else's post. It took 10 minutes, but it boosted my confidence and network. Not to mention the positive feedback I am getting from peers. The key is consistency - small steps today lead to giant leaps tomorrow.These steps aren’t rocket science, and that’s the point. Intentional growth doesn’t require hours of free time or a PhD. It’s about carving out 60 minutes a day - less time than you might spend scrolling social media - to invest in yourself. The magic happens when you stick with it. Maxwell says, “Small disciplines repeated with consistency every day lead to great achievements gained slowly over time.” That’s the Law of Intentionality in action.
Your Next Step
Ready to take control of your personal growth? Start tonight. Grab a notebook and jot down your growth areas. Pick a book to read 10 pages of tomorrow. Set a reminder to journal before bed. You don’t need to be perfect - just intentional.What’s one area you want to grow in this year? Drop a comment below or share this post with a friend who needs a nudge. Let’s stop waiting for growth to happen and start making it happen - together.
Join my newsletter to receive the latest posts - I promise no spam!
Comments