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 stifles creativity. A circle of unmotivated peers can normalize
mediocrity.
On the flip side, a growth-oriented environment - one that
values learning, feedback, and ambition - can elevate your standards and
accelerate your transformation.
What a Growth Environment Looks Like
Maxwell outlines several traits of a growth-conducive
environment:
- Others
are ahead of you: You’re challenged to rise.
- You’re
continually challenged: Comfort is replaced by curiosity.
- Your
focus is forward: The past doesn’t define you.
- Atmosphere
is affirming: Encouragement fuels risk-taking.
- You’re
out of your comfort zone: Growth lives in stretch, not safety.
These principles align with Carol Dweck’s growth mindset
theory, which emphasizes that intelligence and ability can be developed through
effort and learning. But that mindset needs fertile soil - an environment that
believes in growth.
What this meant for me
What this meant for me was undeniable proof: growth is not just about effort - it’s about the soil you plant yourself in.
This past year, I stepped into a high-performing organization dedicated to personal and professional development - the John Maxwell Leadership Team. Suddenly, I was surrounded by people who breathe the same obsession I do: to grow relentlessly, to share generously, and to expand the knowledge that transforms lives.
And here’s the truth: what changed wasn’t my talent. It was my environment.
I found myself among people who are committed to lifting others higher.
I gained access to a wealth of structured wisdom that sharpened my thinking.
I began to see myself not through the lens of limitation, but through the stage of possibility.
The Law of Environment teaches us that growth accelerates when you place yourself where growth is the norm. For me, that shift turned obstacles into opportunities, and potential into progress.
Your Invitation to Curate Your Space
If you’re serious about growth, ask yourself:
- Who do
I spend the most time with?
- Do
they challenge me or comfort me?
- What
spaces make me feel expansive, not small?
You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start by
curating micro-environments: a book club, a mastermind group (I lead one in the coming weeks), a mentor, even a
redesigned workspace. These small shifts compound into transformation.
And if you’re building environments for others - as a coach,
leader, or parent - remember: you’re not just influencing behavior. You’re
shaping identity.
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