Two keys to continual personal growth and development

August 30, 2007 · Posted in Choices, Education, Motivation 

It takes the average person between sixteen and twenty-five years to reach their full physical stature. Yes, some people do grow that long. All along the way, we are continually looking forward to the day when we are “all grown up.”

Our bodies reach a condition of full growth due to the programming of our DNA. Beyond this, we can do a little (develop our muscles or eat too much) to enhance our physical state.

Our minds are a different story. The growth and development of our minds does not have to stop. Sadly, many don’t understand or care that having continual growth requires their active participation. I’ve heard people brag, “I can’t even remember the last book that I read.” What a shame when you consider that this is a self-defeating and self-limiting philosophy.

You are paid for what you know

Each year, at their annual wage reviews, people automatically expect to have their pay rate increased. How do you justify this expectation?

  • What new skills or knowledge have you acquired since the your last review to justify your expectation of a pay increase?
  • Do you realize that as technology advances, your knowledge-base becomes obsolete? In other words, it makes very little difference how many machines that you can operate or repair, if those machines have been replaced with new technology.
  • At the very least, you must learn at a pace that keeps up with the technology of your field.

People are shocked

Many people are shocked that I would endorse this idea, but that’s how business works. It’s all about costs and profitability. Dollars, dollars, dollars – it’s a “what have you done for me lately” world. In fact a better question might be directed at you and ask, “Why should you get to keep your job at your current pay rate, when a fresh graduate can be trained to do your job for less money?”

Yes, I did go there – but only to make a point. It is in your best interest to pursue an active program of intellectual growth and development. You literally “cannot afford” to stagnate in today’s rapidly escalating age of technological advancements. If you don’t get busy, then you will be left behind – just like the dinosaurs, your career will soon be extinct.

Two keys to continual growth and development

1. Challenge yourself – ultimately, it’s up to you. No one is going to make you do anything – but you can bet the “new” guy is doing all he/she can to advance and you are in his/her way. Don’t make it easy for your company to replace you.

  • Find out what areas you are expected to be proficient in.
  • Find out what areas of knowledge are most needed ( whether this is your field or not – it’s called diversification or insurance )
  • Find out how and where you can acquire additional training. Many companies offer a host of options.
  • Many companies will subsidize your training and continued education, especially if they can see a direct relationship to your current job or possible future responsibilities.
  • Volunteer for more responsibility. This will put the “monkey on your back” to have to acquire additional skills.

2. Never allow yourself to become satisfied with your current state.

  • If you’re not growing then you are dying.
  • Someone is looking to get a piece of your pie. You may have been the best in the past, but today is a new day (and a new opportunity). If you slack up in your performance, then some new, young, gung-ho, “I’m climbing to the top” over-achiever will be glad to add your responsibilities to his. You are just an obstacle on his way to the top, and when you slow down – he’ll catch you.
  • Try to relate to a professional athlete. Once you reach the top, you can’t rest because there is a fresh crop of new guys every year. Stay on top of your game – Make Growth and Development a Priority.

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Comments

2 Responses to “Two keys to continual personal growth and development”

  1. Leila on August 31st, 2007 1:58 pm

    As usual, I definitely agree with what you say. It is my personal belief that you have to keep growing. How can someone be alive and not grow? How can someone be in the same job for 15-20 years and not have mastered it? People spend most of their waking day doing their job. Why wouldn’t they give it their all. Besides, being paid for it, where’s the pride.
    If you’re going to do something,do it well.

  2. Chris Melton on August 31st, 2007 5:52 pm

    I couldn’t have said it better and somehow I didn’t even touch on the whole “pride in your own performance” issue. Thanks for the comment, you’re a great motivator.

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