Maximize Your Personal Growth Part 1

There are two inputs that determine your personal growth.  Input #1 is present circumstance and input #2 is reading.  In this post we'll talk about how to maximize input #1. 

Your present circumstances is your daily life.  Your routine, your job, your school, your friends, whatever.  It's broad.  This is life experience and it's happening to you right now.   So how do you maximize input #1?

- Turn off the TV.  TV is the biggest threat to your personal growth. You are not making yourself smarter or better by watching endless hours of American Idol.  TV turns your brain off, that's the opposite of growth.    Even if you just cut your TV time in half you'll free up tons of time for better pursuits. 

- If you have to watch TV, use a service like Netflix instead of cable.  The same show that would normally take you an hour to watch you can finish in 45 minutes because there are no obnoxious commercials.  That's a big time savings. 

- (Sub-TV watching point) Educational channels don't count towards personal growth input.  The amount of content in a 45 minute History Channel show can be read in much less time.  And TV shows don't have time to do a thorough review of the topic beyond the basics.  Educational channels are like diluted coffee, they fill up the cup but can't deliver the "wake-up punch."

- Push out of your comfort zone.  If you are scarred of taking on the project, or giving the presentation, or whatever, you need to do it.  If it feels just beyond your capabilities it's exactly right for you.  One of my first assignments felt that way.  Normally the job was done by someone with 10 years of experience in the career field and I had just two.  That challenged me to grow and grow quickly.  And it opened up doors for even more challenging work later.

- Don't try to lead a "balanced" life.  Instead go for focus.  The most successful people I know are not all that balanced but they are extremely focused.  They spend a lot of their time and energy on what they are good at.  Balance is usually an excuse for not working hard.  Balance is for people who hate what they are doing and just want to get home and watch TV.  Instead focus on what you're good at and what you love doing.  And by the way it's ok to be extremely focused on family instead of work.  The point is to intentionally pick your priorities.  Focus is better than balance when it comes to personal growth. 

- *Most important* Spend a lot of time with people smarter and better than you.  John Maxwell, the prominent leadership expert, commented recently on this (and by comment I mean wrote a book: The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: Live Them and Reach Your Potential*).  He said if you are the smartest person in the room you can't grow.  Instead spend time in places where everyone else is smarter than you.  Your friends make a difference in your personal growth.  Choose wisely. 

*Haven't read the whole thing yet, but it's on my list. 

Thoughts on implementing any of the tips or personal growth in general?  And how about my cheesy growing tree picture at the top?