I love to grow. By definition, it means to increase by natural development and to become greater. I love it because this process does not require us to abandon or change who we are. Instead, it fosters an environment where we can naturally build upon our core. As a result, when we grow we are actually building on our strengths and reaching for a new personal best.
Measuring Your Growth
Every April and October, we take time in our home to measure the physical growth our children have experienced. Each child lines up against our pantry door and we place a mark that captures their current height. It is fun to see how much taller each one has become over the course of only six months. So far, no one has reached their peak and we are able to measure growth over each period, but we understand that eventually their physical growth will stop.
Fortunately, our personal growth and development never have to reach a peak. We can continue to grow throughout our lives. If we stay focused on becoming our best, we can consistently reach for, and arrive at, new heights.
Measuring this type of growth requires a different tool. We cannot use a tape measure or a scale. It also requires a different method for setting goals.
BECOME Goals
Many of us have learned how to set SMART goals. This formula is an excellent tool for project management, but I don't think they work as well for personal growth initiatives.
Growth and development are always focused on becoming. They are a process that is constantly in motion. I have been experimenting with a new model and came up with what I call The BECOME Formula™. This formula is more conducive to setting behavioral based goals, and staying engaged in the process. I find it to be fully capable of influencing our personal development. Here it is:
B – Believe that you can become better.
E – Envision your success. Clearly define the development you want. Dream big.
C – Collect feedback from others. Make sure your efforts are delivering the results you want.
O – Overcome the fear of being great. Believe in you and let go of any negative feelings.
M – Measure the cost of success. Know what commitments it will take and be willing to do them.
E – Everyday, be willing to do something that will move you closer to your goals.
I have used this formula now for over two years and it works. It helps me to stay focused on becoming instead of achieving. That is the biggest difference between the SMART Goal formula and The BECOME Formula™ - It helps me stay engaged in the development that I really want in my life.
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