Preparing to Climb (a Personal Growth Plan)

Mountains have always been an interest for me.  My wife and I lived amidst the beautiful Rockies for 6 years.  Our son was born in the Denver area.  It would take no time at all to make a trip up a little higher where the Aspen leaves shimmer and the air reigns naturally crisp.  Though I’ve never personally climbed to the summit of a Colorado “14er”, some of my closest friends have and their stories are worth remembering.  Sharing in their preparation both physically and in practical gear makes this analogy fit so well.  They profoundly couldn’t make it even close to the peak without a plan…

Planning to grow personally is about putting yourself “out there” for God to use.  Cooperating with God is primary in going to the next level of effectiveness.  That being said, I so believe in grace.  Without it, our lives are hopelessly trapped in sinful, selfish ways.  But grace doesn’t work without a yielded heart.  For the early disciples to catch the miraculous mess of fish, they had to obey the words of Christ and cast the net out on the other side of the boat. That's what it means to cooperate with God. 

What is God saying to you?  Do you know?  How have you been challenged lately?  View this in light of next year.  I like to think of it this way:  If I’m not growing, I’m not going.  My life is static without the challenge to take it higher.  Obviously, for spiritual leaders, this means that our prayer times dictate the next steps.  So, let’s take that a little further:  How can we plan to take those next steps throughout the coming year?  This is where a personal growth plan comes in.  Set yourself up for God’s grace to work success in your life in the new year.

 

Here are seven suggestions when considering a personal growth plan:

1. Having a personal growth plan makes growth more deliberate and even measurable.
2. A personal growth plan is not a list of New Year’s resolutions.
3. A dedicated time of prayer prior to writing out your growth plan is essential.
4. The more specific your growth plan is the more doable it will be.
5. Categories help specify your direction for growth.
6. Displaying your growth plan in a visible place can be a positive move…for a reminder and regular accountability.
7. How and when you are going to “do” your growth plan are as critical as having one.

Accidental progress is always hard to measure.  Grow on purpose by planning on it and let grace do its work.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!