Skip navigation
How Successful People Grow
Book

How Successful People Grow

15 Ways to Get Ahead in Life

Center Street, 2014 more...


Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Applicable
  • Well Structured
  • Inspiring

Recommendation

Well-regarded pastor and popular speaker John C. Maxwell shares a wealth of knowledge and experience in leadership and management in many of his books. But this time he turns toward personal development and offers 15 principles that can help you grow as a person so you can attain your full potential. Maxwell explains that change fuels “intentional personal growth,” but to achieve positive change, you must do one thing differently every day. “If you do the things you need to do when you need to do them, then someday you can do the things you want to do when you want to do them.” While probably too sweet for anyone with a drop of cynicism, Maxwell’s writing overflows with aphorisms and quotable gems. Give him an ear, and he may well help you change in a more positive direction. getAbstract finds that his substantive thoughts on personal growth, ethics, success, leadership and teamwork can provide both support and inspiration.

Summary

What’s Your Potential?

When you embrace all your possibilities and extend yourself to achieve your full potential, you will become the completely realized person you were meant to be. “Intentional personal growth” is the road to attaining your potential, but it requires making a conscious decision to adopt the right attitude, passion and character to call upon your full strength and develop your special skills.

Pursuing personal growth will help you enhance your relationships, expand your horizons and become a more effective person. Start by creating a “growth journal” to track the way you develop. To reach your goals and your potential, apply 15 principles of intentional growth:

1. “Become an Intentional Learner”

Personal growth doesn’t occur automatically or by accident. You must plan the steps to achieving intentional growth. Take full ownership of your own progress. Don’t fall prey to common misperceptions, such as:

  • “I don’t know how to grow” – Start by thinking about who you want to be. Write down steps you can take beginning today to help you become that person.
  • This is “not the right time to begin” – Right...

About the Author

John C. Maxwell is a leadership expert, speaker, coach and #1 New York Times best-selling author who has sold more than 25 million books. He is the founder of The John Maxwell Company, The John Maxwell Team, and EQUIP.


Comment on this summary or Start Discussion

More on this topic

Learners who read this summary also read