Owning Your Personal Development

You are responsible for your own professional development. I am, you are, and we all are. If you look at the most successful people in our profession (and in the world), you’ll see that they take control of their own paths and seek out growth opportunities.

A mentor told me over 20 years ago, “Five years from now, your life will be the same except for the people you meet and the books you read.” No truer words have ever been spoken, and it has played out in my life since he gave me that coaching.

By Michelle Hubert

I will share three beliefs that have supported my personal and professional growth throughout my career. They are simple but powerful.

Continuously Expand Your Circle

You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Are you spending time with people pushing you to get outside your comfort zone and be the best version of yourself? Find opportunities to put yourself in a room with people who are at a higher level of success than you are. It can be intimidating, but that little twinge of anxiety that you feel can be energizing. The relationships you build by expanding your circle outside of your comfort zone will enrich your life in ways you never imagined.

Pay Attention to What Influences You

What content are you consuming? Whether it is books, podcasts, articles, videos, or even TV, is what you consume making you a better human being, family member, or leader for your organization? There is nothing wrong with using any of these purely for entertainment, but be careful what you allow into your life. It’s influencing you whether you recognize it or not.

Prioritize Your Personal Development Plan

Does your calendar reflect your commitment to growth? Show me your calendar, and I’ll tell you what is important to you. Ensure you have opportunities scheduled on your calendar for personal and professional development. We need regular doses of energy, motivation, and inspiration in addition to specific growth opportunities. I mark two cornerstones in my calendar every year and find additional opportunities to build around them. They are:

LAMP Global Leadership Summit

If you’re not registered for LAMP, get registered today! It is the best opportunity to drive your professional development for 2023. And while you’re there, come visit me at my “Serve First” breakout session. We’ll discuss how serving your team starts with serving and leading yourself well. We can’t help our team be the best version of themselves if we don’t invest in becoming the best version of ourselves!