by Ronel Jooste
It was the question “What is your plan for your personal growth?” that made world-renowned leadership expert John C. Maxwell ponder about his career aspirations and that has ignited his journey becoming one of the most respected authors about leadership and personal growth.
Most people have a well-thought-out plan to become a Chartered Accountant, lawyer, medical doctor or entrepreneur. After completing formal studies, you start climbing the ladder from junior to senior to management to exco. There is a vision, plan, milestones and structure in place. Some might explore further studies, maybe a master’s degree, MBA or leadership course. CPD-requirements keep most professionals up to speed with professional and industry developments during their careers. But what about personal growth? What is your plan for your personal growth?
My sister and I have a big vision for where we want to take our employee wellness and leadership development company during the next 10 years. This vision resulted in me doing intense studying and research the past 2 years. I have added multiple qualifications and accreditations to my CV: NeuroCoach and Mentor; High-Performance and Resilience Practitioner; Enneagram Practitioner, Whole-Brain Practitioner; Executive Leadership Programme through Oxford University; Dare to Lead Trained by Brené Brown; John Maxwell Leadership Trainer, Coach and Speaker. I gained extensive knowledge and experience to add more value to clients. It is however the significant personal growth gained that I value the most.
I now have a deep understanding of my personality, my brain profile / thinking patterns, my conflict style, how do I behave under pressure, in what type of environment do I function best, what motivates me and my blind spots. I communicate more effectively, my personal and professional relationships have improved since I understand other people better, have more empathy, became a better listener and ask powerful questions to resolve problems quicker. Overall, I am a better person and a better leader who truly know myself.
As Nathaniel Branden quoted: “The first step towards change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.” You first need to know who you truly are to grow to your full potential. Personal awareness goes much deeper than: ‘I am an accountant’, ‘I am an introvert / extrovert’, ‘I am a team player / leader’. It also involves much more than acquiring soft skills. Secondly you need to accept who you are and that you are a unique human being with strengths and weaknesses.
One of the most common growth gap traps is referred to as ‘The Assumption Gap’ where people believe that personal growth will happen automatically. When we are children growth happens automatically – we grow stronger, taller, acquire more capabilities and knowledge. As a result, when we are adults, we subconsciously carry the belief that spiritual, emotional and mental growth will follow the same pattern. This is simply not true. Once you have completed formal education you need to take ownership for your personal growth.
Become intentional about your personal growth path – know where you are now and where you want to be, identify the gaps and put together a plan to help you achieve your goals. Build time into your weekly schedule for personal growth.
Ronel Jooste is a Chartered Accountant by profession with a global client portfolio spread over 11 countries. As a multi-award-winning serial entrepreneur she has founded PhysEQFiT Wellness, PhysEQFiT Guesthouse, FinanciallyFit Group, FinanciallyFiTLife Academy, and most recently JohRon Real Estate Group. She is the author of the award-winning book ‘Financially Fit and Wealthy’ – a guide to personal financial success. As an internationally accredited NeuroCoach and Mentor she helps professionals and entrepreneurs elevate their daily lives, create generational wealth, build sustainable businesses and become extraordinary leaders. Ronel has completed an Executive Leadership Programme with Oxford University and is a John Maxwell Leadership Trainer, Coach and Speaker. Other qualifications include a diploma in exercise science, and she is an accredited Enneagram and Whole-Brain Practitioner as well as a Neurozone Resilience and High-Performance Practitioner. Ronel strives to live a healthy, active, happy, and financially fit life and want to inspire and empower others to have that too.
More articles by Ronel
