How do I actually make Growth happen?
Growth Doesn’t Just Happen. It’s Built — One Habit at a Time.
Why It Matters - The BIAS Map: Where Do You Stand?
Leaders don’t get stuck because they stop caring — they get stuck because they stop growing.
When growth isn’t intentional, it fades into the background of urgent tasks. You start wishing for the next opportunity, but it doesn’t come because you haven’t evolved into the version of yourself that can take it on.
Research from McKinsey (2024) shows that leaders who proactively invest in continuous learning are 2.5x more likely to advance within 18 months than those who rely on experience alone. And yet, 70% of mid-level leaders admit they “rarely make time” for their own development.
Growth and adaptability aren’t optional — they’re leadership essentials.
In a world of constant change, staying the same is the riskiest move of all.
Common Challenges & What to Do Instead
Waiting to feel “motivated” before starting.
Overestimating what can be done in a week and underestimating what can be built in a year.
Treating growth like an event instead of a process.
Sticking to familiar patterns instead of intentionally adding friction that rewires the brain for new results.
Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman explains that “friction” is what forms new neural pathways — that uncomfortable effort signals your brain that growth is happening. The more you repeat, the stronger those pathways become.
Intentionally design your Growth.
What to Do Instead
(Think of your growth like training for a marathon.)
1️⃣ Assess
Reflect on your current leadership growth — know your starting point, like checking your fitness before a marathon.
2️⃣ Frame
Define your path and direction — set your leadership “destination” and desired growth outcomes.
3️⃣ Decide
Choose your focus and plan — select skills to develop, resources to use, and milestones to track progress.
4️⃣ Act
Take consistent action — insert small, intentional changes to your routine to move closer to your goals.
Growth is not about perfection — it’s about progress.
Your marathon path may need adaptation, but that’s the point: adaptability is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.
Final Reflection
Every leader has a growth plan — some just haven’t written theirs yet.
What small action will you take this week to stretch your comfort zone and rewire your growth path?
Lead with What Matters series.
Ready to design your leadership growth path?
Take the CAPDA Leadership Quiz and find out where your next growth opportunity lies. Find Your Leadership Level →