Strucutre

According to my thesis, structure is one of the three pillars of growth. The structure is interesting because it can be somewhat visualized as a lattice-type framework that allows a plant's growth to take direction. The structure is a way to direct energy to action. 

I was recently listening to The Power to Change by Craig Groeschel. I was impacted by his echo of Darren Hardy's work, The Compound Effect, in talking about small consistent efforts performed over long periods can produce results far more significant than large inconsistent actions done with a lack of frequency. 

I've been leading a Leadership Institute for a few years. I am nearly done with a two-year process of earning, no EARNING a master's degree in Organizational Leadership. I've been pondering structure and consistent growth following the structured coursework. As I have previously stated, the purpose of this blog is to provide consistent effort towards both thinking and writing, something the last few years have proven their value to me. But the question remains, what structure do I build for growth post-grad school, and how much energy do I consistently apply?

Groeschel brilliantly unpacked Galatians 6:7 about reaping and sowing and explained that every decision and habit moves you towards a future that you and the Lord desire or further from that potential. When I sit and think about what fruit I desire for my life to reap, I know I want to be a great husband, a good dad, a good friend, and a connected and committed follower of the Lord. From a structure aspect, I can look at who I want to be and what I want to do through the lens of Luke 2:52, which is directly following in the footsteps of Jesus. The structure is growth in Wisdom, Stature, and Favor with God and Men. Small daily habits around these attributes, compounded over months and years, will help me become who I've been created and called to be. Wisdom currently resembles a combination of daily reading, writing, and thinking.

Favor with God and people look like intentional time, conversations, and shared meals.

No matter where you want to grow, building a structure that allows small and consistent steps will produce tremendous growth over time. When you add external energy in the form of coaching and are open-minded and confident in your ability to grow, the structure will focus your work, and I can't wait to see who you become.