There has been much said recently by researchers about the fixed versus growth mindset.  A fixed mindset essentially believes our traits like intelligence, personality, creativity, and skills are unchangeable and a “given.” A growth mindset, on the other hand, believes that these things can and do change throughout the course of life. Scripture clearly teaches us to have a growth mindset: 

• “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:1). Because there is no limit to how much we can renew our minds, there is no limit to how much we can be transformed. 
• “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:18). Just as a baby learns to walk, we too grow into our giftings, biblical identity, and life purpose. 
• “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,” (1 Peter 2:2). Feeding on Scripture causes us to grow. 

I want to grow radically. In every environment I am in, I want to be the most hungry to keep advancing and changing. In my blog, “THIS is Greater Than Achieving Goals,” I quote Tim Ferris who says, “Success is not about achieving goals but it’s about forming systems.” He goes on further to quote Scott Adams, “Losers have goals. Winners have systems.” Four systems I have established for radical personal growth for my life. 

1. Belief systems
2. Personal habit systems
3. Project systems
4. The system of deadlines

You can read more about creating strong systems here. 

Those who pursue a lifestyle of radical personal growth will develop systems that cause transformation. They focus more on their process more than on what they want to accomplish.

I am particularly interested in developing good personal habits. Daily habits are important but so are yearly habits. A great question to ask is this: What should I include every year in my life to keep growing radically? Through the years, Wendy and I have committed to things like the following:

• Attend at least one leader training conference
• Read a book on grace and the finished works of Christ
• Have significant input on our personal finances
• Participate in a parenting conference or seminar
• Participate in a marriage conference or seminar

The specific commitments we have made change with the different seasons of our lives. 

Because of how important our beliefs are, I believe it would be good to participate in at least one online course/event per year from Igniting Hope Ministries (or a similar type ministry). Igniting Hope is regularly increasing the number of our courses. Right now we have: 

• Transformational Mind Renewal Course (starting this September for five months)
• Spirit Living with Wendy Backlund
• Victorious Emotions with Wendy Backlund
• Thriving Church Leadership
• The Culture of Empowerment (starting June 14)
• 40 Day Lent Negativity Fast and Positivity Feast starting March 2, 2022 (or you can do it anytime here)
• Unhindered with Ash Lumley, beginning this summer

* Some of these courses are available any time, but others are only offered at specific times during the year. Find out more on Igniting Hope Academy. 

I especially want to highlight the Culture of Empowerment Course starting on June 14th. This 12 -week online course with Phil Backlund and me will propel radical growth for your beliefs, relationships, influence, and leadership. It is designed for “on the go” people and would require a two to four hour a week commitment. Students will:

• Understand the Culture of Empowerment
• Be convinced of the importance of what they believe about people on their team
• Learn how to become an empowering person
• Grow in how to establish the culture of empowerment in their organization and team/s

The course includes: 

• 12 weeks of content (June 14th – September 6th)
• Exclusive teaching videos
• Weekly Podcasts
• Weekly live Zoom sessions
• Free downloadable e-book
• A limited number of personalized coaching/mentoring sessions with Phil or me
• And more!

The weekly content for the twelve weeks will be:

1. Culture of Empowerment: What and Why
2. Empowering Beliefs
3. Becoming an Empowering Person
4. Language of Empowerment
5. Establishing a Culture of Empowerment in Your Organization
6. Being Chosen to be Empowered by Others/Choosing Who to Empower and When
7. Empowerment and Other Cultures
8. Empowering Meetings
9. Empowering Listening
10. Empowering Public Speaking
11. Managing Conflict and Challenging People
12. Review and application

For some reading this, the Culture of Empowerment course will be a key aspect of your radical growth plan for 2021. You can find more details here. 

Regardless of whether you participate in this, this is a time for radical personal growth. Here are some questions which will help you identify what you can do to accelerate your growth:

1. What is one small thing you can do which will make a big change in your life?
2. Which of the four systems I described above is the most important for you to move forward in now?
3. What do you want to include every year in your life to continue to grow in important aspects of your life?
4. Who can help you grow and improve like never before?



We are not predestined to a limited potential in life. This is good news. Let’s keep encouraging one another to be a person of radical personal growth.