We all have a “someday” list. Someday I’ll lead a bigger team. Someday I’ll master that new skill. Someday I’ll finally feel like I’m operating at my full potential. We often wait for a “lucky break” or a sudden burst of inspiration to propel us forward, assuming that as long as we stay busy, we are growing.
But in “The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth” by John C. Maxwell, we are met with a sobering reality: Growth is not a guarantee of experience. You can have twenty years of experience, or you can have one year of experience twenty times. The difference lies in The Law of Intentionality. The law states: Growth doesn’t just happen. You don’t “drift” into a better version of yourself; you have to design your way there.
Why We Get Stuck: The 8 Growth Gaps
To be intentional, you first have to recognize the invisible walls holding you back. Maxwell identifies eight specific “gaps” that stop us before we even begin. Which of these is currently your biggest hurdle?
- The Assumption Gap: “I assume I will automatically grow.” Thinking that getting older is the same as getting better.
- The Knowledge Gap: “I don’t know how to grow.” Waiting for a perfect curriculum before taking the first step.
- The Timing Gap: “It’s not the right time to begin.” Waiting for the stars to align, when the only time you truly have is now.
- The Mistake Gap: “I’m afraid of making mistakes.” Forgetting that failure is often the highest-quality fuel for growth.
- The Perfection Gap: “I have to find the best way before I start.” The “best” way is usually found after you start moving.
- The Inspiration Gap: “I don’t feel like doing it.” Waiting for a feeling that may never come. Discipline is doing it when you don’t feel like it.
- The Comparison Gap: “Others are better than I am.” Focusing on someone else’s “Chapter 20” when you are still on “Chapter 1.”
- The Expectation Gap: “I thought it would be easier than this.” Growth is rarely a straight line; it’s a messy, rewarding climb.
The Shift: From Accidental to Intentional
Intentionality is a complete pivot in how you approach your life and career. It’s the difference between being a passenger and being the pilot.
| Accidental Growth | Intentional Growth |
| Plans to start “someday” | Starts today |
| Waits for growth to come | Goes out and finds growth |
| Learns only from mistakes | Learns before making mistakes |
| Relies on “good luck” | Relies on hard work and strategy |
| Quits early when it gets hard | Perseveres through the plateau |
Are You Designing Your Future? (A Quick Self-Assessment)
Now that we’ve identified the gaps, let’s see how intentional you currently are. Score each statement using the scale below:
| Score | Description |
| 1 | Never / Not at all |
| 2 | Rarely / Needs significant work |
| 3 | Sometimes / Average |
| 4 | Often / Above average |
| 5 | Consistently / A core strength |
- [ ] Growth Schedule: I have a recurring appointment on my calendar dedicated solely to my personal development.
- [ ] Investment Mindset: I am willing to spend my own resources (time and money) to improve my skills without waiting for a company to pay for it.
- [ ] Goal Clarity: I have identified at least one specific skill I want to master in the next 90 days.
- [ ] Fear Management: I am willing to look “foolish” or be a beginner in order to learn something new.
- [ ] Accountability: I have shared my growth goals with someone who will push me to keep my commitments.
Your Score:
- 20-25: You are an Intentional Grower. You are likely seeing compounding results in your life.
- 15-19: You are “Growth-Adjacent.” You have the desire, but you lack a consistent system.
- Under 15: You are currently drifting. It’s time to stop waiting for “someday.”
Moving Beyond the “Gap”
The biggest barrier to reaching your next level isn’t a lack of talent—it’s the lack of a plan. When you decide to be intentional, you stop hoping for a better life and start creating one. You realize that you don’t need to see the whole staircase to take the first step; you just need to be willing to climb.
“You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight.” — John Maxwell
Today’s Application: The 48-Hour Commitment
Don’t let this be another “nice read.” I want you to pick one of the 8 Gaps above that resonated with you the most. For the next 48 hours, I want you to act as if that gap doesn’t exist. If it’s the Timing Gap, start the task you’ve been putting off today. If it’s the Mistake Gap, do one thing that you aren’t “perfect” at yet.
Action Step: Open your calendar right now and block off 30 minutes this week labeled “Personal Growth.” This is your first step toward intentionality.
Partnering on Your Growth Journey
If you are ready to stop hoping for growth and start designing it, here are a few ways we can work together to make your progress inevitable:
- The Growth Mapping Session: A deep-dive 90-minute session to identify your primary “Growth Gap” and build a custom roadmap to bypass it.
- The 3-Month Professional Pivot: A 12-week coaching journey focused on turning “someday” goals into daily habits and measurable results.
- The Leadership Lab: For high-performers who want to build an intentional culture within their entire team.
Click here to book a free 30-minute Discovery Call.
Coming Up Next…
Now that you’ve committed to taking the first step, where exactly are you headed? Join me for our next post as we find your starting line: Finding Your “You Are Here” Marker | The Law of Awareness.
