Why You Need a Personal Growth Plan (PGP)

Growth doesn’t happen by accident—it takes intentionality. Setting clear goals, breaking them into actionable steps, and building a community of accountability are essential for long-term progress. As the saying goes, “What gets measured, gets done.” A Personal Growth Plan (PGP) helps you create time-bound, measurable goals and provides a framework for growth. With a mentor’s guidance, you gain perspective on your goals, assess their feasibility, and access resources or connections that can help you achieve them.

Here’s how to structure your PGP:

1. Spiritual Goals

Start with prayer: Ask God, “What are my top areas for growth?” Write down what comes to mind, then prayerfully prioritize. Your top three spiritual goals for the next 12 months could include:

1. Develop a consistent daily devotional routine (e.g., spending 30 minutes each morning in prayer and Bible study).
2. Memorize key Scripture passages (e.g., memorize one new verse each week).
3. Grow in community involvement (e.g., join or lead a small group at church).

Why these goals matter:

• [Consistent devotion builds a deeper relationship with God.]
• [Memorizing Scripture equips me to handle life’s challenges with biblical wisdom.]
• [Engaging in community strengthens my faith and provides mutual encouragement.]

Discuss with your mentor:

• What steps would you recommend for achieving these goals?
• How have you personally grown in these areas?

2. Professional/Career Goals

Seek God’s guidance: Ask, “What are my top growth areas professionally?” List and prioritize your insights. Your top three career goals for the next year might look like this:

1. Enhance public speaking skills (e.g., join a Toastmasters group to practice delivering presentations).
2. Develop technical expertise in a specific area (e.g., complete a certification course in data analysis or project management).
3. Expand professional network (e.g., attend three industry conferences and connect with 10 new professionals).

Why these goals matter:

• [Public speaking is a critical skill for advancing in leadership roles.]
• [Technical expertise boosts my value in the workplace and helps me stay competitive.]
• [Networking creates opportunities for collaboration and career advancement.]

Discuss with your mentor:

• How can I best pursue these goals?
• Are there resources or connections you’d recommend?

3. Self-Assessment

Understanding where you stand is vital for growth. Rate your confidence in these areas (1 = low, 10 = high):

• Career Choices: Clarity on my career direction.
• Calling: Understanding God’s call on my life.
• Compass: Personal mission statement and life vision.
• Character: Essential traits for workplace success.
• Christ: Biblical worldview of work.
• Core: Heart and mindsets for flourishing.
• Capacity: Foundational leadership principles.
• Community: The importance of relational networks.
• Competency: Mastery of soft and technical skills.
• Christ’s Kingdom Perspective: Understanding my role in God’s unfolding story.

4. Customized Strategy

Use insights from your spiritual, professional, and self-assessment sections to prioritize your growth. Develop meeting topics and agendas with your mentor to keep your progress on track.

A PGP isn’t just about setting goals—it’s about partnering with God and others to maximize your potential. Ready to take your next growth step? Start your plan today!