Are Your Stretching Regularly?

The Law of the Rubber Band: "Growth stops when you lose the tension between where you are and where you could be"

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One principle that stands out for its profound impact in the world of personal and professional development is The Law of the Rubber Band. Coined by John Maxwell, this law asserts, 'Growth stops when you lose the tension between where you are and where you could be.' It's a profound reminder that stretching ourselves is not just beneficial, but essential for growth. Let's delve deeper into this concept and explore a favorite story by Zig Ziglar that beautifully illustrates the importance of maintaining that tension: the story of priming the pump.

Consider the task of drawing water from a well. It's a laborious process. There's a pump handle at the surface that must be vigorously pumped to create the necessary suction to bring water up. Once the water starts flowing, you can maintain a steady pace to keep it coming. But what happens when you stop? The water retreats back to the bottom, and you have to start all over again. This story serves as a potent metaphor for the importance of continuous effort and the need to maintain the tension that drives growth.

John Maxwell emphasizes that our potential is a gift from God, and it's our responsibility to be good stewards of that potential by developing and multiplying our talents. As leaders, we play a crucial role in fostering an environment that encourages stretching. This involves setting high expectations, providing support and resources, and recognizing and rewarding efforts toward growth. It's about creating a culture where pushing the envelope is not just accepted but expected.

The Role of Leaders

Leaders play a critical role in applying the Law of the Rubber Band. Leaders can help their teams unlock their full potential by creating environments that encourage stretching. This includes:

1. Setting High Expectations: Leaders must challenge their teams with ambitious goals that push them beyond their current capabilities. This stretch encourages continuous improvement and fosters a growth mindset.
2. Providing Support and Resources: Leaders must equip their teams with the necessary tools, training, and support to achieve these high expectations. This might include professional development opportunities, access to new technologies, or mentorship programs.
3. Recognizing and Rewarding Efforts: Acknowledging and celebrating progress and achievements, no matter how small, reinforces the value of effort and persistence. This recognition motivates team members to continue striving toward their goals.

The goal is to create a culture where pushing the envelope is the norm. Leaders set the example and pace by demonstrating a commitment to personal and professional growth. When team members see their leaders stretching and growing, they're more likely to trust and follow suit. Leaders must go first. They have to show that they are willing to step out of their comfort zones, take risks, and embrace challenges. This visibility and vulnerability build trust and inspire others to do the same.

Stretching as a Habit

Learning to stretch is a habit developed by consistently doing hard things, which builds strength and character. Even though the process might be challenging and sometimes painful, the transformation it brings is invaluable.

Reflecting on my journey, I see a pattern of intentional stretching that has shaped who I am today. Early in life, my mother introduced me to scouting. This experience taught me the value of setting goals and the excitement of learning new skills, symbolized by earning merit badges. Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout was a testament to my growth and commitment.

Later, I took up martial arts, another excellent goal-setting process. Starting as a white belt and progressing to a black belt required consistent effort and stretching both physically and mentally. Martial arts also introduced me to Zig Ziglar's teachings, which expanded my mindset and prepared me for greater challenges.

One of those challenges was running a marathon. The physical and mental fortitude required to complete 26.2 miles was immense. It tested my limits and strengthened my determination. Starting my own business was another significant stretch, shifting from a secure job to generating my own income. This experience taught me resilience and adaptability.

As my business grew, I found myself teaching others, which led to coaching and speaking engagements. Each new opportunity pushed me further out of my comfort zone, requiring me to hone my skills and expand my reach. Earning a spot on Tony Robbins' elite speaking team was the pinnacle of my journey, requiring me to elevate my skills to a world-class level.

Today, I work with CEOs of multimillion-dollar companies, teaching them the same principles of growth and stretching. This journey has increased my capacity and credibility as a leader. However, as John Maxwell points out, growth must be intentional and smart.

Setting SMART Goals

Maxwell advocates for setting SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timed—to guide the stretching process. Here’s how:

1. Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve. This clarity is crucial, even for CEOs of multimillion-dollar companies who might struggle with articulating their vision.
2. Measurable: Establish criteria to track progress and determine when the goal is met. As the saying goes, "What gets measured gets done."
3. Attainable: Ensure the goal is challenging yet achievable. Unrealistic goals can lead to discouragement and quitting.
4. Realistic: Set goals that are within reach, considering your resources and constraints. For instance, it’s unrealistic for someone like me, at 54, to aspire to be an NBA champion without the necessary experience or athleticism.
5. Timed: Set a deadline to create urgency and prioritize tasks. However, in my experience, it’s sometimes better to focus on daily consistent action rather than stressing over deadlines. The goal will be achieved through persistent effort.

We can ensure continuous growth and development by embracing the Law of the Rubber Band and setting SMART goals. Stretching increases our capacity and credibility, but leaders must go first. Focus on the journey, show up every day, and put in the work. In doing so, you’ll become the person capable of achieving your goals.

Bill Storm

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