LAW 6 — CHAPTER 6: The Law of Environment

Growth Thrives In Conducive Surroundings

LEARN IT

“You Are Not A Victim”

I. Time For A Change

A. Discuss John’s idea that “If you are always at the head of the class, then you are in the wrong class.”

II. Change Depends On Your Choices

A. What is the relationship between Growth and Change?

B. List some of the things one can and cannot change.

C. What is the real impact circumstances usually have on your ability to change?

A. Choices when it comes to change:

1. Assess your current environment

A list of areas that may nurture you: Evaluate these on how they list you up even if you are not receiving in one or more of the areas: give the participants time to thinkon these things.

Music – What music lifts me up?

Thoughts – What ideas move me?

Experiences – What experiences give me energy?

Friends – Who encourages me?

Recreation – What activities give me energy?

Soul – What spiritual exercises strengthen me?

Hopes – What dreams inspire you?

Home – What family members care for me?

Giftedness – What blessings activate me?

Memories – What memories make me smile?

Books – What have I read that changes me?

LIVE IT

“Being Responsible For Your Change”

B. Change Yourself and Your Environment

1. Change yourself but not your environment – Growth will be slow and difficult

2. Change your environment but not yourself – Growth will be slow and less difficult

3. Change your environment and yourself – Growth will be faster and more successful

4. Understand that most people are NOT interested in actually growing!

5. As you consider your environment, ask these critical questions:

a. What nourishes me?

b. What keeps me alive?

c. What sustains me?

Consider this observation by one of John’s mentors, Elmer Towns: “The way to get a poker hot is to get it next to the flame.”

1. How does this statement work for you? What really gets you going and is the environment you are in doing this?

C. Change The People You Spend Time With

1. Discuss this idea: “We become the combined average of the five people we hang around the most.”

2. Do you have someone in your circle of friends who will hold you accountable for your growth? John recommends finding and accountability partner who will:

a. Love you unconditionally

b. Desire your success

c. Be mature

d. Ask you agreed upon questions

e. Help you when you need help

D. Challenge Yourself In Your New Environment

1. Make your goals public

2. Set a deadline for your goals

When learning from others such as a mentor, explore these questions with this person:

1. What is their strength?

2. What are they learning now?

3. What do I need right now?

4. Who have they met, what have they read, or what have they done that has helped them?

5. What have I not asked that I should have asked? – Ask your mentor this question.

E. Focus On The Moment

1. There is nothing about your past that determines your future

2. Right Now is the most important moment you have in your life.

F. Move Forward Despite Criticism

1. Growth always comes from taking action, and action will always bring some criticism. There is always someone to tell you are wrong.

2. To reach your potential, you must do what others, even yourself, believe you cannot do.

3. When you take charge of your life, you can cease gaining permission from others to grow!

G. A Note For Leaders

1. Leaders will always take responsibility for the growth of their organizations

Discuss the need for leaders to create a culture in their organization where:

• Others are ahead of some

• Each person is individually challenged

• The focus is always forward

• The atmosphere is affirming

• Creating a place designed to keep people out of their comfort zone

• Helping everyone stay excited

• Remembering that failure is not their enemy

• Keep others growing

• A place where change is desired

• Growth is modeled and expected.

LEAD IT

“When you live this law, you will show others the way and they empower

them to learn it and live it too.”

Facilitation Questions Options

OVERCOME GROWING PAINS

(Specific Steps to Amazing Growth)

Assess your current environment when it comes to growth answering true or false to these ten statements:

1. Others are ahead of me

2. I am continually challenged

3. My focus is always forward

4. The atmosphere is affirming

5. I am often out of my comfort zone

6. I wake up excited

7. Failure is not my enemy

8. Others growing

9. People desire change

10. Growth is modeled and expected.

If you answered false to five or more of these, your environment may be lowering your growth. What are you going to do about it?

Assess your personal growth in the three areas in this chapter:

• The right Soil – What nourishes me?

• The Right Air To Breath – What keeps me alive?

• The Right Climate To Live In – What sustains me?

Remember, growth comes best and effectively when your environment is aiding, not hold your back.

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