4 Hacks For Intentional Growth

Temi Owoade
3 min readJan 2, 2024

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I stumbled upon an intriguing article that set the tone for my year. A former colleague, armed with wisdom and a hint of humor, proclaimed, “Your 20 years of experience doesn’t automatically translate to 20 years of growth and proficiency. Sometimes, a few deliberate days or months of effort can catapult you further than two decades of mere existence.”

Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

Little did I know, this casual read would lead to a spirited conversation that would spark insights worth sharing with everyone embarking on the journey of intentional growth for the new year.

Our chat unfolded like a scene from a dialogue-rich fairytale:

Me: I found the article somewhat inspiring, but I’m saving it for the ultimate message of the year.

Him: It’s something we all need to bear in mind, but honestly, easier said than done.

Me: Oh, but I dare say, it’s easier done than said.

Him: Really? Why do you think so?

And so, my adventure into explaining why intentional growth is more achievable than we often perceive began.

1. A Growth Mindset Does Not Have A Big Picture

Imagine you’re a budding artist. With each stroke of effort, you paint the canvas of your potential. But beware! A growth mindset doesn’t focus on the big picture; it revels in the process. When we paint mental pictures of destinations or achievements, we create imaginary roadblocks. It’s like trying to climb a mountain with your eyes fixated on the summit. Instead, you should appreciate each step, and soon you’ll find yourself at the peak without the burden of anticipated impossibilities. Its just telling my five-year-old daughter that learning to ride a bike is not about reaching the end of the street but relishing the wind in her hair with every pedal push.

2. Productivity as the Sorcerer’s Spell

Productivity is the magical elixir. Some still grapple with the concept, viewing it as merely doing a lot. However, true productivity lies in doing less to achieve more. Think strategically: What can I accomplish in a short span that will reverberate through the entire year? This is the secret hack for intentional growth. Focus on minimal effort for maximum impact. Its like explaining to my kids that cleaning up her toys daily is like casting a spell that ensures a magically tidy room every morning.

3. Discipline Is The Guardian of the Kingdom

One must be disciplined enough to face the dragons of monotony and the trolls of tasks we’d rather avoid. Committing to something seemingly boring or unpleasant requires discipline. It’s the enchanted shield that guards against the chaos of inconsistency. Remember, if you want something you’ve never had, be prepared to do something you’ve never done. Find joy in the seemingly mundane, and soon you’ll discover the hidden treasures within. Its like convincing a child that finishing her broccoli before dessert is akin to a superhero completing a challenging quest before claiming the ultimate reward.

4. Nurturing Growth in Fertile Soil

The landscape where you plant the seeds of growth matters. Imagine trying to cultivate a flourishing garden in a desert compared to a land of abundance. The environment shapes the level of effort required for growth. Choose a fertile ground with ample resources, and your efforts will yield maximum impact. Scarcity breeds struggle, but abundance paves the way for a bountiful harvest with minimal toil. Its like teaching your children that planting her flower seeds in nutrient-rich soil will make her garden bloom with vibrant colors effortlessly.

As I conclude, the moral becomes clear, we can achieve more by being less operational and more strategic in the new year. Let’s embark on this adventure with the fervor of knights chasing dragons, the wisdom of wizards casting spells, and the joyous spirit of children on a playful quest. May the year be filled with intentional growth, strategic victories, and a touch of magic for all who dare to believe that it’s indeed easier done than said. Here’s to intentional growth — a tale worth living and sharing!

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Temi Owoade
Temi Owoade

Written by Temi Owoade

I am a designer with a strategic approach to product development and optimization. I bring expertise in strategy, art, branding, UX, data and visual design.

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