In our shared journey at Stoney Creek, we're bound by a common cause—to champion the success of like-minded individuals through genuine hospitality. CEO Jeff Mould emphasizes the value of personal and professional growth, urging us to push ourselves and embrace challenges. But how do we navigate this journey effectively without burning out? Mould shares his insights, advocating for continuous learning and recommends a transformative read, "Atomic Habits" by James Clear, a guide to harnessing the power of small changes for monumental results.
From Jeff:
At Stoney Creek, we are a group of people who all share a just cause, purpose, belief statement, and departmental ethos. We work together to live them out every day. We are compelled to live out our just cause of championing the success of like-minded individuals in their personal and professional goals through passionate, genuine hospitality. This is our most foundational goal as a company, and it is inclusive, available to all to participate and contribute through the work we do each day of creating an exceptionally personal home away from home to all that we serve (our purpose).
The Power of Personal and Professional Growth
I believe one of the most important skills you should develop in life is the discipline to push yourself personally and professionally. To commit to your goals. To level up. Whether you want to continue your education, learn a new language, or run a marathon, you need to have the motivation, discipline, and perseverance to overcome the challenges and obstacles that you will face as you pursue them. Levelling up means stepping out of your comfort zone, taking risks, and embracing failure as a learning opportunity. It also means celebrating your achievements, no matter how small or big they are, and rewarding yourself for your efforts.
Strategies for Effective Personal Development
So, how do you push yourself effectively? How do you find the balance between challenging yourself and not burning out? How do you stay focused and motivated when things get tough? One of the most important ways I work towards levelling up is to read, or listen to, books that inspire me. Books that teach me new concepts, tools, and principles that are practical to apply in my day-to-day life. Especially as it pertains to my personal and professional goals. There are many books that can help you push yourself personally and professionally, but one of the best ones I can recommend is Atomic Habits by James Clear.
Fostering Growth within the Stoney Creek Community
This book is based on a simple but powerful idea: small changes can lead to big results. The book explains how habits are formed, how they shape our behavior, and how we can change them for the better. The book also provides a detailed framework for how to build good habits and break bad ones, using four simple steps: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. The book is full of scientific research, real-life examples, and practical tips that will help you create habits that support your goals and push yourself to new levels of performance.
I encourage each of you to consider what your personal and professional goals are and which ones might be connected to the important and valuable work you do each day. If you are considering some new tools and resources to help you define your goals and how to take the steps to achieve them, consider the book Atomic Habits by James Clear. If you have additional resources that have been a help to you in achieving your goals, please share them with your team.