5 Cardinal Rules for Life to Transform Your Growth

“The top of the mountain is the bottom of the next, so keep climbing!”~ André De Shields

5 Cardinal Rules for Life to Transform Your Growth.

André De Shields, a Tony Award-winning actor, gave us powerful wisdom in just a few sentences during his 2019 acceptance speech for winning a Tony for his performance in Hadestown. His insights can guide you on a transformative journey in personal growth if you allow his words to wash over you.

In his speech he told the audience, “There are not enough minutes for me to name the many people who during my 73 years on the Earth playing, have loved me into consciousness, so I would like to share with you just three cardinal rules for my ability and longevity:

No. 1 - Surround yourself with people whose eyes light up when they see you coming.

No. 2 - Slowly is the fastest way to get where you want to be.

No. 3 - The top of the mountain is the bottom of the next, so keep climbing.

When I first heard this speech, it sent chills up my spine and filled me with enough inspiration to last a lifetime. So, I wanted to use his speech as a backdrop for this week’s growth tip. Here’s my 5 Cardinal Rules for life (Inspired by his speech) to transform your personal growth:

Rule 1: Surround Yourself with Positive Influences

Your environment plays an essential role in your growth. Surround yourself with individuals who genuinely celebrate your wins and lift you up in challenging times.

Audit Your Circle

List the five people you interact with the most. Evaluate their influence on your life. If they're not adding positive value, consider distancing yourself and cultivating relationships with those who do.

Rule 2: Embrace Slow and Steady Growth

Contrary to the culture of instant gratification, slow growth often proves more sustainable and rewarding. Patience is a virtue that can sustain you through adversities and amplify your achievements when you succeed.

Implement the "10-Minute Rule"

Start small by dedicating just 10-minutes a day to a skill or goal you wish to pursue. This micro-commitment will develop into a lifelong habit.

Rule 3: Challenge Your Boundaries

De Shields said, "The top of one mountain is the bottom of the next." Never settle. Always aim to transcend your limitations and embark on a new growth journey.

Identify Your Next Mountain

Jot down what you think is your "next big thing." Begin researching and outlining the initial steps to conquer this new challenge. Face it head-on and take the first step towards achieving your next big move.

“The journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step.” ~Lao Tzu

Rule 4: Visualize your Growth

Visualize your success in achieving your primary goal. Where you are now versus where you hope to be in the future?

Create a Vision Board

Combine all three rules by creating a vision board. Place images of your supportive network, your incremental goals, and your "next mountain" to keep you focused and motivated.

Rule 5: Develop a Feedback Loop with Yourself

Be honest with yourself and do a deep dive into what did well the past week and what you could improve on moving forward.

Conduct a Weekly Self-Review

Allocate time each week to review your growth. Acknowledge your progress, however small, and recalibrate your plans if needed.

Weekly Growth Tip: Turn "No" into "Next Opportunity"

When you face rejection or failure, instead of ruminating over it, consider it a signal to look for the next opportunity. This mindset will not only keep you optimistic but also place you in a position of continual growth. Challenge your limits!

Explore further by watching Mr. De Shield’s Tony Award winning acceptance speech and his 3 Cardinal Rules.