P4: The Real Project

Welcome to the fourth issue of Just One Pivot, a newsletter by me, Maria "cheering for you” Keckler. It’s the 5-minute companion to the podcast of the same name. If someone shared it with you, you can subscribe here.

How’s your project list looking? Are any of those projects giving you a hard time? Here’s the thing: the project itself isn’t the real challenge. The actual project is YOU.

The good news? Every challenge you’re facing right now shapes you into the YOU that is trying to emerge, a more courageous, creative, and congruent version of yourself. That’s the focus of this week’s podcast and newsletter, perfectly captured in the visual below.

I illustrate this concept with two examples in this week's podcast episode. The first details the 10-year writing project journey of my book, Bridge Builders: How Superb Communicators Get What They Want In Business and In Life.

The second is an example shared by Workplace Success Group CEO Karen Hinds at the RENEW Experience she founded due to the insights that emerged from her personal transformation project.

Episode #4 Takeaways

• The Real Project is You: The projects you undertake—writing a book, building a business, leading a team, or navigating complex relationships, illnesses, or loss—are vehicles for personal growth and development. Projects pull you into growth you would otherwise avoid. They serve as magnifying glasses, revealing what you would otherwise not be able to see.

• Challenges as Growth Opportunities: The difficulties you face in your projects reveal your fears, insecurities, and areas for improvement, ultimately helping you become a more congruent and authentic version of yourself—but only if you are willing. And if you are willing, you will always be clear about your next best move.

• Embrace the Process, Not Just the Outcome: It’s essential to focus on the journey and the personal growth that comes with it rather than just the result. Each step you take, each challenge you face, and each lesson you learn contributes to your growth and maturity. By embracing the process, you become more resilient, adaptable, and aligned with your core values. This mindset shift can transform how you approach your projects and life.

Science Spotlight: Benefits of Projects

Some fascinating Research in positive psychology has shown that personal growth and development are closely linked to engaging in challenging and meaningful activities or projects, supporting the idea that engaging in challenging and meaningful projects promotes individual growth and well-being. 

For instance, the Personal Growth and Development Scale (PGDS) measures positive changes in well-being linked to specific experiences like educational and work projects. Studies show that these projects help achieve external goals and enhance internal well-being and personal development. You can also read more about the impact of a growth mindset (as you tackle your projects) in this Harvard Business Review.

Your Turn

As you reflect on your current projects, ask yourself: “What am I really getting from doing this?”

The answer lies in your honesty and willingness to dig deep. Remember, the actual project is you; every challenge you face is an opportunity to grow—if you are willing to accept it.

In the next episode, we’ll continue the conversation with additional ideas and stories to inspire your growth.

Until next time, keep pushing forward and embracing the journey of personal growth. Remember…

Now go and keep working on the REAL project and celebrate every step of the journey.

P.S. I’ve had several of you ask how you can help bring the Just One Pivot mindset to your teams. Here are ways you can spark a growth movement:

• Share the podcast and newsletter with your team. Just send them to JustOnePivot.com. Then, consider carving time for group discussion and application to your work. A lunch-and-learn, perhaps?

• Get a copy of Bridge Builders: How Superb Communicators Get What They Want In Business and In Life, and read it with your team. Every chapter has reflection questions to help you grow together.