The 10 Step Growth Formula

Welcome to the first step of 10-step growth formula! This is where your personal transformation begins, and it starts with creating your character—the best version of you.

Imagine this as stepping into your dream car—powerful, sleek, and ready to go. But to drive it effectively, you need to become the person who can handle it. In this step, we’ll focus on small but powerful actions to help you get there.

Why This Step Matters

Your character is the foundation for everything. You might have big goals, but without shaping yourself into the person who can reach those goals, it’s like having a high-performance car but no idea how to drive it. This is where you set the groundwork to ensure success later on.

3 Actions to Create Your Character

Let’s break this down into three simple, practical actions you can start today.

1. Define ONE Key Trait

Instead of focusing on many things at once, start with just one key trait you want to develop. Ask yourself:

• What’s the ONE thing that will help me the most right now?

Is it discipline? Confidence? Resilience? Pick one trait and focus on it. You’ll add more over time, but for now, let’s keep it simple.

Mini Task: Write down your chosen trait on a sticky note, paper, or in your journal. Reflect on how embodying this trait will positively impact your life. Keep it visible to remind yourself daily.

2. Create a Simple Vision Reminder

You don’t need a full vision board yet! Instead, create one simple reminder that keeps you aligned with the trait you chose. This could be a quote, a picture, or even a word that symbolizes what you’re working on.

Mini Task: Find or create a visual reminder (like a quote, image, or note) and place it somewhere you’ll see every day—on your phone’s lock screen, your mirror, or your workspace. This tiny step helps reinforce your goal daily.

3. Set One Daily Reminder or Action

Small habits lead to big changes. Pick just one action you’ll do every day to reinforce your transformation. This could be:

• A quick morning affirmation related to your trait.
• A daily check-in to reflect on your progress.
• Reviewing your reminder every morning.

Mini Task: Set a daily reminder on your phone or calendar that prompts you to focus on your chosen trait for a few minutes each day.

Why This Works

This works because you’re building small, consistent habits that add up over time. You’re not just thinking about who you want to be—you’re taking action every day to become that person. Keep it small, simple, and repeatable.

Your Next Step

Now it’s time to take action! Pick one key trait, create a vision reminder, and set one daily action to reinforce it. Don’t try to do everything at once—focus on building small habits, and over time, you’ll see big changes.

Take Action Today

Remember: Small steps add up. You’re laying the foundation for the journey ahead. Stay consistent, stay focused, and I’ll see you in step 2!

Now that you’ve worked on creating your character, it’s time to assess your current vehicle—your mental and emotional state. This step is all about understanding where you are now so you can figure out what needs improvement.

Why This Step Matters

You can’t plan your journey without knowing where you are right now. Think of it like this: If you were driving, you’d need to check your vehicle’s condition before heading out on a long trip. It’s the same with your personal growth. Assess your mental and emotional “vehicle” to determine where you’re thriving and where you need upgrades.

3 Actions to Assess Your Vehicle

We’ll break down this step into small, practical tasks you can easily do today.

1. Identify ONE Strength (What’s Working)

Start by focusing on what’s already going well in your life. Where are you performing at your best?

• Is it your discipline?
• Your focus?
• Your ability to handle stress?

Mini Task: Write down ONE key strength you’re proud of. This is like your engine—it’s what drives you forward, so knowing what works well is crucial for maintaining your momentum.

2. Identify ONE Weakness (What Needs Improvement)

Next, take an honest look at where you could improve. Everyone has areas they can upgrade, so don’t worry about perfection here.

• Do you struggle with procrastination?
• Do distractions often pull you away from your goals?

Mini Task: Write down ONE area where you know you can improve. This will become a key focus area for your personal “tune-up” as you move forward.

3. Spot ONE Opportunity (Room for Growth)

Now, think about opportunities you haven’t yet capitalized on.

• Is there a new skill you’ve wanted to learn?
• A fitness routine you haven’t fully committed to?

Mini Task: Identify ONE opportunity in your life where you can grow. This is your chance to pick up speed and accelerate toward your goals.

Why This Works

This works because you’re taking stock of where you are now—acknowledging both your strengths and the areas you need to improve. With this awareness, you’ll be ready to make upgrades and perform at a higher level. It’s like checking under the hood of a car—you need to know what needs fixing before hitting the road.

Your Next Step

Take action on these bite-sized tasks:

• Identify one strength.
• Identify one weakness.
• Spot one opportunity.

These three steps give you a clear understanding of your current state, so you can make the necessary upgrades as you progress. The better your vehicle, the faster and more effectively you’ll reach your destination.

Take Action Today

Remember: Knowing where you stand today gives you the power to improve tomorrow. Stay focused, stay honest, and I’ll see you in Step 3!

Now that you’ve assessed your vehicle, it’s time to map out your journey. This step is all about setting clear goals—your destinations on the road to success.

Why This Step Matters

You wouldn’t start a road trip without knowing where you’re headed, right? In the same way, your personal growth requires specific goals that serve as your destinations. Without a clear mission, you’re driving aimlessly, and progress becomes a lot harder to track.

3 Actions to Create Your Mission

We’re breaking down this step into manageable actions so you can create your mission and start moving with purpose.

1. Set ONE Long-Term Goal

Start by envisioning where you want to be in the next 6 months to a year. This is your big-picture goal—the ultimate destination for your journey.

• Do you want to master a new skill?
• Improve your fitness?
• Build a thriving business?

Mini Task: Write down ONE long-term goal. This is where you’re headed, and having it in front of you gives your journey direction and purpose.

2. Set ONE Short-Term Goal

Now, let’s break it down into something more immediate. Think of this as a pit stop along the way that helps you track your progress.

• What can you achieve in the next month?
• Is it hitting a new milestone in your fitness routine?
• Or finishing a book that’ll expand your knowledge?

Mini Task: Write down ONE short-term goal that you can achieve within the next month. This helps you build momentum as you work toward your bigger goal.

3. Identify ONE Daily Habit

Your daily habits are the fuel that powers you toward your goals. Small, consistent actions add up over time and keep you on track.

• Is it a daily workout?
• Reading for 20 minutes each day?
• Journaling to reflect on your progress?

Mini Task: Choose ONE habit you can start today that supports your mission. This habit will become a part of your routine, fueling your progress every day.

Why This Works

When you have clear goals and daily habits to fuel them, you know exactly where you’re going and how to get there. This step breaks the mission into manageable actions, helping you make progress without feeling overwhelmed.

Your Next Step

Here’s your mission for today:

• Set one long-term goal.
• Set one short-term goal.
• Identify one daily habit.

With these three actions, you’re creating a roadmap that leads straight to your success. The clearer your path, the easier it will be to navigate the road ahead.

Take Action Today

Remember: Your goals give your journey purpose, and your habits fuel your progress. Stay focused, stay driven, and I’ll see you in Step 4!

Go get it champ!

In Step 3, you set your mission and defined your goals. Now it’s time to power up your engine—the daily routines and habits that will drive your progress.

Why This Step Matters

Your engine is your collection of daily habits that keep you moving toward your goals. But it’s not enough to just have habits—you need to fine-tune them, ensuring they’re consistent, efficient, and optimized for growth.

3 Actions to Power Up Your Engine

Let’s break down how to optimize your habits so that they work as a powerful engine driving your mission.

1. Build a Morning Routine (Your Engine Start-Up)

Start each day with a solid routine that sets the tone for success. This routine should prepare you mentally, physically, and emotionally for the challenges ahead.

• What activities will help you feel energized and focused for the day? (e.g., exercise, meditation, reading)
• How can you create a routine that aligns with your goals?

Mini Task: Craft a 3-step morning routine that primes your mind and body for the day ahead. This is your engine’s start-up process, making sure you hit the ground running.

2. Design a Success Ritual (Your Daily Pit Stop)

Throughout your day, you’ll need regular check-ins—your “pit stops”—to refuel and reset. These rituals ensure you stay on course and maintain high performance.

• What small actions help you refocus during the day? (e.g., 5-minute breaks, deep breathing exercises, quick stretches)
• When can you schedule these pit stops?

Mini Task: Create a simple success ritual you can repeat 2-3 times a day to refuel your energy and stay sharp. This keeps your engine running smoothly without burnout.

3. End-of-Day Reflection (Your Engine Cool-Down)

Just as important as starting the day strong is how you end it. This reflection period helps you cool down, assess your progress, and make adjustments.

• What went well today? What challenges did you face?
• How can you improve tomorrow’s performance?

Mini Task: Establish an end-of-day reflection routine where you review what worked, what didn’t, and plan how to improve. This reflection helps your engine cool down and get ready for the next race.

Why This Works

By optimizing your daily routines, you’re not just choosing a habit—you’re making sure those habits are structured, efficient, and aligned with your goals. This step gives your engine the regular tune-ups it needs to maintain high performance.

Your Next Step

Here’s your mission for today:

• Create a morning start-up routine to energize your day.
• Schedule pit stop rituals to keep your performance high.
• End your day with a reflection to improve your engine’s output tomorrow.

Take Action Today

Remember: Your engine is the driving force behind your mission. Optimize it, tune it regularly, and watch your progress skyrocket. Let’s keep growing, and I’ll see you in Step 5!

In this step we’re going to talk about something essential to your transformation—your fuel. We’ve already created your character, assessed your current ride, set your goals, and started upgrading your engine. Now, we need to make sure you’re using the right fuel to power your journey.

Why This Step Matters

Your fuel is everything you consume—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. The books you read, the people you spend time with, the content you engage with on social media—all of these are forms of fuel that either boost or hinder your progress.

3 Actions to Choose Premium Fuel

Let’s break down how to make sure you’re fueling your journey with the right inputs for growth.

1. Create a List of Affirmations

Affirmations are powerful statements that reinforce your belief in your ability to learn, grow, and succeed. They act as mental fuel that keeps you focused on your potential and prevents you from falling into negative thought patterns.

For example, you might write affirmations like, “I am constantly learning and improving,” or “I have the power to overcome challenges.” These reminders keep you grounded in a growth mindset, no matter what obstacles you face.

Mini Task: Right now, take a few minutes to write down 3-5 affirmations that resonate with you. What do you need to remind yourself of daily to stay on track? These affirmations should align with your goals and the person you’re becoming.

2. Repeat These Affirmations Daily

The second action is to repeat your affirmations daily. This might seem simple, but it’s incredibly powerful. By repeating affirmations each day, you’re training your brain to internalize these beliefs and operate from a place of confidence and growth.

Studies show that repetition creates new neural pathways in the brain, meaning the more you repeat something, the more it becomes ingrained in your mindset. When you reinforce positive beliefs, you’re essentially rewiring your brain to think more constructively and optimistically.

Mini Task: Set a reminder on your phone, or write your affirmations somewhere you’ll see them daily. Make it part of your morning routine to repeat these statements out loud. Over time, you’ll notice a shift in your mindset, and you’ll start to approach challenges with more resilience and determination.

3. Shortcut Setup for Your Phone

Finally, let’s make this as easy as possible. Set up shortcuts on your phone to keep your affirmations accessible throughout the day. Whether it’s saving them as your phone’s wallpaper, using a daily reminder app, or setting an alarm with your affirmations, having them easily visible keeps them top of mind.

For example, you can create a note on your phone with your affirmations or motivational quotes and review it whenever you need a boost. Or set an alarm that goes off at the same time each day with a message reminding you of your key affirmation.

Mini Task: Take a moment right now to set up a quick shortcut for yourself—whether it’s a daily reminder or a new phone background with your affirmations. This small step can make a big difference in how consistently you engage with these positive inputs.

Why This Works

By surrounding yourself with premium fuel every day, you enhance your performance, improve your mindset, and accelerate your journey toward your goals. High-quality inputs—like affirmations, educational books, and empowering conversations—help you stay focused on growth and resilience.

Your Next Step

Here’s your mission for today:

• Create a list of affirmations that resonate with you.
• Make it a habit to repeat these affirmations daily.
• Set up easy access to your affirmations on your phone for constant reminders.

Take Action Today

Remember, you have the power to choose what fuels your growth. Opt for premium fuel, and watch as your performance skyrockets. Let’s keep growing, and I’ll see you in Step 6!

In this step, we’re diving into a crucial aspect of your transformation: Maintenance. Just like a car needs regular tune-ups to run smoothly, we need to take care of our mind, body, and spirit to keep progressing on our journey.

Why This Step Matters

Maintenance is about prioritizing self-care. No matter how fast you’re driving toward your goals, without regular maintenance, burnout is inevitable. You wouldn’t expect a car to perform well without gas or maintenance—neither can you.

3 Actions for Effective Maintenance

Let’s explore how to implement maintenance in your daily routine for optimal performance.

1. Establish a Daily Self-Care Routine

Self-care is non-negotiable for your growth. Make it a priority to include activities that recharge you—whether it’s exercise, reading, or meditation.

Mini Task: Right now, write down 2-3 self-care activities you enjoy or want to try. Schedule them into your week to ensure you’re making time for your well-being.

2. Practice Self-Compassionate Language

How you speak to yourself matters. Shift from critical self-talk to self-compassionate language. Recognize that setbacks are part of the journey, and treat yourself kindly during tough times.

Mini Task: Notice your inner dialogue today. Write down a negative thought you have and reframe it into a more compassionate statement. For example, change “I messed up” to “I’m learning and growing.”

3. Incorporate Mindfulness and Reflection

Taking time to reflect is essential. Practice mindfulness through meditation or journaling. This helps you stay grounded and aware of your feelings and progress.

Mini Task: Dedicate 5-10 minutes today to sit in silence, breathe, and reflect on your day or your journey so far. Consider journaling your thoughts afterward to gain clarity.

Why This Works

Regular maintenance boosts your resilience and energy, enabling you to tackle challenges more effectively. When you prioritize self-care, you’re equipping yourself to face life’s ups and downs with confidence and clarity.

Your Next Step

Here’s your mission for today:

• Create a list of self-care activities you enjoy.
• Practice self-compassionate language when you face challenges.
• Dedicate time for mindfulness and reflection today.

Take Action Today

Remember, maintenance is key to sustaining your growth. Prioritize self-care, be kind to yourself, and reflect regularly.

Let’s keep your engine running smoothly, and I’ll see you in Step 7!

In this step we’re focusing on an exciting part of your journey: Options! Just like customizing a car to fit your style and needs, you have the power to personalize your growth journey.

Why This Step Matters

Having options means you can tailor your personal development path to what works best for you. The more choices you have, the more empowered you feel to pursue what truly resonates with you. It’s about finding the right tools, resources, and strategies that align with your goals.

3 Actions to Customize Your Growth Journey

Let’s explore how to create a personalized plan for your development.

1. Identify Your Learning Styles

Understanding how you learn best is crucial. Are you a visual learner, auditory learner, or kinesthetic learner? Knowing your style can help you choose the right resources and methods to maximize your growth.

Mini Task: Take a moment to reflect on your past experiences. What types of learning environments or resources have you enjoyed the most? Write down your preferred learning styles and think about how you can incorporate them into your growth journey.

2. Explore Different Resources

Don’t settle for one way of learning! Explore various resources—books, podcasts, online courses, workshops, or mentorship. The more diverse your inputs, the broader your perspective.

Mini Task: Research at least three new resources that align with your interests or goals. Write them down and set a timeline for when you’ll start engaging with them.

3. Create a Personal Development Plan

Now that you have your learning styles and resources in mind, it’s time to create a personal development plan. Outline specific areas you want to focus on and the resources you’ll use to get there.

Mini Task: Draft a simple plan that includes at least three specific goals you want to work on, the resources you’ll use, and a timeline for achieving them. Keep this plan somewhere visible to remind you of your commitment to growth.

Why This Works

By personalizing your growth journey, you enhance motivation and engagement. When you choose options that resonate with you, you’re more likely to stay committed and see results.

Your Next Step

Here’s your mission for today:

• Identify your learning styles and write them down.
• Research and select new resources to explore.
• Create a personal development plan outlining your goals and resources.

Take Action Today

Remember, you have the power to customize your growth journey. Embrace your options, explore new resources, and craft a plan that works for you.

Let’s keep driving toward your goals, and I’ll see you in Step 8!

Luggage—the essential step of decluttering your life to optimize your growth journey. Just like packing efficiently for a road trip, it’s vital to carry only what serves you on your path.

Why This Step Matters

The concept of luggage goes beyond physical belongings; it encompasses your habits, relationships, and mental clutter. By letting go of what no longer serves you, you create space for new opportunities, ideas, and experiences that fuel your transformation.

3 Actions to Declutter Your Life

Let’s explore how to lighten your load and maximize your potential.

1. Assess Your Current Load

Take a moment to evaluate the habits, possessions, and relationships in your life. What’s weighing you down? Identify the areas that cause stress or drain your energy.

Mini Task: Write down three things in your life that feel like excess baggage. This could be an old habit, a negative relationship, or physical items that clutter your space.

2. Let Go of What Doesn’t Serve You

Once you’ve identified your excess baggage, it’s time to let it go. This might mean breaking a habit, having a tough conversation, or decluttering your physical space. Remember, freeing yourself from unnecessary weight allows for more growth.

Mini Task: Choose one item from your list of excess baggage to let go of today. Whether it’s deleting a distracting app, having a candid conversation, or donating an old item, take that action to lighten your load.

3. Adopt Minimalism in Your Life

Embrace minimalism by simplifying your surroundings and commitments. Focus on what adds value to your life and contributes to your growth. This doesn’t just apply to physical items; consider how you spend your time and energy.

Mini Task: Create a list of your top three priorities. Align your commitments and activities with these priorities to ensure you’re focusing on what truly matters.

Why This Works

By decluttering your life, you free up mental and emotional energy to invest in growth. A lighter load means greater clarity, focus, and resilience on your journey toward transformation.

Your Next Step

Here’s your mission for today:

• Assess what’s weighing you down and write it down.
• Choose one item to let go of and take action.
• List your top three priorities and align your commitments.

Take Action Today

Remember, less is more. By lightening your load, you’ll create the space you need to grow and thrive.

Let’s keep moving forward, and I’ll see you in Step 9!

Go get it, champ!

Step 9, the critical step where you establish a daily success routine that kick-starts your transformation journey. Just like turning the key to start your engine, this routine is essential for consistent progress.

Why This Step Matters

Your daily routine sets the tone for your day and determines how effectively you work toward your goals. By committing to a routine that fuels your growth, you create momentum and ensure you’re consistently moving forward.

3 Actions to Ignite Your Daily Success

Let’s explore how to set up your daily routine for optimal performance and growth.

1. Design Your Daily Success Routine

Start by outlining the key habits and activities that will fuel your day. This could include meditation, exercise, reading, journaling, or any other practices that align with your goals.

Mini Task: Take 5 minutes to write down the 5 essential activities you want to include in your daily routine. Consider what energizes you and helps you feel productive.

2. Set Specific Times for Each Activity

Establish a schedule for your routine by assigning specific times to each activity. Consistency is key—treat these time slots as appointments you can’t miss.

Mini Task: Create a daily schedule with designated times for each of your activities. Whether it’s a morning workout, reading session, or evening reflection, having a clear structure helps you stay accountable.

3. Track Your Progress and Adjust

Monitoring your progress is crucial for staying on track. Use a journal or app to log your daily routine and reflect on what’s working and what needs adjustment. This practice will help you stay aligned with your goals.

Mini Task: Choose a tracking method—whether it’s a journal, a habit tracker app, or a simple checklist. Make a commitment to track your routine for the next week and reflect on your progress.

Why This Works

By igniting your daily routine, you create a powerful foundation for growth. Consistency in your habits leads to lasting change, helping you overcome obstacles and maintain momentum on your journey.

Your Next Step

Here’s your mission for today:

• Design your daily success routine with 5 essential activities.
• Set specific times for each activity in your schedule.
• Choose a tracking method and commit to monitoring your progress.

Take Action Today

Remember, you have the power to spark your transformation. Establish a routine that fuels your journey, and watch your progress take off.

Let’s keep the momentum going, and I’ll see you in Step 10!

The final step where you leverage the power of community to accelerate your growth journey. Just like a race car drafting behind another to gain speed, surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can help you achieve your goals faster.

Why This Step Matters

The journey to personal growth doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. By connecting with others who are on a similar path, you gain access to resources, accountability, and inspiration that can propel you forward. Collaboration reduces effort and enhances progress.

Final Actionable Step

By now, you’ve engaged with the 10-Step Growth Formula, but there’s much more to discover! Explore the articles, systems, tools and other resources on www.donehieltjes.com to continue your journey of growth. This is where you’ll find more tools, tips, and inspiration to help you on your path to personal development.

Mini Task: Take a moment to dive deeper into the content on the website. Read through articles that resonate with your current goals (Minimalism, Personal Development, Routines, Productivity or Books) or explore new topics that can help you further grow. If you’re a visual learner, jump into my YouTube playlists for a fresh perspective and actionable insights. Keep expanding your knowledge. You can also press the button down below to get a random inspirational post!

Why This Works

By continuing to explore and engage, you tap into the collective power of shared experiences and support. The tools and resources on this website will help you accelerate your growth and make your journey even more fulfilling.

Take Action Today

Remember, you’re never alone on this journey. By staying engaged with the resources available to you and contributing to the community, you’ll continue to accelerate your growth and achieve your goals faster.

You did it! You’ve officially completed the 10-Step Growth Formula, and that’s no small feat. You’ve taken action, committed to your growth, and embraced the journey of becoming the best version of yourself. This is just the beginning, but now you’re equipped with the tools, habits, and mindset to keep leveling up.

Remember, growth isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency. Keep applying what you’ve learned, stay disciplined, and watch how your life continues to transform.

I’m proud of you for taking this 10-Step Growth Formula. Let’s keep pushing forward, champ!

Doné Hieltjes