Maxwell's Law of Process: From Quotation to Action

Success requires breaking down big goals into actionable steps and consistently taking action.

During John Maxwell's extensive work with leaders and organizations in the early 1990s, Maxwell observed a common pattern: many organizations and individuals were excellent at setting ambitious goals but struggled with execution. This observation led to his development of the "Law of Process" (one of his 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership) and culminated in this memorable quote during a leadership conference in 1994, where he was addressing a room full of executives who were frustrated with their team's lack of progress despite having clear objectives.

To put this truth into action, start by breaking down your larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. For example, if your goal is to improve your leadership skills, create specific weekly actions like reading one leadership book per month, practicing active listening in three meetings per week, or scheduling two mentor conversations per month. Another practical application is using a "90-day sprint" methodology, where you identify the three most important actions you can take in the next 90 days to move toward your larger goal, then focus intensely on those specific steps.

This principle aligns perfectly with Proverbs 16:3 (NIV): "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." This verse reminds us that while we are responsible for taking action, we should seek God's guidance in our planning and execution. It emphasizes the importance of both divine wisdom and human effort in achieving our goals.

Take 30 minutes today to write down your most important goal and create a specific action plan. Consider these questions:

· What is the first small step you can take in the next 24 hours?

· Who can you ask to hold you accountable for taking these steps?

· How will you measure progress along the way?

· What potential obstacles might you face, and how will you overcome them?

· Have you prayed about this goal and sought God's guidance in your planning?

Ready to create your action plan? Schedule a discovery call with us to help you break down your goals into achievable steps and create a clear path forward.