8 Powerful Tips for Personal Growth

In the fast-paced world of business, continuous personal development and professional learning are essential for success. Over the years, Nordic Business Forum events have hosted various speakers who have shared great lessons on self-awareness, ideation, goal setting, well-being, and more. Here, we outline eight personal development insights we’ve heard over the years to help you prepare for the new year.

1. Brené Brown – Develop Your Self-Awareness

Nordic Business Forum 2024

“Who will win are people who are fairly self-actualized, and possess the capacity for metacognition.”

Researcher and author Brené Brown emphasized that as AI reshapes our world, self-awareness and introspective skills are critical differentiators. Developing these skills requires embracing vulnerability and the willingness to understand and reflect on your own behavior.

Practical Tip: Dedicate time daily for self-reflection. Journal about emotional and behavioral patterns or discuss insights with a trusted mentor to deepen your self-awareness.

2. Marcus Buckingham – Focus on Your Strengths

Nordic Business Forum 2018

“You’ll do your best work when you stop trying to be well-rounded and embrace what makes you extraordinary.”

Researcher and author Marcus Buckingham advised us to focus on our strengths. Instead of using all your time and energy to fix weaknesses, commit to identifying and maximizing what you’re already good at. This approach will boost confidence and effectiveness.

Practical Tip: List moments when you’ve felt most accomplished. Identify the skills you used and integrate them into your work consistently. Share these strengths with your team to align your role and maximize impact.

3. Arnold Schwarzenegger – Find Your Vision and Think Big

Nordic Business Forum 2014

“The biggest obstacle people face is small thinking.”

Arnold Schwarzenegger, actor, businessman, and former politician inspired us to dream big and create a clear vision for life. A compelling goal provides motivation and helps overcome challenges. He also emphasized that thinking small limits potential, while thinking big opens doors to extraordinary achievements.

Practical Tip: Write down a bold long-term goal and outline small steps to achieve it. Regularly revisit your vision and challenge yourself to think beyond perceived limitations to aim higher.

4. Rutger Bregman – Make Future-Proof Decisions

Nordic Business Forum 2022

“Time is our scarcest resource, and the challenge is how to use one’s talents and ambition to make the biggest difference.”

Historian Rutger Bregman urged us to use our time wisely to make a difference. Thinking long-term, taking into account the larger perspective, and welcoming radical ideas can open opportunities for innovation and growth.

Practical Tip: Audit your daily activities by categorizing tasks as impactful or routine. Dedicate more time to work that drives change or creates value. Challenge yourself to explore new, unconventional ideas to stretch your thinking.

5. Juliet Funt – Create Strategic Pauses

Nordic Business Forum 2019

“White space is about allowing the time and space for wonderful innovative ideas to grace you with their presence.”

Juliet Funt, the CEO of WhiteSpace at Work, shared that as most of us are overwhelmed by busywork and constant distractions, we need to learn how to take breaks between activities. She calls for “white space”—intentional pauses between activities—to reduce burnout, improve focus, and encourage creativity.

Practical Tip: simplify workflows using Juliet’s “white space” questions:

• Is there anything I can let go of?
• Where is “good enough” good enough?
• What do I truly need to know?
• What deserves my attention?

6. Daniel Pink – Align Tasks with Your Rhythm

Nordic Business Forum 2019

“Align your type, your task, and your time to make better, smarter decisions about when to do things.”

Bestselling author Daniel Pink advised us to schedule tasks based on our energy and focus patterns. Our daily performance fluctuates in a predictable pattern of peak, trough, and recovery. Aligning tasks with your natural rhythms enhances productivity and reduces errors.

Practical Tip: Shift analytical work to your peak, administrative work to the afternoon trough, and brainstorming to the recovery period. Remember to take regular breaks by getting outside, moving, and disconnecting from screens.

7. Amy Webb – Learn to Confront Uncertainty

Nordic Business Forum Online 2020

“You don’t have to predict the future, but you must create preparedness within your business.”

Futurist Amy Webb emphasized that in the uncertain world we live in, we need to confront our cherished beliefs and be ready to challenge our current assumptions. Additionally, Amy advised us to prepare for the future by identifying signals of change and focusing on adaptability.

Practical Tip: Regularly question assumptions about your organization, industry, and especially your view of the future. Identify signals of change and especially look for signals outside your industry. Look for emerging trends and engage with diverse perspectives to identify potential risks and opportunities early.

8. Arianna Huffington – Focus on Well-being

Nordic Business Forum 2015

“Do we define success just in terms of money and power? That is a bit like trying to sit on a two-legged stool—sooner or later you fall off.”

The co-founder of The Huffington Post, Arianna Huffington suggested that while technology brings plenty of positive changes to our lives, we should be wary of the cost. She highlighted the dangers of burnout and technology overuse, emphasizing the need to disconnect. Arianna underlined the importance of prioritizing well-being and meaning over relentless achievement. She advocates for redefining success beyond money and power, incorporating well-being, wisdom, and wonder as essential elements. This “third metric” provides balance, helping individuals sustain productivity while nurturing personal fulfillment.

Practical Tip: Consciously include time for self-care and reflection. Be intentional about disconnecting from technology regularly to regain focus and reduce stress.

Turn Insights into Action

Personal and professional growth isn’t about making overnight changes; it’s about consistent, intentional steps forward. Whether it’s developing self-awareness, thinking big, or creating more white space, these eight insights can guide you in becoming a more effective and fulfilled leader.

Now, it’s on you. Reflect on these lessons and integrate the most applicable ones into your routine. Remember to schedule time to get back to the new ideas in order to make sure you’ve been able to turn them into action. Wishing you an inspiring journey of growth!