"You will be the same this year as last year except for the people you meet and the books you read."
I heard this quote a few years back and it has really stuck with me. Our personal growth in many ways depends on other people. Of course we factor in our own desire to grow and our own willingness to change. But many times it is other people who are the catalyst in those areas as well. I remember in times past when I had an issue with worrying. Then I met a guy who worried more than me. After being around him for an hour, it really motivated me to stop worrying! That guy was a big help to me. On a side note, it has been said that 90% of the things we worry about never even become an issue. This lead one researcher to quip that this proves that worrying is 90% effective.
The people you meet. I am a firm believer that when you have plans and goals that you are trying to achieve that most people will want to help you get there. There is something about having a plan and purpose that draws people to want to help. Meeting new people or building better relationships with the ones you know provides support for mutual mentoring, technical networking and encouraging one another. As you are around new people, never underestimate the power of a warm and friendly greeting. Take the initiative to introduce yourself. Other people want to meet new people too. I was amazed at how easy it was to talk to a national level expert on Reliability issues. I sent him an email after reading one of his articles and we had a phone conversation shortly thereafter. Then he sent me an article he had not previously published and gave me permission to distribute it and his recommended reading list. It was as easy as reaching out and introducing myself. The mention of the recommended book list leads us to the next point.
The books you read. Have you ever wanted a "brain transplant"? Read a book. You get the benefit of the author's experiences, viewpoints and ways of thinking. In short, you get a small download of his brain. It has been said that 20% of the people read 80% of the books. Reading high quality business books and technical books can have a huge impact on your career. Done on a repeated basis, you accumulate intellectual wealth and skills. Good books are the mentor that is always there and ready when you are. Finding a good recommended business book list is as easy as doing a google search. Set a goal for reading career and technical books. You won't be same.
You won't get different results unless you change the inputs. The people you meet and the books you read can make the difference.