How To Get Self-Improvement Advice You Need To Know

Mike Parsons

19 Aug 2024 • 8 min read

Over the years, I ask the same question repeatedly: “How did I do it?” I look at my journey—quitting university after seven weeks, launching Australia’s first internet radio station, living in Europe and the USA, claiming a Guinness World Record, selling a startup, and publicly listing a company—and wonder what kept me moving forward. The truth is, I’ve always been driven by one thing: an insatiable hunger for learning.

But here’s the catch: the world is overflowing with information. We live in the age of knowledge overload, and not all of it is helpful. So, how do you sift through it all? How do you separate the wheat from the chaff? I asked myself that question many times, and in my search for answers, I discovered nine fundamental approaches—paradigms, really—that changed everything for me. These paradigms aren’t just for reading books; they’re powerful tools for unlocking wisdom and maximizing your potential.

I want to share them with you, not as some distant concept but as practical approaches that can make a real difference in your life.

1. The 3 Spheres: Energizing and Focusing Your Career Path

Think of your career as a three-part symphony, with each instrument representing a different part of your life: I, We, and It. The “I” is your personal growth—the individual journey of developing yourself. The “We” is your connection to others—team dynamics and relationships. And the “It” is your impact on the world—what you create and contribute to the more extensive system.

Balancing these spheres is like playing a complex piece of music. When I’m focused too much on just the “It” (the external results), I find myself drained and disconnected. But when I’m mindful of the “I” (my personal growth) and the “We” (my relationships), everything clicks into place. My energy rises, and my impact amplifies.

Call to Action: Take a moment to reflect on your balance of the “I,” “We,” and “It” spheres. Where can you recalibrate to bring more harmony into your work and life?

2. The Full Entrepreneur’s Journey: A Roadmap for Growth

I’ve been through the entire entrepreneurial journey more than I can count. The road is full of twists and turns, from that first spark of an idea to scaling a business and eventually building a legacy. But here’s what I’ve learned: no matter how chaotic it feels, there’s always a pattern.

I remind myself of the Entrepreneur's Journey when I’m lost in a startup's chaos. It helps me pinpoint where I am on the map and what challenges I will likely face next. It’s like having a GPS for business, saving me from many wrong turns.

Call to Action: Where are you on your entrepreneurial journey? Identify your current stage and embrace the lessons you must learn before moving forward.

3. Finding the Perfect Product Fit: From Idea to Impact

Creating a product that resonates with your audience is like finding the missing piece of a puzzle. It’s a journey through three phases: Problem-Solution Fit, Product-Market Fit, and Scale Fit.

When I developed my first product, I was so focused on the big picture that I missed the small details—the real problems my users faced. It wasn’t until I shifted my focus to solving those specific issues that everything clicked. The impact was immediate, and the product took off.

Call to Action: Are you focusing on solving real user problems? Take a step back and listen to your audience. They hold the key to finding that perfect product fit.

4. The 4Ps: Your Shortcut to Business Success

In business, simplicity is often the key to success. I rely on the 4Ps framework: Profit, Product, People, and Promotion. These four elements are like the pillars of a strong foundation. If one of them is shaky, the whole structure is at risk.

Whenever I evaluate a new business, I use the 4Ps as a quick diagnostic tool. It’s like taking a company's pulse, giving me a clear sense of what’s working and what needs attention.

Call to Action: Next time you evaluate a business, run it through the 4Ps framework. Where is your foundation strong, and where could it use some reinforcement?

5. Navigating Growth Stages: From Small to Large

Growing a business is like climbing a mountain. Every time you reach a new altitude, the landscape changes, and so do the challenges. I’ve learned that what works at one stage doesn’t always apply to the next.

When I work with growing companies, I focus on removing the blockers that hold teams back. Sometimes, it’s a mindset shift needed; other times, it’s about bringing in the right mentorship. Either way, understanding the growth stages has helped me unlock new levels of success for myself and others.

Call to Action: Identify your business's stage. What new strategies will help you reach the next level?

6. Embracing Executive Roles: Expert, Manager, Leader

As an executive, you wear many hats. You’re an expert in your field, a manager, and a leader. Balancing these roles is crucial for organizational success.

Integrating these roles has been an ongoing journey for me. It’s about knowing when to dive deep into the details as an expert, when to guide and motivate as a manager, and when to inspire and set the vision as a leader. It’s not easy, but it’s what separates sound executives from great ones.

Call to Action: Reflect on your role. Are you balancing your responsibilities as an expert, manager, and leader? Where can you improve?

7. The Wellness Warrior’s Journey: A Checklist for Health

Entrepreneurship isn’t just about building businesses—it’s about creating a life. I’ve realized that health and wellness are as crucial to my success as any business strategy. The Wellness Warrior’s Journey is my checklist for staying healthy, both physically and mentally.

Every time I slip, I return to this framework. It reminds me that taking care of myself is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Call to Action: How are you taking care of your health? Start building your own Wellness Warrior checklist and commit to it daily.

8. The Mastermind’s Journey: Sharpening Critical Thinking

The Mastermind’s Journey is about intellectual mastery, honing critical thinking skills, and making better decisions. This journey has been a constant practice of questioning assumptions, seeking out new perspectives, and staying curious.

Whenever I’m faced with a tough decision, I approach it like a mastermind—breaking it down, analyzing it from every angle, and looking for the most informed path forward.

Call to Action: Challenge yourself to think like a mastermind. How can you approach your next big decision with sharper critical thinking?

9. The Upgrader’s Journey: Constantly Challenging Yourself to Grow

Finally, the Upgrader’s Journey is all about personal development. It’s about constantly challenging yourself to grow, learn, and push your limits.

This journey has been the most rewarding for me. Whenever I reach a new level of growth, I share what I’ve learned with others, creating a cycle of contribution and improvement. It’s a never-ending adventure, and it’s what keeps me moving forward.

Call to Action: What’s your next growth challenge? Set a goal, start your Upgrader’s Journey, and don’t stop until you’ve reached new heights.

These nine paradigms have been my compass in a world full of information. They’ve helped me navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal growth. I hope that by sharing them, you’ll find the wisdom you need to unlock your potential and create a life that’s as fulfilling as it is successful. The world is a whole of wisdom—go out there and find what works for you!