The 30-Day Leadership Growth Plan: Build Better Habits, Lead with Greater Impact

Leadership Growth Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step as a leader, you’re not alone. Leading a team, a church, or a business can be exhausting. The demands are constant, and sometimes it feels like you're just trying to survive the week.

But great leadership doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built, one intentional step at a time.

That’s why I created The 30-Day Leadership Growth Plan, a simple, sustainable framework that’s helped me lead with more clarity, confidence, and consistency. And the best part? It’s not overwhelming. It’s built on four small daily habits and one powerful monthly rhythm.

Whether you lead a church staff, a business team, or anything in between, this plan can help you lead more effectively, invest in your team, and create habits that make a lasting impact.

The 4 Daily Non-Negotiables

1. Move Every Day

Leadership is a high-performance role, and your energy is one of your greatest assets.

You don’t need to train like an athlete. You just need to move. Go for a walk, do some light stretching, or squeeze in a quick home workout. The goal is to create a rhythm where movement becomes as normal as brushing your teeth.

I block off time for movement on my calendar every day, just like a meeting. Sometimes I take walking calls or do a few push-ups between tasks. Small, consistent actions lead to lasting energy and sharper thinking.

✅ Pro Tip: Attach movement to something you already do, walk during phone calls, or stretch before your first meeting.

2. Grow Every Day

If you’re not learning, you’re not leading.

Leaders are learners, and daily growth doesn’t have to mean reading a whole book in a week. Just 10 minutes of intentional learning can make a big impact. Pick up a book, listen to a podcast, or take notes on an audiobook during your commute.

The key is to apply what you learn. Don’t just consume, connect the insight to your life, your leadership, and your team.

✅ One simple habit: Write down one takeaway every day and look for a way to use it immediately.

3. Review Your Goals Every Day

What you focus on, you move toward.

Each morning, I review six core areas of life: Faith, Family, Fitness, Friendship, Finances, and Fun.
I’ve even set up an automated email with an affirmation for each one.

Here’s what that sounds like:

Faith: I am a devoted believer, setting an example of faithfulness for my family.
Family: I am a devoted husband and a loving, attentive father.
Fitness: I am an athlete and model a healthy lifestyle.
Friendship: I am a loyal friend and dedicated partner.
Finances: I am a visionary leader and wise steward.
Fun: I am an adventurer and a memory-maker.

You can write your goals on a sticky note, a note card, or set a daily phone reminder. The key is to keep them in front of you, every single day.

4. Encourage and Practice Gratitude Every Day

Your words carry power. One of the most effective ways to build trust and boost morale is to express appreciation.

Each day, I make it a point to send a thank-you text, write a quick note, or encourage someone verbally. It only takes a minute, but it builds a culture of gratitude and connection.

Want to make it stick? Tie it to a habit you already have. Before you drink your coffee or check your phone, take a moment to show gratitude. You’ll be amazed at the ripple effect it creates.

The Monthly Leadership Meeting Rhythm

While daily habits fuel personal growth, great leadership also requires structure, support, and alignment with your team.

One of the best tools I’ve found? Monthly one-on-one check-ins with each of your direct reports. These conversations aren’t about micromanaging, they’re about empowering, encouraging, and aligning your team.

Here’s the exact structure I use for every monthly check-in:

1. How are you doing personally?

Before diving into tasks or goals, I always start by checking in on life outside of work. It shows you care, builds trust, and strengthens connection.

2. How is work going?

This opens the door to hear how they’re feeling about their role. Are they energized or drained? Supported or overwhelmed? It helps you address burnout and disengagement before they escalate.

3. What are you most proud of accomplishing last month?

Celebrate wins, even the small ones. Recognizing progress boosts morale and reinforces the value of their contributions.

4. What are your top priorities for this month?

Every team member should have three clear goals they’re working on. If they don’t, help them find clarity. Because clear goals drive focused action.

5. How can I help?

This is one of the most powerful questions you can ask. It flips the dynamic from “I lead you” to “I support you.” Ask about roadblocks, challenges, and what you can do to help them succeed.

6. How are you growing as a leader?

Ask what they’re learning, reading, or developing. Support their growth, not just for the organization’s benefit, but for their personal and professional fulfillment.

Bonus: Where do you see yourself in five years?

This one isn’t for every meeting, but I like to ask it once or twice a year. When you know where someone wants to go, you can help them get there. That builds trust, loyalty, and long-term alignment.

✅ Pro Tip: Keep a record of each person’s StrengthsFinder results. It helps you lead them in a way that fits how they’re wired.

Why It Works

When you commit to these four daily habits and one monthly meeting rhythm, you create a structure that supports both personal growth and team alignment.

You stay energized.
You stay focused.
You show up better, for yourself and the people you lead.

This plan isn’t flashy. But it’s transformational.

Want to Make It Even Easier?

I put together a free downloadable PDF, The 30-Day Leadership Plan, so you can start implementing everything in this post immediately.

Inside, you’ll get:

A checklist of the four daily habits
A template for one-on-one meetings
Affirmation prompts for goal setting
Bonus tips for building consistent habits

Click below to grab your free copy and take the first step toward becoming a more intentional, effective leader.

👉 Download Your Free 30-Day Leadership Plan

Tyler on the 30-Day Leadership Growth Plan

In this short video, Tyler shares why leadership growth doesn’t have to be complicated, and how a few intentional daily habits can transform the way you lead.

▶ Watch: The 30-Day Leadership Growth Plan

You’ll hear how he personally uses these four daily non-negotiables and one monthly leadership rhythm to stay energized, focused, and connected to his team. It’s a simple framework you can start using today to lead with more clarity, confidence, and consistency.

About Tyler Smith

Tyler Smith is the co-founder and CEO of Text In Church, a communication platform built to help churches connect with their people beyond Sunday mornings. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Tyler shares practical strategies to help church and business leaders grow with clarity and confidence.

He’s a husband, dad, and lifelong learner who’s passionate about building systems that empower people and strengthen communities.

👉 Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn for more leadership and communication insights.