Why Tulsa's Top Realtors Are Reading This Personal Development Book (And You Should Too)

Feeling stuck between where you are and where you know you could be?

You're not broken. You're just ready to grow.

After 24 years in Tulsa real estate and hundreds of coaching conversations as a John C. Maxwell certified speaker and trainer, I've discovered something powerful: the gap between potential and performance isn't talent. It's intentionality.

This month in our Legacy Library, we're unlocking the blueprint that's transformed my career, my relationships, and my leadership: The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John C. Maxwell.

Because here's the truth nobody tells you: growth is not automatic. It's intentional. And that's exactly why this book changes lives.

Why a Tulsa Real Estate Professional Swears By a Personal Development Book

When I think about the biggest turning points in my life (personally, professionally, and spiritually), they all started with one critical decision: the decision to grow.

In 2025, my Word of the Year was Cultivation. In 2026, it's Stewardship.

That shift says everything: we've planted seeds, now it's time to nurture what we planted. The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth provides the exact roadmap for that journey.

At LRA Homes, our word for the year is Execution. Here's something freeing I've learned: you can have TWO words (one for your personal life and one for your professional life). They work together, not against each other.

This book will show you how to steward what you already have while executing on what needs to be done.

According to research from Harvard Business School, small, consistent wins create momentum that leads to major breakthroughs. Maxwell's laws are the framework for creating those wins.

This isn't just another self-help book gathering dust on your nightstand. It's a blueprint for building a legacy.

5 John Maxwell Laws That Transformed My Real Estate Career (And My Life)

As a John C. Maxwell Team certified coach, I've studied these principles for years. Here are the laws that hit especially close to home, and the real-life moments that made them stick:

1. The Law of Intentionality: Growth Doesn't Just Happen (And Hope Isn't a Strategy)

"Growth doesn't just happen." — John C. Maxwell

This law is a gut check that most people need but few want to hear.

Most people hope they grow. They wish for better results. But hope without action is just daydreaming.

I learned this lesson the hard way during my journey with the LIVEHARD Program by Andy Frisella. Now, let me clarify: I don't advocate for the language used in Andy Frisella's content. However, he pioneered a program called 75 HARD that, when executed as prescribed, genuinely changes your life.

I've completed it the past 4 years and plan to tackle it again this year. The heightened version, LIVEHARD, is a year-long continuation that separates the committed from the curious.

Here's my humbling moment: I started Phase 3 with a bang... and failed on day one. Missed my cold shower.

But instead of quitting, I kept going. That failure reminded me that growth isn't about perfection. It's about showing up anyway. Starting over anyway. That's what intention looks like.

At Legacy Realty Advisors (Tulsa's Most Trusted Brokerage), we've been implementing this with our team through morning routines, journaling, and reading 10 pages daily.

Small steps. Big shift.

According to research published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, it takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit (not the often-cited 21 days). Intentionality requires patience and consistency.

2. The Law of Awareness: You Must Know Yourself to Grow Yourself

"You must know yourself to grow yourself." — John C. Maxwell

I'll never forget buying my first house back in 1999.

I didn't use a realtor. I skipped the inspection. (Yes, I know. Ironic, right?)

The day after I moved in, the pipes burst. It was a complete disaster.

But here's what that expensive mistake taught me: it changed the course of my career and eventually led me to helping others avoid the same costly errors.

That failure gave me clarity: I needed to learn what I didn't know.

The Dunning-Kruger effect, identified by psychologists David Dunning and Justin Kruger, explains why people with limited knowledge often overestimate their expertise. Self-awareness is the antidote.

Awareness is a growth catalyst. And sometimes it comes through hard lessons.

There are SO many more hard lessons I've taken and repurposed to help someone else, and that's what life is all about: taking the lemons and making lemonade.

Now, as a Tulsa realtor and Maxwell-certified coach, every client I help avoid a home-buying mistake is a testament to growth through awareness.

3. The Law of Consistency: Motivation Gets You Going, Discipline Keeps You Growing

"Motivation gets you going. Discipline keeps you growing." — John C. Maxwell

I'm a firm believer in routine. That's why my life is built on habits, not hype.

(Well, I do bring the hype too, but here's the truth: you don't rise to your situation, you fall to your habits!)

I read every day. I reflect every night. At Legacy Realty Advisors, my team and I aren't chasing fleeting inspiration. We're creating sustainable momentum through consistency.

James Clear, author of Atomic Habits and featured in this Harvard Business Review article, emphasizes that small habits compound over time to create remarkable results.

Maxwell says it perfectly: "Small disciplines repeated with consistency every day lead to great achievements gained slowly over time."

The real estate market doesn't reward those who work hard when they feel like it. It rewards those who show up consistently, recession or boom.

Consistency compounds. That's not just a motivational quote. It's mathematics.

4. The Law of the Mirror: You Must See Value in Yourself to Add Value to Yourself

"You must see value in yourself to add value to yourself." — John C. Maxwell

There was a time when I tied my worth to productivity and performance. More deals closed = more value. Bigger transactions = bigger worth.

That's a dangerous equation.

One of the most healing practices I've added lately? Daily gratitude.

Throughout each day, I acknowledge the things I'm thankful for AND the things I'm still learning. It's changed the way I see myself.

I'm not just a doer. I'm a grower. And I'm worthy of that growth.

Research from UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center shows that gratitude practices actually rewire the brain for greater well-being and resilience.

One book that shaped my DNA is You Are Valuable by Billy Joe Daugherty. Growing up, my mom would put the tip for our server inside this book and give it to them after we finished eating.

My son got "You Are Valuable" tattooed on his arm. So did I.

I am here to tell you today: you are valuable. There is so much inside you. You are not your past. God has a plan for your life, and I would love to help you discover it.

If you're feeling lost, reach out. Let me show you a map that has worked for me.

5. The Law of Environment: Growth Thrives in Conducive Surroundings

"Growth thrives in conducive surroundings." — John C. Maxwell

One of my favorite rituals is walking and exercising early and often.

This habit has reminded me of so many things that change and challenge me daily. Now, I'm surrounded by a mastermind community of people who think bigger, dream bolder, and challenge me to rise.

Why? Because like attracts like.

According to research by social psychologist Dr. David McClelland, you become the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Your environment isn't just important. It's determinative.

Jim Rohn famously said, "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with." Science backs this up through social contagion theory.

That's what healthy growth environments do. They pull you forward.

Whether it's the books on your nightstand, the podcasts in your ears, or the conversations at your dinner table, your environment is either growing you or limiting you.

At Legacy Realty Advisors, we've built a culture where growth isn't optional. It's embedded in everything we do.

How to Live This Book This Month (Actionable Growth Plan for Tulsa Professionals)

Let's do more than read.

Let's execute.

Here's your monthly growth roadmap:

✅ Morning routine: Movement, reflection, intention-setting
✅ 10 pages a day: Commit to lifelong learning (that's just 15-20 minutes)
✅ Gratitude + journaling: End the day with perspective
✅ $8/day savings habit: Financial discipline with a purpose (save $8.00 a day toward a BIG goal)
✅ Weekly community calls: Connect with people who challenge and support you

According to Stanford research on habit formation, tiny habits lead to big changes when anchored to existing routines.

Start small. Stay consistent. Watch what compounds.

Your Questions About Personal Growth and The 15 Invaluable Laws Answered

Do I really need a personal development book to succeed in real estate?

Success in real estate requires more than market knowledge alone.

The best realtors I know aren't just skilled negotiators. They're skilled humans. They've invested in their emotional intelligence, their communication abilities, and their capacity to handle stress. The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth isn't about real estate specifically. It's about becoming the kind of person who succeeds in ANY arena. When you grow as a person, your business grows as a result. According to research from the National Association of Realtors, the top 10% of agents consistently invest in personal and professional development. That's not a coincidence.

How is this different from other self-help books?

Maxwell provides laws, not suggestions, backed by decades of leadership research.

Most self-help books give you tips and tricks. Maxwell gives you universal principles that work regardless of your circumstances. These aren't feel-good suggestions. They're proven laws that govern personal growth, just like gravity governs physics. I've been studying these laws for years as a John C. Maxwell Team certified coach, and I've watched them transform lives across every industry and life stage. The difference is consistency and application. Maxwell doesn't just inspire you. He equips you with a repeatable framework.

What if I've already read a lot of personal development books?

Even experienced readers find new depth in Maxwell's systematic approach.

I've read hundreds of personal development books. I return to this one every year. Why? Because growth isn't a one-time event. It's a lifestyle. Each time I revisit these laws, I'm at a different stage of life and business. The Law of the Mirror hits differently when you're struggling with imposter syndrome than when you're navigating success. The Law of Intentionality means something different to a new agent than to someone building a team. According to research on spaced repetition learning, we retain information better when we revisit it multiple times over extended periods. This book rewards re-reading.

Can I apply these laws if I'm not in real estate?

These are universal principles that apply to any profession or life situation.

Absolutely! I apply these laws to my real estate business, yes. But I also apply them to my marriage, my parenting, my faith, and my health. The Law of Consistency helped me complete 75 HARD four years in a row. The Law of Awareness helped me become a better father. The Law of Environment shaped who I surround myself with in every area of life. Maxwell's genius is that he identified principles that govern human growth, period. Whether you're a teacher, entrepreneur, stay-at-home parent, or corporate executive, these laws apply. Growth is growth.

How long will it take to see results from applying these laws?

Most people notice mindset shifts within weeks, tangible results within months.

Here's the honest truth: it depends on where you're starting and how consistently you apply the principles. According to the European Journal of Social Psychology research I mentioned earlier, habit formation takes an average of 66 days. But mindset shifts? Those can happen immediately. I've had coaching clients who experienced breakthroughs in our very first session simply because they gained awareness (Law #2). The compound effect, however, takes time. Small disciplines repeated with consistency lead to great achievements gained slowly over time. If you commit to the practices I outlined (10 pages daily, morning routine, gratitude journaling), you'll see changes within 30 days. Guaranteed.

What's the biggest mistake people make with personal development?

They consume content without taking action or creating accountability.

I see this constantly. People read the book, get inspired, and then... nothing changes. Why? Because inspiration without implementation is just entertainment. The biggest mistake is treating personal development like a spectator sport. You can't just read about the Law of Intentionality. You have to BE intentional. You can't just nod along with the Law of Consistency. You have to DO the work consistently. That's why our Legacy Library includes weekly calls and accountability. Research from the American Society of Training and Development shows you're 95% more likely to achieve a goal when you have accountability. Don't just read. Execute.

Is this book faith-based?

Maxwell writes from a Christian worldview but the principles apply universally.

John C. Maxwell is a former pastor and writes from his Christian faith. You'll notice references to biblical principles and wisdom throughout the book. However, the laws themselves are universal truths about human growth. I've recommended this book to people of all faiths (and no faith), and they've all found value. The Law of Consistency doesn't care about your religion. It works for everyone who applies it. That said, if you ARE a person of faith, you'll find the spiritual dimensions of growth beautifully integrated. Maxwell doesn't separate faith from personal development. He sees them as interconnected, which resonates deeply with my own journey.

How do I know which law to focus on first?

Start with the Law of Awareness, then let your honest self-assessment guide you.

Maxwell presents the laws in a specific order for a reason, but you don't have to work through them sequentially. I always recommend starting with the Law of Awareness. Why? Because you can't grow what you don't acknowledge. Take an honest inventory: Where am I right now? Where do I want to be? What's the gap? Once you have clarity, you'll naturally see which laws you need most. Struggling with follow-through? Focus on the Law of Consistency. Surrounding yourself with negativity? Dive into the Law of Environment. Lacking direction? Study the Law of Intentionality. Self-awareness is always the starting point.

What if I fail or mess up while trying to apply these laws?

Failure is part of growth, and Maxwell's framework expects it.

Remember my story about failing Phase 3 of LIVEHARD on day one? That failure didn't disqualify me. It taught me. Maxwell actually has an entire law dedicated to this: the Law of the Rubber Band. Growth requires stretching, and stretching is uncomfortable. You WILL mess up. You WILL have days where you skip your routine or fall back into old patterns. The question isn't whether you'll fail. It's whether you'll get back up. According to research on resilience, the ability to bounce back from setbacks is a better predictor of success than avoiding setbacks altogether. So yes, you'll fail. And that's exactly where growth happens.

Can I go through this book with a group or accountability partner?

Group study multiplies the impact and creates powerful accountability.

Absolutely, and I highly recommend it! Our Legacy Library does exactly this. We read together, discuss together, and grow together. There's something powerful about processing these laws in community. You'll catch insights you would have missed alone. You'll stay accountable when motivation wanes. You'll celebrate wins with people who understand the journey. Research on social learning shows we learn better in community than in isolation. If you don't have a formal group, grab a friend, colleague, or family member. Read the same chapter each week. Meet for coffee and discuss. The ROI on that investment is exponential.

Final Thoughts from Your Tulsa Maxwell-Certified Coach

These laws don't require you to be perfect. They just require you to be willing.

Willing to stretch.
Willing to reflect.
Willing to grow.

If you're in a season where you feel the tension between where you are and where you could be, that's good. That means you're ready.

That's the Law of the Rubber Band in action (yes, that's Law #6. You'll have to read the book for that one 😉).

I'll leave you with this:

Growth isn't a goal. It's a way of living.

And you don't have to do it alone.

Take Your Next Growth Step in Tulsa

Whether you're navigating the Tulsa real estate market, building a business, or simply ready to become the person you know you're capable of being, I'm here to help.

As a John C. Maxwell Team certified coach, speaker, and trainer, I combine real estate expertise with transformational leadership development.

Ready to grow intentionally?

Let's talk: Book a time with Jennifer Mount, Legacy Realty Advisors

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