The 8 P’s Model
Unique to ACSI Canada and exclusively available to Members, the 8 P’s model is a framework for the Growing Forward series.
Through the growing process, you’ll cultivate a life of purpose as it guides you through an eight-stage journey of growth and transformation.
By embracing this process, you’ll gain clarity on your mission statement, discovering how to:
- Clarify your vision and purpose
- Identify and overcome obstacles
- Develop a plan for growth and success
- Cultivate healthy habits and relationships
- Eliminate what’s holding you back
- Seek guidance and support along your journey
- Expand your impact and strive to make a difference
The 8 P’s is a growing process for you to consider to help grow forward your school, staff, board, students, parents, and community:
1. Picture — Just as a gardener envisions the beauty of the garden, you’ll create a mental picture of your ideal life, aligning your values, passions, and strengths. However, cultivating a life of purpose will require more than just envisioning a beautiful life—it will demand intentional action and perseverance.
2. Plan — A gardener plans the layout of the garden, considering the needs of each plant. Similarly, you’ll plan your life, setting goals and priorities that align with your mission. But a plan is only as good as the effort put into executing it, and growing forward will require flexibility and adaptability.
3. Plow — Before planting, a gardener must plow the soil to break up clods and prepare the ground. You’ll plow through obstacles, breaking free from limitations and clearing the way for growth. Yet, the hardest work often lies ahead, and cultivating a life of purpose will require ongoing effort to maintain momentum.
4. Plant — With the soil prepared, a gardener plants seeds, nurturing them until they sprout. You’ll plant dreams, hopes, and aspirations, trusting God to bring them to fruition. Nevertheless, growth is often slow and unpredictable, and developing a strategy to grow forward will demand patience and trust.
5. Protect — A gardener protects the plants from harm, providing shelter and care. You’ll protect your time, energy, and resources, prioritizing what’s truly important. However, protection is not the same as isolation, and cultivating a life of purpose will require strategic engagement with the world around you.
6. Prune — Pruning helps plants grow stronger and more fruitful. You’ll prune away distractions, eliminating what’s unnecessary and focusing on what brings life and growth. Nonetheless, pruning is an ongoing process, and growing forward will require regular evaluation and adjustment.
7. Pollinate — Bees and butterflies pollinate flowers, allowing them to reproduce. You’ll pollinate relationships, nurturing connections that bring joy, support, and growth. Still, pollination is a reciprocal process, and cultivating a life of purpose will involve both giving and receiving.
8. Propagate
— A gardener propagates new plants, sharing the bounty with others. You’ll propagate hope, spreading love, kindness, and inspiration to those around you. Yet, propagation is not just about spreading goodness, but also about creating a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire and uplift others.