Personal growth is not something that happens by accident. It is a lifelong journey that requires intentional effort, consistent habits, and a willingness to keep learning. 

The people who grow the most are not necessarily the most talented. Actually, they are the ones who choose to invest in themselves every day.

Recently, students at Cumorah Academy had the opportunity to learn from Brigham and Alicia Dickinson. Through their experiences, personal stories, and practical advice, they showed students that lasting growth comes from small daily decisions rooted in faith, purpose, and discipline.

Alicia grew up in Colonia Juárez, Mexico, and is a nutritionist who is passionate about helping people care for their physical health. Brigham grew up in Fillmore, Utah, served a mission in Brazil, and has spent his career as an entrepreneur, author, and teacher. Together, they have dedicated their lives to mentoring others and helping people recognize their own potential.

As they shared with students:

“The gospel of Jesus Christ is at the center of everything we do. Life hasn’t always been easy, but we’ve learned that when we keep things simple, trust the Lord, and stay close to Him, we find peace and purpose regardless of our circumstances. We’re incredibly grateful to be part of Cumorah Academy and to spend time with students from so many different countries.”

Their message reminded students that personal growth is not about becoming someone else. It is about becoming the best version of yourself through faith, learning, and consistent action.

Personal Growth Requires Intentional Action

Many people hope their lives will improve with time. However, growth does not happen automatically. It happens when people choose to invest in themselves.

Brigham and Alicia taught students that every meaningful change begins with intentional decisions. Whether developing new skills, strengthening faith, or improving relationships, progress comes through daily effort rather than occasional motivation.

As Brigham explained during one lesson:

“Your habits create your future long before your results become visible.”

This simple idea reminds us that today’s choices shape tomorrow’s opportunities. The habits we build today eventually become the life we experience in the future.

For young adults in particular, investing in personal growth today lays the foundation for future success in education, careers, relationships, and leadership.

Small Habits Lead to Big Results

One of the strongest themes throughout the Dickinsons’ classes was the power of consistency.

Many people wait for the perfect opportunity to change their lives. Instead, Brigham and Alicia encouraged students to focus on small habits they could practice every day.

Reading a few pages, exercising regularly, keeping commitments, strengthening spiritual habits, or learning a new skill may seem insignificant at first. Over time, however, these small actions create a remarkable transformation.

Personal growth is rarely the result of one big decision. More often, it is the result of hundreds of small choices made consistently over time.

When young adults learn to value daily progress over immediate perfection, they develop lasting confidence.

Growth Happens Through People

Another lesson that deeply resonated with students was the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people.

Brigham introduced the idea of creating a personal “board of directors”—a group of mentors, friends, and trusted advisors who encourage growth, provide honest feedback, and inspire better decisions.

No one achieves success alone. Every leader benefits from people who challenge, support, and guide them along the way.

By learning from mentors and building meaningful relationships, students gain perspectives that help them navigate life’s challenges with greater wisdom and confidence.

Personal growth becomes much easier when we choose to learn from those who have already walked the path before us.

Students Left Inspired

The Dickinsons’ message had a lasting impact on students at Cumorah Academy.

Andrea, from Venezuela, shared:

“Brigham and Alicia inspired me to see personal growth as a lifelong journey. Their classes reminded me that becoming a better leader starts with improving myself every day through small, consistent habits. I left feeling motivated to stop waiting for the ‘perfect moment’ and simply start growing.”

João, from Brazil, reflected on one of his favorite lessons:

“One of my favorite lessons was about creating a personal ‘board of directors.’ It made me realize how important it is to surround myself with mentors and people who challenge me to become better. Their sincerity and humility made every class feel personal and inspiring.”

Amanda, also from Brazil, found hope in their honesty:

“What impacted me most was their testimony that faith and personal development go hand in hand. They shared their successes and failures with so much honesty that it gave me confidence to embrace my own mistakes as opportunities to learn. I left their classes with hope, motivation, and a clearer vision of the leader I want to become.”

These experiences demonstrate that personal growth is about much more than gaining knowledge. It is about developing the confidence, perspective, and character needed to build a meaningful life.

Personal Growth at Cumorah Academy

At Cumorah Academy, personal growth is woven into every part of the student experience.

Students learn from experienced mentors who openly share their successes, challenges, and lessons learned. They develop leadership skills, strengthen their faith, build meaningful friendships, and practice habits that prepare them for future careers and lifelong service.

Each experience encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, discover new strengths, and become more intentional about the people they are becoming.

As Brigham and Alicia reminded students:

“Build good habits. Find mentors who inspire you. Learn from your mistakes instead of fearing them. Surround yourself with people who lift you higher, and remember that your greatest success will always be measured by the lives you bless along the way.”

Their message captures the heart of personal growth: becoming someone who not only succeeds but also helps others succeed.

Start Your Personal Growth Journey

The best time to invest in yourself is now.

At Cumorah Academy, you’ll spend three months developing leadership skills, strengthening your faith, learning from world-class mentors, and building habits that will shape the rest of your life.

If you’re a young adult who wants to grow with purpose, discover your potential, and prepare for a future filled with meaningful opportunities, Cumorah Academy is the place to begin.

Apply today and take the first step toward becoming the person you were created to be.