Growing

Personal growth is never easy, in fact, I think the process of growing is my least favorite activity. I love the results, the new and improved, wiser me. But the process, not so much. Growth is painful, it forces us to examine the things we don’t like about ourselves and then do something about it. But when we refuse to grow, we become stagnant, complacent, and eventually unhappy.

Purpose of Growth

We should want to grow to be a better version of ourselves and nothing more. We should not grow to impress a person, catch a mate, or get a promotion. Whenever growth is stimulated by such external reasons, the growth is not authentic, isn’t genuine, and will lead to failure. Each person should grow at their rate and on their timetable. We should actively be growing to be a better version of ourselves, to improve ourselves, and to be happier with ourselves.

Growth should be self-centered and selfish

Sounds a bit strange doesn’t it? But it is true. Working on improving ourselves should be a process that is wholly consumed by ourselves. Personal growth is in an inward process, a path we embark on to learn to be a better version of ourselves. This requires that we completely focus on ourselves, giving us ample opportunity to listen, test new skills, and eventually complete that path. While growth should never end, each phase or path should at some point come to an end.

As we work on growing, it is vital we give ourselves the time and space to complete the growth. We also need to make sure we have enough downtime, rest, and food. We cannot become the best version of ourselves if we are always tired or hungry.

How do we know we need to grow?

The answer is quite simple, we should always be growing. We should never hit a place in our life where we feel as though we have no more room to grow. Growth comes in season, meaning we will reach a plateau in an area while other areas grow. The growth is not a linear path, rather it is a twisted, curving path that splits, pauses, and sometimes makes detours. We cannot expect to launch on a journey of self-growth, complete a few reflections, make a tweak or two, and be done.

What hinders growth?

Quite simply, arrogance and hubris. Those who think they know everything, who always have a comment to say, or feel the need to insert their opinion are people who are not on a growth journey. Growing requires silence, the ability to hear, to listen to others, and learn from them. More often than not, opinions and perspectives which are different from ours, are what will launch our growth. Being quiet long enough to see something as someone else sees it is often the catalyst which launches a journey.

Remember, growth is a messy process. We will stumble, fail, and need breaks. But at the end of the day, the person who continues to get up, who continues to move forward, even when they are bruised and battered are those who will grow the most.

Sincerely,

Sara O