Understanding The Process of Personal Growth
Growth is a lifetime process of bettering yourself. It is filled with the constant struggle of achieving your goals and finding the balance between work, rest, and play.
Oftentimes, we ask ourselves if we are really growing or we’re just stuck in a cycle where we feel comfortable. Understanding what is growth and choosing to be better at the things that we need to improve in can be difficult. Sometimes, it’s easier to remain unaware of our issues and just continue with our usual daily routine.
So how do we know if we’re growing or not, and what are the things we should know about growth?
Growth simply means improvement. In order to know if you are growing, ask yourself these questions:
1. Am I a better person than who I was yesterday?
2. Do my priorities and activities take me closer to my goals and the kind of person I aspire to be?
If your answer is yes, then you are growing. If you say no, then maybe this is just what you need — a reminder to assess your life. It’s not too late to divert your focus on the things that make you grow. Remember that growth is intentional. It’s important to determine your goals and what you want so you can grow towards that direction than simply aiming everywhere. It will make a difference than just trying everything and using your resources and time on the things that don’t matter in your life.
Another thing that most people forget about growing is the amount of time it takes to achieve growth in something. Whether it’s trying to master a skill, being physically fit, or building a company from the ground up, it takes time — maybe longer than what you initially thought.
We live in a fast-paced world and we want instant results. What we should practice is delayed gratification. Sometimes we give up too easily and we lack the grit to continue. We face a single rejection, hear discouragements, and then we decide to quit. We fail to remember why we are doing it in the first place. Breakthroughs and changes don’t happen overnight. Learn to be patient with the process. Be consistent and committed to your goals.
Even if you fail several times, as long as you continue towards the direction that you want, it’s still worth it. You should have faith in yourself and believe that even it takes a while, you will achieve it.
When you embrace growth, you embrace uncertainties
Growing means accepting that you will never be in control of everything — that you are limited, and your resources are limited too. That’s why you will choose to be brave in the moments where you need to take risks. You will choose to accept that the journey isn’t easy and that the process of growth is not linear. You will embrace the moments where you need to put in the extra work when necessary because you told yourself that it’s worth the sacrifice. You will accept that you don’t know everything and it’s okay because there are some things you can only learn in hindsight. When you embrace the uncertainties that comes with growing, you will be able to face the trials that comes with it.
While it’s true that you need other people in your life to grow, you need to know that you are accountable for your own growth.
The actions of the people surrounding you will surely impact your life, but it’s you who is responsible on how it can affect you as a person. Some experiences can be traumatic and it can hinder your growth. Maybe it will even take a long time to heal. But as long as you don’t give up on yourself, you will be okay. If it’s too much, talk to a therapist, share your burden with a friend. Healing, recovery, breaks, and rest are part of growing and you cannot rely on others to do that for you. You must look out for yourself. Whatever help they can give you, it’s only limited because the truth is you are in control of your life.
You have a choice on how long someone or any circumstance in your life can affect your growth.
Lastly, growth is a personal journey.
If you compare yourself to others all the time, for example, their success and their relationships, you will miss the joy in the process and fulfillment in your achievements while you grow. The only person that you should compare yourself with is your past self. Just focus on your own journey and celebrate every milestone as you grow.
