When I think of “growth” I think of plants, trees, a garden, a growing company, and of self. I once heard a saying that went something like “things grow where it’s dirty, in the dirt, but people see what’s on top, the beauty.” That notion of needing to plant something in the dirt to make it grow stuck with me. It’s very similar to another quote I enjoy and share often, “there’s no growth in the comfort zone and no comfort in the growth zone.” Both mean the same thing. Ya gotta get dirty and uncomfortable to grow.
Now I find myself wondering where the growth will come from. I first must get clear on what I’m “planting” in order to see the growth. Finances, relationships, professional opportunities, personal lessons.
I attended a conference this weekend focused on mindset and the process of thinking. One of the speakers, Mike Foster, “spit some serious knowledge” about what we tell ourselves. He spoke of how our lives are shaped by the stories we tell, about the track that was laid in the past, and about whether or not we listen to what others tell us, he called it “Who storied that for you?”
This has me thinking (ah hah) that what I’m telling myself about my growth in this particular stage of life will not only effect the present but will also be the “track” for my future growth. Some of my big growth moment realizations are when my reactions to situations lay a track for my actions. If you follow me. I react, then I’ve laid a track to act which normally derails my moment and the interactions with those around me. This is something that is hindering my growth and keeping me stagnant. I must be more aware and present about my thoughts, actions, words, etc to maintain the correct track.
Growth comes when we get uncomfortable. I’ve been uncomfortable.
Thanks for reading.