Growth is an inevitable part of life. From the day we are born, we start growing, and the process continues until the end of our lives. However, growth is not always easy. It can be painful, uncomfortable, and sometimes even scary. But, it can also be liberating, exciting, and rewarding. As a coach, I have seen people experience both the pains and pleasures of growth. I too have experienced both sides of the spectrum and continue to experience them to this day. In this blog, I will discuss some of the common pains and pleasures of growth and how to navigate them.
The Pain of Letting Go:
One of the biggest pains of growth is letting go of things that no longer serve us. Whether it’s a job, a relationship, or a way of thinking, letting go can be incredibly difficult. We tend to hold on to these things because they provide us with a sense of security and familiarity. But, in order to grow, we must be willing to let go. This can be painful, but it’s necessary for personal and professional growth. One tip to letting go is to burn the boats. If you are familiar with this analogy, you would remember that in 1519, Hernán Cortés arrived in the New World with six hundred men and, upon arrival, made history by destroying his ships. This sent a clear message to his men: “There is no turning back”. Two years later, he succeeded in his conquest of the Aztec empire.
So my question to you is, what boat do you need to burn to ensure you don’t go back to what has been delaying your growth? Perhaps you need to change your number; or relocate for a determined period; or have a tough conversation; or submit that resignation; or practice confession; or get an accountability partner. Sometimes you just need to make a bold and drastic move.
The Pleasure of Learning:
One of the greatest pleasures of growth is the joy of learning. When we learn something new, we expand our minds and broaden our perspectives. Learning can be incredibly rewarding and empowering. Whether it’s learning a new skill, a new language, or a new way of thinking, the pleasure of learning is one of the greatest pleasures of growth.
Learning new things allows you to tap into new relationships. It unlocks a new perspective on life and changes your approach to new obstacles. It allows you to develop self-confidence and build credibility. Regardless of your age or circumstance, you can always learn something new.
The Pain of Change:
Change can be painful. It disrupts our routines and forces us to step out of our comfort zone. But, change is also necessary for growth. We cannot grow unless we change. Change can be scary, but it’s important to recognize that it’s a natural part of the growth process.
Do me a tiny favor and reflect on any change that you have experienced in the last 2 years. Did it lead to a positive or negative outcome? If positive, how have you grown from that change? If negative, how have you grown from that change? I got you there didn’t I? Sometimes we think that growth only comes from positive outcomes; but growth can come from any outcome. It just so happens that we enjoy the positive outcomes more, for obvious reasons. However, once you shift your perspective on change to one that anticipates growth regardless of the outcome, then you actually grow because growth becomes your focus. Embrace change, and you’ll find that it can lead to great things.
The Pleasure of Accomplishment:
Have you ever accomplished something that gave you an overwhelming sense of fulfillment? When we achieve our goals, it’s like everything falls into place. Whether it’s a small goal or a big one, the feeling of accomplishment is incredibly rewarding.
There’s a clarity that comes with achieving what we set out to do. And with that clarity comes purpose. Suddenly, we have something to work towards and something to be proud of. It’s no wonder that accomplishment leads to fulfillment. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of knowing that you put in the work and achieved success. It’s a feeling that we all crave and strive for, and it’s a feeling that is truly worth the effort. Whether big or small, the accomplishment will reignite your sense of purpose and lead to the fulfillment that you deserve.
The Pain of Fear:
Fear can be paralyzing. It can prevent us from taking risks and pursuing our dreams. But, fear is also a natural part of the growth process. We all experience fear at some point in our lives. It’s important to recognize that fear is just a feeling and that it’s possible to overcome it. When we face our fears, we grow stronger and more resilient.
One tip to overcoming fear that has worked for many is to gain clarity on your purpose. What do you want to achieve? What is your end goal? Once you have a clear understanding of your purpose, make an active decision to obediently pursue it, even if it means facing your fears head-on. Remember, growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Shift your focus away from your fears and onto your purpose and you’ll be on the path to growth and newfound confidence. You got this!
The Pleasure of Faith:
Believing in something larger than ourselves allows us to find clarity in a world that can often seem overwhelming. Faith gives us purpose and a reason to keep moving forward when things get tough. While it’s not always easy to be obedient to the teachings of our faith, this is where true growth occurs. It’s through our setbacks and struggles that we learn the most, and our faith gives us the strength to keep pushing through. For me, the pleasure of faith lies in the comfort and peace it brings to my heart, even when times are tough.
If you’re looking to increase your faith, I’ve got a simple tip for you: focus on obedience. It may seem like a no-brainer, but honestly, the more you obey God’s commands, the more your faith will grow. It’s kind of like working out – the more you push yourself to lift heavier weights, the stronger your muscles get. Similarly, the more you commit to following God’s word and living according to His will, the stronger your faith will become. So go ahead and take that leap of obedience, I promise the growth you’ll experience in your faith will be worth it!
Growth is not always easy, but it’s necessary for personal and professional development. When we let go of what no longer serves us, embrace change, and face our fears, we open ourselves up to new opportunities and experiences. Learning and accomplishing our goals can be incredibly rewarding. So, if you’re feeling stuck or stagnant, remember that growth is a natural part of life. Embrace the pains and pleasures of growth, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.
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