At the core of our being, we aspire to learn, experience, and grow to our fullest potential. Hence why we should lovingly nurture every facet of our growth aspirations! Self-growth endeavors feed your sense of purpose and increase happiness because you evolve in meaningful ways that positively impact you and the world around you.
Self-Growth Defined
Self-Growth, aka personal development, refers to self-guided improvements (often mental, social, educational, physical, or spiritual-based).
Why Focus on Self-growth?
- Achieving your growth goals (and evolving as you do) will improve your mental, physical, social and spiritual well-being.
- You’ll feel happier and fulfilled, adding immeasurable value to your life and the lives of those around you as you flourish.
- Most importantly, you’ll develop a deeper connection with yourself, revealing inner peace, as you work toward and achieve your growth goals (i.e., blossom) in areas fundamental to the core of your being.
Some of us yearn to grow or better ourselves as soon as we can think of our own accord in childhood; the urge to flourish tugs at the very essence of our being. For others, the thirst for growth is slightly less than a celestial tug.
The Thirst Must Be Real
Regardless of your self-growth eagerness level, it is essential to your well-being to propel yourself forward. After all, we are meant to blossom, which is why reaching our growth goals (leveling up) feels super-satisfying (down to the cellular level); it’s why we strive to arrive.
Given the significant nature of self-guided development, you should regularly invest your time and energy (through self-guided actions) to achieve your growth goals. However, the thirst must be real because your journey may sometimes be complicated or thorny, and genuine growth requires real commitment.
Growth Is Thorny Sometimes
You’re likely aware that your growth journey won’t always be straightforward or feel fabulous at every turn. There may be obstacles you have to work, or flow, through as you blossom. Sometimes, it may feel thorny (especially if you’re doing inner work or healing as part of your journey).
Every journey has its twists and turns. Regardless of your growth goals (whether an educationally based goal, a spiritually based goal, etc.), you may encounter obstacles. But you’ll overcome!
Roses and Thorns
Our growth is undoubtedly fundamental to our overall well-being, and each evolution in our journey is beautiful to behold (akin to a rose). Our self-growth journey will have roses and thorns, but our self-evolution mainly generates a strong sense of peace and fulfillment (while fostering a connection to our true selves). Don’t let the thorns stagnate your growth.
Embrace Change to Continue Growing
Change can be thorny for many folks. Growth usually involves change, and change is a colossal undertaking. It makes sense that change, or even thoughts of change, may stir feelings of vulnerability and fear (especially if you’re unsure of yourself). However, you can embrace change by mindfully addressing any fear and squashing doubtful thoughts.
Self-doubt is a facet of fear and may swell within and attempt to sabotage your optimistic mindset and growth. Self-doubt is the number one enemy of growth-goal realization, friends. When in doubt, please recall the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “what we fear of doing most is usually what we most need to do.”
Know that it’s normal to feel all you feel along your journey (whether that’s feeling vulnerable, doubtful, anxious, etc.), but don’t allow yourself to dwell too long in fearful emotional states. Residing in these states is counterproductive, and you must keep moving forward while remaining mindful of how you treat yourself along your journey.
Self-compassion Is at the Core of Self-growth
Continually show compassion for yourself as you navigate the twists and turns of your journey. Sprinkle yourself with the same kindness which you freely shower upon others. Be forgiving and understanding of yourself while focusing on what matters; your growth needs.
Everything Happens for a Reason
Additionally, consider that “setbacks” arise for reasons of growth, too (those “thorns” are part of the journey). Be gentle with yourself during setbacks; they’re often “lessons” in disguise, which lead you to your higher good. Compassionately reason through possibilities and solutions, then let your findings fuel your continued growth.
Mindset Is Everything
Another influential factor at the core of growth is our mindset. Our mindset is more than influential; actually, it’s pivotal to our progress. We have to know and trust that we will reach our goals. We have to believe, to achieve, friends. Cultivate a growth mindset!
Change Your Mind and the Rest Will Follow
If a growth mindset doesn’t come naturally to you, have no fear. It’s possible to rewire our brains, as they’re pretty pliable (yay for neuroplasticity!). So, you can change your mindset with time and effort. Since your mindset can influence your progress, it’s critical to be aware of your thought patterns and consciously redirect thought patterns that no longer serve you. Believe in yourself; only permit thoughts of growth and success.
Ditch the negative self-talk and increase the positive self-talk! Simply dismiss negative thoughts and look for, cherish, and play up your strengths. Continually direct your energy to the good and focus on that instead, friends. Your mind can hold you back or help you fly. You decide.
Self-Growth Goal-Visualization Activity
Another way you can reinforce a growth mindset and help attain your growth goals is through visualization. Visualization is your way to practice success, in a way. It also shapes your perspective (mindset) over time.
When we envision our goal(s), we solidify a growth mindset, project positivity forward, and capture success. It’s helpful to visualize your growth goal with the smallest details regularly. Think of it as mindful daydreaming. You’ll find five basic steps for goal visualization below.
- Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Breath naturally.
- Take a few deep breaths to relax.
- Envision your optimal outcome. Don’t spare the details when you’re projecting your growth or success.
- Imagine how it will feel when you achieve your goal. What emotions do you experience? Savor those pleasant feelings as if you’ve already experienced whatever success you’re searching for.
- Imagine the sights, sounds, smells (if applicable).
- Do this for as long as you deem fit.
Self-Growth Prioritized as Self-Care
You’ll meet many of your needs as you develop yourself. As such, your self-growth journey should be prioritized as self-care time (remember, self-care involves mindful prioritization of your time and energy).
Life Is Growth
Although we’d like to be intentional with our personal progression endeavors, there are times growth is thrust upon us. We must then grow from adversity or struggles and thrive. Regardless of how the growth journey begins, you will blossom!
Parting Words
You’ll feel utterly alive when you grow in purposeful ways and feel whole as you get to know yourself during the growth process. Every journey has its ups and downs (its twists and turns). Learn to accept all of it as part of the experience; obstacles are temporary and nudge you forward. Your growth will awaken you to your extraordinary potential while bringing lasting joy.
