As we move through life, we have growth. That is a given, yes? Well hopefully it is a given!
Each time you learn something you grow. But just as a plant can grow one day and wither the next, so can individuals. I have two questions for you. One question is how do you identify growth. Second, how do you measure growth?
We often think of growth as something that must come in great leaps. Growth is a result of a cathartic experience that you walk away from deeply realizing your life will never be the same. Now while those experiences definitely have growth potential inside of them, I would like to offer another perspective.
I believe growth is closely tied to motivation while withering is closely tied to fear and discouragement. Where do you stand?
I bet you can remember days when you were so motivated you were on fire! Progress seemed so easy. Blog articles were written, emails were cleaned up, task lists were completed with speed. Then there are those days when high level motivation seems elusive. The blog article was at least started, new emails were read although not all were handled, some tasks got done, but others would need to be addressed tomorrow. How do you handle those days? Do you wither? Do you get disappointed and become fearful of all that is not getting done? Do you panic that things are going ‘wrong’? Do you focus on how ‘behind’ you will be?
Here is the alternative perspective. Growth is movement – ANY movement. Growth does not include quantum leaps and bounds in its definition. On those days that may not be as productive as you think it should it be, stop. Do not spiral down into fear, discouragement and lack of motivation. Often growth comes in small amounts. Even 10 degrees of movement is growth. This is often referred to as ‘needle’ growth because the needle moves just a bit on the scale. But savor this growth. It is movement! We can’t always move in great leaps. Enjoy the small measures. The important element is that you are not standing still. Appreciate the small measurements of growth. Reflect on what you learned. Celebrate the actions you did take. This will get you fired back up and ready for the next quantum leap.