Seeking to Understand Personal Growth

A YEAR OF PERSONAL GROWTH

It doesn’t seem that long ago that we were embarking on 2023. It seemed to fly by, didn’t it? Did you accomplish everything you hoped to? Likely not. Forward motion is the goal, and we won’t get everything done, but focusing on the most significant is vital. During this first month of the new year, we are going to focus on personal growth. Personal growth explores the barriers that prevent you from living the life you want to live and leading the way you want to lead.

What is personal growth? What does it entail, and why is it so important?

Personal growth is the process of an individual becoming aware of his or her “self” in its entirety. During that process, elements will surface that need changed. Personal growth requires following up that discovery by taking steps to address the behaviors, attitudes, values, actions, and habits we wish to change. This self-awareness allows us to see ourselves honestly. As we do, and resolve to make the most from our discoveries, our efforts culminate in targeted personal changes that deliver positive outcomes to our individual lives.

Personal growth is a process of first understanding yourself, then pushing yourself to go beyond and reach your highest potential. It means always asking yourself who you are becoming and how you plan to get there. You don’t concentrate on ”what am I doing today?” but “who am I becoming today?”

Personal development is looking inward steadily and focusing on strategies to grow and better yourself. Personal development increases your self-awareness and self-esteem, increases your skills, and fulfills your aspirations. 

Any time you are consciously and intentionally trying to improve yourself, you are participating in personal development. The importance of personal growth cannot be understated because it allows individuals to become the best versions of themselves and  develops the skills and confidence necessary to navigate any situation. That’s what every thoughtful leader wants and needs.

Personal growth can be a highly effective core value because it’s the way we stay effective and relevant. At heart, it is choosing how we grow and develop; this sense of control is empowering. It is easy to judge ourselves harshly and cut off our future possibilities. Be careful to give yourself room to grow yourself, and don’t discourage the growing “you” with too severe criticism as you grow.

Personal development encourages a mindset of continuous growth and learning. It welcomes possibilities and allows you to expand your knowledge, develop new skills, and explore your potential. When you constantly challenge yourself and move out of your comfort zone, new opportunities and experiences keep finding their way into your world.

A growth mindset is a terrific gift to give yourself at the start of this new year. Remember, a growth mindset is not something you just have – you choose it. It is the belief that you can learn, change, and improve with time and effort. People who choose a growth mindset build up the strength to overcome challenges instead of giving up because they think they just don't have what it takes to succeed. It allows you to embrace your challenges, learn from mistakes, and seek new opportunities to gain experience. It also helps you cope well with setbacks, criticism, and failure, because you view them as part of the learning process. A growth mindset fosters a positive outlook toward yourself and your potential as you focus on your progress and achievements, rather than your limitations and weaknesses.

Start your thoughts in this direction and nurture them every day. Next week we will move forward with our personal plans.