FOUR WAYS TO HELP YOURSELF AND OTHERS G.R.O.W.
In continuing with our monthly focused themes, I’m excited to explore the topic of growth with you. In the nearly two decades I’ve been working with people and organizations, there’s one thing I’ve come to believe is true. People do want to grow – it’s just that it’s often difficult, uncomfortable, unfamiliar, and to be honest, a little lonely. Others I work with are seeking to get unstuck from a variety of familiar and comfortable, yet unhealthy habits. For some, there isn’t a clear trajectory in terms of what path to explore. And furthermore, it can be scary to put yourself out there in new or different ways (i.e., taking the lead on a project, public speaking, stepping into a new role or trying a new workout), unsure of what others might think or say about it.
I love the idea that we must be brave enough to suck at something new. Some skills and aspirations take quite a bit of time and attention to develop. I also think it’s completely reasonable and realistic to accept the fact that sometimes it’s helpful to figure out what doesn’t work. What some might label as “failed” experiences are catalysts for new and better paths forward to come to light. And remember, thanks to unique character strengths and virtues, it’s possible to simultaneously seek growth in one area while appreciating the many ways our existing natural abilities are valuable and meaningful to the team already. These possibilities aren’t mutually exclusive.
If you want to grow, and help others to grow as well, here are four powerful reminders:
G – Gather: Gather information and insights around past and present patterns, challenges and areas of opportunity.
R – Recognize: Recognize your areas of interest and character strengths. These, in combination, pave the way for unlimited development and possibility.
O – Overcome: Overcome limiting beliefs about yourself and your potential on this planet – and don’t limit anyone else, either. Challenge any thoughts that hinder personal and professional progress as it wastes precious energy.
W – Wonder: Wonder about what’s next, staying wildly curious about what inspires and evokes confidence and enthusiasm in you and those important to you.
My other suggestion is this. Put pen to paper and make a few lists, bulleting any possible ideas, tasks, topics, skills or classes that spark interest for you. What would be fun? Helpful? Exciting? Empowering? Perhaps most importantly, what would you be proud to learn and one day master? And by you being brave enough to do just that, who else might benefit?
I trust there are kids, grandkids, colleagues and friends that would be positively impacted by your decision to invest in yourself and stretch the boundary of abilities. Growth isn’t linear – that’s important to note, too. As you may have seen (or experienced yourself), it can be characterized by peaks and valleys, those highs and lows of learning as you go.
Image Credits: Demetri Marin | BLESStHEMESSY
I hope there is some part of this message that is helpful to you and how you frame growth for yourself or the team(s) you lead. We can’t tell others how to grow, but we can encourage them and set the conditions for growth to happen and flourish.
Author: Katy Tombaugh