The other day I was up until all hours of the early morning going over a workshop manual with a fine tooth comb. One of my habits (perfectionism) can sometimes get in the way. I didn’t need to be losing sleep over a few formatting discrepancies. This is something I’m very aware of and working on changing my mindset around it.
I’m dedicated to continuing to work on my patterns of habit because the moment you take your eye off them they creep back in! But, it’s good…it’s a journey of growth.
Because I truly believe that the sign of a full life, is one in which you keep growing until the day you die.
To be able to do this you need to invest in having a growth mindset. Knowing there’s always something else you can do to grow and be a better version of yourself. I believe it’s our duty to continue to work on this every day.
Because, while life without continual growth may be easier…it’s nowhere near as fulfilling or happy or successful.
“Growth is the great separator between those who succeed and those who do not. When I see a person beginning to separate themselves from the pack, it\’s almost always due to personal growth.”– John C. Maxwell
Personal growth is a journey…a process that never ends.
• It\’s pushing yourself outside your comfort zone.
• It’s doing the things that others won’t.
• It’s being open to new ways of thinking and new beliefs.
• It’s being willing to let go of what’s no longer serving you.
• It’s thinking outside the box.
Here are some things I’m working on so I can continue to grow –
1. Perfectionism
2. Anger and resentment
3. The need to please others
4. Chasing happiness
5. Competing and comparing to others
6. Criticism of myself and others
7. The need to do something every minute of the day
8. Holding onto guilt and shame from the past
What do you need to let go of so you can grow?
The problem with not growing it that it keeps you playing a small life…a safe life…a boring life.
The secret is to have a ‘I’m never finished’ mindset.
How do you do this?
Firstly, you need to develop awareness.
Awareness of your thoughts and behavioural patterns or habits…especially the ones that are causing you pain, anger, frustration, stress or overwhelm.
These are the chains of habits that will be hard to break…but once they are broken…you will have a profound sense of freedom…like you’ve been set free from a prison!
The prison that you yourself have kept yourself locked up in!
Once you have this awareness it’s then about the willingness to be brave and open yourself up to change!
Don’t get me wrong…I’m not saying growth and change are easy…what I am saying is that you’re worth the effort.
So, go on…step up to the plate and take a swing at life.
Until next time…remember…YOU have the power to steer your own course in life.