Answers to the questions that life presents can often be found in nature. In nature, there is no stability, only growth or decay. A tree does not grow twenty feet then decide to stay stable at that height for a while until it feels like growing again. If it is alive and well, it grows. Conversely, if it has been severed from its roots, it begins a process of decay.
Whether it’s your career, relationships, family, or creative expression, if you’re not growing in that area, you are decaying. Decay is not inherently bad. It can make way for something better to grow in its place. If you feel as though you’ve hit a plateau or find yourself longing for stability though, you may very well benefit from committing to your personal growth.
1. Measure the amount of risk you are taking in all areas of your life.
To get to your Point B, you’ve got to know your Point A. Examine your life and look to see in which areas you’re challenging yourself and expanding your capabilities. Where are you making decisions that cause you to do something new and different? Where are you risking? In what areas are you playing it safe, resisting taking action, and settling for the status quo? Be sure to explore all areas of your life including mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical. Be willing to be honest with yourself.
2. Develop a clear vision of what you want.
Decay is the result of a lack of vision. It’s important to have a clear picture of what you want, so that you make decisions that support you in getting what you truly want. It’s not enough though just to see it. You have to feel it. Emotionalize your vision. Why do you want what you want? How do you feel at the thought of having it? Only successful people seek more success. Your vision will help propel you forward even on the days when you don’t feel like taking action.
3. Add accountability to your growth.
Whether it’s family, friends, or a group that you join, having people hold you accountable to what you say you want is a great way to ensure that you will keep moving forward in your life. The people who hold you accountable are likely to support you in other ways too. They’re there to remind you of how great and worthy you are on those days when you forget. They can give you that extra push you need to take action that you’ve been avoiding. They may even be there to catch you if you fall when something doesn’t turn out as planned, then help you get back on your feet and moving forward once again. Seek people who give you a reputation to live up to, who see the powerful individual that you are. The PSI community is a great resource for support and accountability.
When your success is more important to you than your comfort, you are assured to stay committed to your growth. Remember that you are capable and worthy of all that you desire, and go for it with all that you’ve got!