6 Principles of Personal Growth
Growth begins when we can answer the question of “why”
Personal growth is self-explanatory but the “how” is the question of this article. The last thing you won’t wish for is to remain as you are in the next decade. In embryological development of humans, fetal growth is natural as long as other factors are kept constant. when it comes to personal growth, it’s a conscious and deliberate process that requires your efforts. Personal development and advancement is a choice. If you choose to play safe, people will take you for granted but when you start advancing your life, you retain your value.
Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you where you want to go, no one else.” — Les Brown
How does growth begins?
1. Defined Motive(s):
, “a problem well-stated is half-solved.” Charles Kettering
Growth process begins when you can answer this question of “why”
- You must be clear that you want to go beyond what you can afford.
- You must be convinced that the growth is necessary
- You must consider if it’s worth it You need to have a clear motive. Defined motive is what will keep you focused when you are not motivated.
2. Desire:
A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others. Ayn Rand
You cant achieve anything more than your desire to achieve it. Talent is not enough but positive desire will help you to focus your ability and use your talent wisely. Desire gives you an extra push towards fulfilling your motives. Measure your growth by constantly reflecting on your goals and achievements, If all we do is hit the target and instantly move to the next, we may hurriedly make some ill-decisions. Growth comes from within Growth is concurrent with development
3. Exclude distractions:
I once took a lesson on swimming, in my first week I was so fascinated that I could barely think about anything else outside the feelings under the pool. I spent extra time trying to figure out some skills u still one day. I went to the pool as usual. The last thing I could remember was my body dropping down the pool. I tried all I could to come up but I couldn’t. At that time the only thing that mattered to me was to breathe a stay alive long enough to be rescued. During this period, I lost the ability to sense of pride, nor desire to have some fun. I wasn’t distracted at all, my mind and my entire being was focused on just survival. And God saved me. If you stay away from distractions and stay focused on personal growth, you will certainly grow and advance unpredictably.
No one going as a soldier entangles himself with the affairs of life, that he may please him who has enlisted him as a soldier. — 2Timothy 2:4
4. Give up the past:
Past glory or failure may be a trap to the growth that you desire. Take a deep breath, aerate your mind, convince yourself that the journey is a new one. In my previous article, I encouraged us to learn how to focus on the process and let the result catch up with you. The obsession of past victories can be a major boost and also a snare.
5. Pick yourself up:
God assures us of a victorious life but not without trials and temptations.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze — Isaiah 43:2.
Give no room for self-pity, you are not the first.
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. — 1Corinthians 10:13
I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. Michael Jordan
6. Constant learning:
You have explored yesterday and you are living in today but tomorrow is the reward of yesterday’s exploration and today’s discoveries Consult every available resources required for your growth. Learning is a core part of growing. Get books, tapes, journals, etc. The goal is to be better today than you were yesterday. Learn from every opportunity whether good or bad.
Conclusion:
Growth is a process, however, its not a steady progression. Sustainable growth has intervals of growth and pause. The pause allows for self-evaluation, reflection, and questioning. With a defined motive, undying drive, you can pick up yourself from the trap of the past and navigate your way into your desired new level.
