Change can be a waste of your time.
If we aren’t intentional about the process, or we avoid it, we will leave most of the growth behind.
Here are 5 concepts to remember as we can develop a growth mindset and lean into the change
We are on a pilgrimage -
The concept of a pilgrimage is an ancient one in the Church. More recently, St. John Paul the Great used this imagery in referring to our experience of growth and change.
We are in a constant state of becoming. This helps us to let go of a perfectionistic mindset and instead understand that perfection is completion—reaching the end of the journey of life.
As long as we are alive we never stop growing, and we can use this concept to help motivate us when the growth and change seems overwhelming. All we need to do is make a little progress day by day.
Setbacks are a normal part of growth -
Our growth can feel like two steps forward and one step back. Just when we think we’ve made progress we experience setbacks.
It can feel discouraging when we encounter problems. However, these are the doors we go through to grow. The truth is, it isn’t two steps forward, one step back. It’s one step back THEN two steps forward. It is from the difficulties that we propel our growth.
Focus on the good -
When we experience change, it becomes very easy to get focused on the negative in ourselves. More often than not this leads, to a destructive spiral where we only see our problems.
However, research in addiction recovery gives the counter-intuitive insight that it's more often through affirming the good that recovery gains ground. We can apply this rule to our own experience.
Notice the good each day and you will surely find it. This doesn’t mean we ignore the negative completely, but we keep it contained in a space where we can actually make a difference.
Don't go it alone -
There is a saying I remember from my high school basketball days: ”The team with the most horses wins.” We can apply something of this mindset to growth and change.
Maybe we don’t need the most literal horses to see wins, but the stronger the community around us, the more likely we are to be successful in our goals. Time and again research shows relationships are one of the most important factors for wellness and longevity.
Spend time around people who are doing those things you want to do will increase your motivation to continue your own growth and change.
Celebrate small wins -
Intentional personal growth often looks like big goals.
I want to lose 60 pounds by summer… I want to slam dunk by basketball season… I’d like my wedding to look like…You get the idea.
None of these big goals happen without taking small steps forward. As we’ve all heard, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”, so make sure you break down all your goals into small steps.
When you complete a step, celebrate it. Don’t let yourself be too caught up in looking at the big goal so much you forget the significance of those small steps.
Make sure you remind yourself of these 5 concepts every day and you will find yourself growing much more quickly than you are used too. Remember the pilgrimage, embrace the set backs, focus on the good, work with others and celebrate small wins.