Personal growth is a topic many of us think about on a regular basis, whether we realize it or not. Each year on January 1st resolutions are made across the globe by people hoping to achieve something new, finish something, or attain something. By March we’re chastising ourselves for our ‘failure’ when we’ve barely gotten momentum moving. We set goals at our jobs to assess our performance regularly whether or not we are making advancements in our careers. In healthy relationships, we work hard to ensure that we are not fighting the same battles time and time again.
This striving for growth is intrinsic and can have a dramatic impact on our world views. Here are 4 examples of the effects of positive personal growth in your life and how they can change everything:
1. New Perspective
Consider what happens as trees grow – they get taller. The viewpoint from the top of the tree continues to change as it grows upward, expanding the distance from which it can be viewed. The same happens to us. Personal growth opens us up to new views and a more broad perspective on all of the things we know to be true. A new perspective can offer solutions to problems that seemed unsolvable before. Accepting that change is inevitable and that perspectives will always be changing will help you navigate your day to day in a fresh new way.
2. Relationships
Have you ever noticed how your interpersonal relationships are impacted when you make a positive change in your life? Those close to you will notice if you are working hard to improve and, often, it will inspire them to do the same, offering great enhancement to your relationship. Once we experience these improvements it becomes much easier to work on our other relationships as well. Personal growth also allows you to have the insight into which relationships are motivators or detractors.
3. Self Esteem
It’s good for us to be reminded that we are capable of change. We’ve heard it said, “old habits die hard” – and they do. But there is a reason we can refer to them as “old” habits. It is possible to overcome the very thing that seems to be holding us back. And when we do overcome, it serves as a wonderful boost to our confidence. You are more likely to continue setting new goals if you are achieving personal growth.
When you feel successful it also gives you the self esteem needed to reach higher and continue achieving your goals. Self esteem is continually built and rebuilt allowing you to continue designing the life you’ve always wanted. If you’re in a leadership role this translates to self awareness and confidence which magnetizes other positive people in your life.
4. Health
According to Statistic Brain, over 75% of adults are affected by stress. (I’d venture that number is closer to 100% in reality.) We all know that stress has physical implications, from insomnia to weight gain, to serious health problems like heart attack and stroke. Stress occurs regularly when we feel overwhelmed and stretched too thin. Setting realistic, healthy, attainable goals for growth can dramatically reduce these feelings and effects of stress and can help you keep a sensible perspective of reasonable achievements. Keeping an eye on what is possible for you also helps you to have healthy expectations of others.
Personal growth can mean whatever you want it to mean. As long as you desire it and make room for the steps needed you can achieve anything you desire. Whether you’re a stay at home mom or in a leadership role at a Fortune 500, personal growth is just that – personal.
Do you have other tips to share or questions? I’d love to hear from you!
