Getting More Comfortable with Growth

In an earlier post about Stephen Hawking’s Universal Law of Growth we discovered that growing is a natural law that everything in nature must do. We cannot NOT grow.

Yet for many of us, personal growth can be a real challenge. Why is that?

Growth never happens in the comfortable.

As long as we perceive a “comfort zone” our ego-mind will be alert to anything that takes us out of it, and therefore into risky and vulnerable territory.

So how can we make growth easier?

Here are some perspectives that have helped me and my clients over the years.

1. Embrace the idea that growth is natural. Knowing that, is reassuring.
2. Expect resistance to show up and be ready for some discomfort.  This is natural too. There is nothing wrong with you.
3. We have the ability to create the environment for us to be successful. For example, if we commit to taking better care of our bodies, then we can sign up for yoga classes; download a fitness app; stop going down the cookie aisle; set our sneakers next to our bed in the morning etc…. Keep exploring and be curious about what works best for you.
4. Find a healthy stretch not a torturous unrealistic one. Let go of being someone who you are not! Let me repeat that. Stop resisting who you think you are. Accept yourself as this glorious flawed human being. Find your own growing edge and start working from there – step by simple step.
5. Align any changes with what really matters. Give it real meaning –  from your heart and soul. Real growth never comes from a “should” or fear of consequences. Without inspiration change cannot thrive.
6. Make space. You can’t keep adding to your knowledge without creating space for the new. Which often means letting go of what no longer supports you. Be prepared to let go … of many things including your own beliefs.

Spring is the natural time of year for growth and applying these principles. If you really want to grow, tune in to yourself and the word around you.