Ray Kroc, the visionary behind the first franchised McDonald's, once posed a thought-provoking question: "Are you green and growing or ripe and rotting?" Often, we assume that we are constantly growing without truly recognizing the signs that indicate growth versus decay. Let's explore seven key indicators that demonstrate you're growing personally.
#1 Evolving Beliefs
As we mature, we develop certain beliefs about religion, money, relationships, and the world around us. However, true growth requires a willingness to challenge and potentially alter long-held beliefs. Consider the transformations necessary for a frontline worker to transition into a supervisory role or for a frontline supervisor to become a senior leader. Growth prompts us to explore alternative possibilities, leading to a shift in our foundational beliefs.
Action: Challenge your beliefs. What did you used to believe that no longer works for you?
#2 Embracing Different Viewpoints
The desire to learn fuels curiosity, and curiosity enables us to consider diverse perspectives. By embracing different viewpoints, we begin to understand that each person's experiences are shaped by their unique backgrounds, circ*mstances, and life journeys. This understanding replaces rigid, black-and-white opinions with a recognition of the multifaceted nature of human experiences and information processing.
Action: Notice when you want to argue to be right. Do you have the discipline to simply listen and ask questions?
#3 Shedding Unproductive Habits
Growth demands heightened self-awareness to identify our shortcomings and break free from unproductive habits. Transforming a bad habit is akin to undergoing personal rehabilitation. It requires prioritizing growth over the comfort of familiarity. These habits may include interrupting others, using sarcasm as a defense mechanism, or engaging in detrimental behaviors such as excessive drinking or gambling. A clear sign of growth is the willingness to let go of habits, even if they were once enjoyable, that hinder our personal development.
Action: Identify one habit that inhibits your growth. The truth will set you free.
#4 Cultivating Productive Habits
Building new habits necessitates embracing discomfort until the action becomes ingrained in our routine. A successful habit is one that no longer requires conscious thought, much like brushing our teeth. For example, initially, waking up an hour earlier may be challenging. However, through consistent practice, establishing a wind-down routine and implementing supportive structures, we reach a point where going to bed at a specific time and resisting the snooze button becomes automatic.
Action: Identify a new habit you want to develop. Keep track in a journal.
#5 Developing Resilience
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A remarkable sign of growth is the gradual thickening of our emotional skin. The once intimidating presence of a brash boss or high-conflict co-worker is no longer intimidating. Instead of succumbing to anger, we pause, reassess our perceptions, and inquire further. We no longer fear difficult conversations but perceive them as necessary tools for cultivating authentic relationships.
Action: Expand your conflict capacity by initiating a conversation that you might want to avoid in order to stay comfortable.
#6 Surpassing Personal Limits
If you have achieved something that once seemed impossible, you have undeniably experienced growth. Perhaps you authored a book, ascended to the C-suite, or propelled your business to new heights. Looking back, you realize that a decade ago, you could never have fathomed such accomplishments. Personal and professional achievements serve as tangible markers of growth.
Action: Spend ten minutes writing a list of all the successes you have achieved.
#7 Evolving Definitions of Success
Definitions of success evolves with each stage of personal growth. Remember when you equated success with material possessions or educational achievements? Over time, success becomes more about the state of being, the quality of relationships we foster, and the impact we have on others. As we grow, our definition of success shifts, emphasizing fulfillment and the positive influence we exert on those around us.
Action: Redefine what success means to you today, and compare that definition of what you thought success was five years ago.
Conclusion
While there are countless avenues for personal growth, it primarily occurs through life experiences, education, and connections with others. The conscious decision to pursue continuous learning and personal development represents a paramount path toward growth. So, reflect on these indicators, embrace the journey of self-improvement, and ensure that you remain green and growing.
Marlene Chism is a consultant, international speaker and the author several books including her latest,From Conflict to Courage(Berrett Koehler 2022).Visit the web atwww.marlenechism.comand get a free download on 7 Disruptive Relationships.
