Belief # 1
I assume I will grow.
On the first day of school, the children brought gifts for their teacher.
The supermarket manager's daughter brought the teacher a basket of assorted fruit.
The florist's son brought the teacher a bouquet.
The candy-store owner's daughter gave the teacher a pretty box of candy.
Then the liquor store owner's son brought up a rectangular box.
The teacher lifted it up and noticed that it was leaking a little bit... She touched a drop of the liquid with her finger and tasted it.
"Is it wine?" she guessed.
"No," the boy replied.
She tasted another drop and asked, "Champagne?"
"No," said the little boy... "It's a class guinea pig!"
Assumptions get us into trouble all the time. They also keep us from our potential.
Personal growth doesn’t come naturally to most people as we might think. After all, we didn’t have to be intentional about our bodies maturing, they just did.
But personal improvement requires intentionality, and without it, we will never become all we could be!
Belief # 2
I don’t know how to grow.
I am writing and you are reading. We weren’t born knowing how to write and read – we followed a systematic plan and learned (even if it wasn’t our plan). The same is true for any development.
Figure out what areas you want to grow in and make a growth plan.
Actually write it down.
Pick one area and execute the plan – one change at a time.
Before you know it, those small changes will return big results. Then add the next thing.
See? Easy peasy!
Belief # 3
Now is not the right time.
The Law of Diminishing Intent says,
“The longer you wait to do something, the greater the odds that you will never actually do it.”
We’ve all said, or at least thought it ...
“I’ll start eating healthy after the holidays.”
“I’ll look for a better job when I’m not so busy.”
“After I pay my bills off, I’ll start saving.”
“I’ll do it tomorrow.”
You can make one small change today! JUST DO IT!
Belief # 4
I’m afraid I’ll make mistakes.
As an inventor, Edison made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb.
His remark about it? "I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps."
Growth guarantees mistakes, that’s just how we learn. Until we change our mindset on this, we will miss countless opportunities!
Worst-case scenario? You will learn how not to do it!
Belief # 5
I have to find the best way before I start.
I like to have things all figured out and perfectly planned before I make a move.
Maybe you can relate, (or maybe you like to fly by the seat of your pants, if so, see belief # 2).
News alert: we don’t have to have all the details worked out just to take a step!
Go ahead, I dare you to do something right now that moves you in the right direction!
You might be surprised that starting will reveal the next thing to do.
Belief # 6
I don’t feel like doing it.
“You’re more likely to act yourself into feeling than feel yourself into action.” - Harvard psychologist, Jerome Bruner
Motivation doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. We may hear or read something that inspires us to change, but the feeling quickly fades.
The crazy thing is, as we start with a manageable change, motivation creeps in because of the reward of having done it. Before long, you’ll gain momentum and feel motivated to keep on going!
An accountability partner or group is a great way to get moving.
Belief # 7
Other people are better at it than me.
We need to surround ourselves with people who are growing, more specifically, those who are further on the journey than we are.
The problem with this is the temptation to compare ourselves to them.
The solution … JUST DON’T DO IT!
You are in competition with just one person – your best self!
It’s a scientific fact that we become like those we hang with. So be intentional about the company you keep.
Belief # 8
I expected it to be easier than this.
Growth is simple
But it is not easy.
And it is not quick.
Certainly, you will have days of discouragement, when you do, think of your WHY.
If you don't have a WHY you probably won't get far. Be sure to write it down so you have it when you need it. If you have a bad day, don’t beat yourself up about it, just get going again!
Then just stay the course!
I guarantee IT’S WORTH IT!
Don’t let these beliefs or any others keep you stuck! The world needs you!
_________________________________
Gen Martinez,
Brain & Mind Health Coach
DISC Personality Trainer
Neuroencoding Specialist
Remember – those who seek, find! Matthew 7:8
This blog was inspired by the book 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, by John Maxwell
If you enjoyed this blog, I’d be grateful if you’d share it. Thank you!