Personal growth takes work.
It takes commitment.
It takes a willingness to roll up your sleeves, dig in and brave some discomfort and uncertainty.
It requires us to be courageous when we’d really rather not.
It requires us to venture into new and unknown territories that leave us feeling a bit raw and out of sorts.
It often means we need to pull on some work boots, some protective clothing and be willing to get a bit messy.
It is incredibly easy to forget this. And I say that as someone who works with personal growth daily. There is always the option to check out – to fall back into old worn-out patterns or ways of doing things.
There is always the option to let go of the heavy lifting that’s required when we engage in personal growth. To let the weight fall to the floor with a massive thud and walk away shaking our heads.
And sometimes that’s necessary. Sometimes we lift that metaphorical weight until we can’t lift anymore, and we must take a break to let those torn muscles knit together stronger. Sometimes we need to take a rest day or slow the pace while we consolidate some of that growth.
That’s part of the process too.
And the reality is that this process (if we want to participate in it) is ongoing. There isn’t a ‘done’ date. We don’t get one big graduation moment. We don’t get to put a check mark in the personal growth box and move on.
This digging in is for the long haul.
This digging in and breathing deep and focusing and re-focusing is a conscious choice. I consider myself extremely lucky to coach people who are willing to do this work. Who are willing to remain curious, and glance around that unfamiliar door, even when they’re not sure they really want to, or are even ready to do.
This is courageous work.
This is some warrior shit.
This is trudging over some less than favourable terrain.
I am so impressed by all of us who are willing to engage in this work.
I am high fiving us all.
I am making this moment an opportunity to celebrate our collective and individual progress.
Not because we’re all done. Not because there’s not a long slog ahead. But because of how far we’ve come already.
Consider today a micro-graduation moment.
Consider yourself celebrated.
Don a gown and a cap and high five your classmates.
And then dig in for the next part of the journey.