You’ve heard it a hundred times – if you’re not growing, you’re dying. And if this statement ever was true, it is simply no longer reality. Life IS about growth, but it’s not ALL about growth.
This post is part of the series – What Ever Happened to Personal Responsibility?
Would You Return to Your Organization?
If You’re Not Growing, You’re Dying…Really?
Leaders are the Most Creative People on the Planet
Great Leaders Serve
Is Fear Taking Over?
I’m passionate about growth. I’ve written much about planning, vision, and growth. For much of my life, anything that isn’t growing I considered failure…until few weeks ago.
In a recent post, Chris Patton included a simple phrase that caught my attention – life is not all about prosperity.
Just a few hours before reading the post my wife and I had engaged in an emotional discussion about her moving forward with some decisions she needed to make. (I know what you’re thinking – but it was in a restaurant, so it wasn’t too lively.)
Sarah is steady, supportive, consistent. I am creative, innovative, impulsive. So I questioned whether Sarah was putting off some decisions because she was waiting for circumstances to improve. Or because she was hoping for more certainty.
After reading Chris’ post, I found myself questioning MY perspective – is life all about growth?
Here are three things I noted about growth from this experience –
1. Growth comes in many shapes and sizes
Reflecting on my conversation with Sarah, I realized that she IS experiencing growth. Among other areas, she is growing in patience – with her circumstances and with me.
Growth is not always bigger. It’s not always quantitative – measured the way you or I think it should be measured.
Here’s a great question for determining whether or not you are experiencing growth – Are my current situation and my resulting behaviors adding value to my life and work or to the life and work of others?
2. You can have growth through pain
From a long-term perspective, maybe the old adage is true – If you’re not growing, you’re dying. Let’s face it – in a world of constant and rapid change, maintaining the status quo is quite simply passive regression.
But, on the surface, growing constantly just doesn’t seem possible. Life is about dormancy, setbacks, and pain. It’s about disease, loss, and grief. It’s about uncertainty and unknowns – challenging projects at work, strained relations at home, in between jobs, waiting for word from the doctor, mounting medical bills.
And while it seems that life is about more than just growing – life’s incredibly uncomfortable moments are, in reality, opportunities for explosive personal growth.
3. You don’t have to prolong the pause
It’s true – life is full of difficult moments. But it’s also filled with hope and vision. With dreams. With legacy.
Life isn’t all about prosperity, but it can be about growth. If you are going to grow it will have to be on purpose. You must choose.
So whatever you’re going through, deal with it intentionally. Process it. Get help. Don’t prolong the pain any more than is absolutely necessary.
Decide right now – What one step can I take today toward closing this chapter in my life and opening a new chapter?
Life is a series of new beginnings – and today is the beginning of the rest of your life. Make it a great one!
So, is it true – am I dying if I’m not growing? What have you learned about growth? Leave a comment – let us know what you think.
Interesting post Michael!
Growth sure is essential for human life. We need something to strive for to get up in the morning. It isn’t the be all and end all however.
Many measure growth in different ways so it is important to take that into account. For something to be measured it must be quantifiable that is for sure.
However you judge growth make sure it is in a positive light and stick to it. Track your progress and you will out-do the predetermined limits you set at the beginning.
Wow, you are so out of touch with reality it is unbelievable. You have no idea what the hell you are talking about.
I believe the statement still stands. What doesn’t grow is dying. Just comes down to your definition of growth, I believe all experience is growth
So true Simon! Thanks for connecting!
Powerful yet true. As creative and innovative people we tend to think and ask of others to be BOLD and strong willed. However, this can place unwanted or unneeded expectations on people around us…. The key in Mu humble opinion is whether or not there is a plan of action…. Progression is Action and the bottom line, it’s the only thing that matters action…. Growth + Time Mental thoughts = Progressive Action
Thanks Akil for you great thoughts on this post!
Great post! I think that if areas in your life become stagnant, it will certainly affect growth. And at the same time, however, I think that growth is a cyclical process that involves dying then growing again. I totally agree with your point that growth is purposeful and must be chosen.
I agree, Joe. Thanks for connecting.
I love the post, Michael! I am sorry to get here late, but I was at the Chick-Fil-A Leadercast trying to grow!
I think you hit on some great points…I especially love the description, “passive regression!”
I still think it is true that if you are not growing, you are dying. I guess the ultimate measurement for me would be whether we are growing in our conforming to the likeness of Christ. If we are “growing,” but not in this area, then I think it is worthless. That’s my $.02 worth.
Thanks Chris. We were a host site for Leadercast – busy day but a great slate of speakers.
Thanks for your thoughts – I agree that we must be growing holistically.
I have read studies of people who retire and then stop growing and lose years in their life. While those who keep growing and are engaged in life add years. I think it was something to do with engaging the mind that allowed those people to live longer. So I do think if your not growing your dying, I know your definitely not effectively leading. Great post.
Thanks Dan. Growing leaders are more effective leaders.
For everything there is a season … a time to plant and a time to harvest. The farmer doesn’t immediate plant more crops after the harvest; the soil needs to be renewed. Maybe it’s the same with us.
Great principle John. Renewal is necessary for growth to occur.
It’s a difficult question to answer Michael. Sometimes we’ll look at a situation and say “There’s no growth here.” Yet when we revisit it years later we realize that there was growth happening. I think a lot of it has to do with our perspective.
I think so too – I’m learning the importance of qualitative growth. Better vs. bigger.
I like want you said Michael…that life is about growth. That if you are going to grow it will have to be on purpose. Sometimes that growth is easier said than done when you are dealing with difficult/challenging circumstances. However I would have to say I’ve learned the most about myself when I’ve gone through the tough things. I like what you said that “Today is the beginning of the rest of my life”…that speaks to me. Thanks for a great post!
Wow Lorna. Thank you so much for sharing. Challenging times are great opportunities for growth.
I think I have grown the most through times of pain. I also believe that if you are going to grow you should do it with purpose and not allow the world to shape you. Know what you stand for and pursue it!
I agree. Thank you. Keep up the good work!
Thank you! Have a great weekend.
Comes in all shapes and sizes: …growth in “moment by moment awareness” …IT has huge Value!
So true Paul. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks David. Great thoughts for assessing your personal growth. I appreciate you sharing.