Always Be Growing

I just turned 40.

One of my sisters asked me what one key learning from these past four decades I could pass on. Being that I’m not very quick on my feet and needed time to ponder and reflect, I told her that I’d have to think about it.

At first some of the things that I teach my clients came to mind: taking time to reflect, being intentional about where you’re headed, making decisions on purpose, etc.

Those are all very valuable, and when implemented are certain to make a positive and lasting difference in our lives.

But one mindset trumps all else: Always be growing.

When I look at the people who I admire most and the people who I most desire to be like, I see humble people who set out each day to be better than they were the day before.

I see people who not only recognize their strengths and weaknesses, but who do something every day to strengthen a strength or diminish a weakness.

I see people who face their fears.

I see people who admit that they don’t have all of the answers, and place themselves in a posture of learning.

I see people who take time to rest and recharge, but who don’t allow laziness or complacency to overtake them.

I see people who explore and try new things, and don’t let failure keep them down.

I see people who not only apologize when they say or do something wrong, but who learn from the experience so they don’t make the same error again.

I see people who seek wisdom, understanding, and discernment.

What I love about this is that everyone can grow. We all have the ability to be better today, in some way, than we were yesterday. Maybe it’s in a behavior, maybe it’s about a belief, or maybe it’s acquiring new knowledge or information. Whatever it is, we have control over whether or not we grow.

Today, at 40 years old, I commit to growing every day.

What does growing look like for you today?