What do you want to become better at? It’s about becoming more human; we must become more human. Look at the face of humanity: realize that no matter what culture or nationality you look at, essentially, we are all the same. We all have feelings, intellect, and blood coursing through our veins: it’s the human condition. Becoming more human—emotionally available and engaged—happens through character development within each of us. There’s no such thing as inertia with your character. Chances are you’re either getting better, or you’re getting bitter. Have you examined your thoughts lately? Change creeps up on us: like the grass growing. We don’t see the grass growing, but one day it’s extremely tall! Our character is like that. One day when you stop to look in the mirror, will you see growth – that you’re getting better in kindness toward others? Or are you growing more bitter?
If we are working with a group of volunteers or with a team at an office, or even a family unit, the core essence of developing that team or family interactions always comes down to the actions of each member. A team, or a family, is only as strong as its weakest link.
To grow a team, each member must work on themselves first and foremost. Then they come together and learn to work as a unit with a larger impact. We each must have our inner victories before we can have outward or public victories in relationships; teams; businesses or governments.
Through intention, we are able to focus on our own growth. Growth takes time and energy. The choice to grow makes a huge difference in your life and the ripple effect of those around you. Growth does not happen overnight, it’s a process, a journey – one will continue while on this earth.
Be prepared to embrace this growth process with grace toward yourself. Growth doesn’t happen by simply reading a book. Though reading a book may be a catalyst to start growth. Growth comes from reflection and through the application of the principles you’re learning; and that’s where intentionality plays a role. It’s essential to read books, have mentors and coaches, though growth requires yet another step: really dig in and apply the principles you’re learning. As you start to identify who you are and where your strengths are; take time to appreciate where you are right now, and embrace your strengths. We all have blinds spots and weaknesses. We can’t ignore them. We do want to improve all areas of our lives; though we don’t want to focus on your weaknesses. Too many people take a self-inventory and all they can see is their weaknesses and them loath themselves. Please, focus on your strengths and learn to neutralize your weaknesses by surrounding yourself with others that have strengths where you have weaknesses. You can’t appreciate other people and value them if you don’t appreciate and value yourself first. It’s impossible to give love to others if you don’t love yourself first.
Again, you must have personal/inner victories before you can have public victories. You have to do your personal work: your shadow work, as some call it. Some call it shadow work because you are looking at the things that haunt you. You are looking at the false beliefs that have been programmed into your subconscious starting from your birth. You have to figure out what those are and analyze them and replace them. This is the power of having a coach guide you and speak into your life. Growth happens so much faster when you have a coach. You can’t see yourself the way others see you. It’s difficult to see our patterns: things that are obvious to those around us watching our behavior and listening to our words.
Intentionally work on your personal growth to set yourself up for success. Reach out or comment below. I look forward to hearing from you. If you want to explore having a coach, I’m here for you. A complimentary coaching session is available at https://www.candacemae.com/appointments/