We all start somewhere and we're born impressive. Without any forethought of what our futures may hold, we're already winners. We've already fought enormous odds, beating out 20 million worthy opponents. Although this is not a biology lesson, I think it important to recognize and applaud the inner fortitude we already have within us. We've each competed in the most noteworthy event of our lives...the fight for Life. Our work isn't done though. How do we leverage our position, as the winners we clearly are, to ensure our daily thoughts and actions are spurring growth? One of the most apt things we can do to aid our growth, is to strive for personal excellence. The Mighty Oak was just a seed once too.
Deciding what is important to you will determine your course of action. There are stages to become the Oak and it's crucial to accept it doesn't happen overnight. Focus and grit shall keep you on a path. Lose focus and failure is likely. If you're looking to live a quality life, to be a better human, become more spiritual, climb a corporate ladder, unlearn behaviors that are barriers to growth, stop lowering yourself to gossip, stand up for something, turn off the TV, play Red Rover and win! Whatever it is, it's within you. Whatever your vision of personal growth looks like, whatever you identify that needs triage in your life, get after it. Take it slow. Make a list. Make a promise. Check them off as you go. Be wise with your internal voice and temper self-critique. Your inner self hears you and can thwart progress by believing what you're feeding it. Love the seed you are. You were remarkable that day.
Some things I've learned, studied and attempt to practice are here. Life gets busy and we fall, forget, get sidetracked. Lord knows I have been working the same list of personal growth I first wrote in 2007. Growth is about evolving and prioritizing. It may even feel elusive. The alternative is to not recognize ways to better ourselves. That's called stagnation and not a desirable location. Your starting point doesn't matter. Starting matters. I hope you identify with something here and it sparks some change for you. Pick a few and just begin. Your road to the best version of yourself, your own Oak, is near.
Be a better listener. Join a club. Stop procrastinating. Learn an instrument. Gain confidence. Eat healthier. Move on. Be resilient. Concur stress. Make a new friend. Forgive. Sit up straight. Turn off the TV. Find a new partner. Release. Take a risk. Be open-minded. Be self-aware. Be positive. Budget. Stand up for yourself. Stand up for someone else. Communicate. Make a decision. Break a habit. Change a flat. Accept failure. Say no. Say yes. Be kinder. Recognize beauty. Buy a $50 lipstick just once (you won't regret it). Concentrate. Smile to your ears. Cook. Sing to an animal (my personal fav). Wear fuzzy socks. Use your talents every day. Thank a greater power. Honk when you pass a wedding! Master a homemade pizza. Circle the wagons when need help. Ask. Sit silently. Find a signature beverage you enjoy, drink it. Cannonball every chance you get. Buy a stranger a meal. Be the first to wave. Be the last to leave. Help. Seek truth.
Surely there are endless ways to achieve and measure growth, both in mind and spirit. A dividend of our behavior is our goals for growth often affect those around us. Thereby enlarging their world, touching them in places we didn't intend. It's a beautiful thing.
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