Who you are today is the direct result of your thoughts, words, and
actions of the past. Who you will become in the future will be the result of your
thoughts, words, and actions today.
If you want to grow into more than you are today, you must change
something. Start by asking, “Who, what or where do I want to be in the
future?” and “What must I change to get there?”
Your growth is inevitable! You can either grow by choice, or you
can have it forced upon you by painful, sometimes traumatic experiences—such
as job loss, bankruptcy, illness, or divorce. If you try to inhibit your growth—perhaps
by avoiding challenges, ignoring obstacles, or by defending your negative behaviors—you
will suffer adverse consequences—physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually.
Have you ever been brought to your knees by an issue or experience
that has caused you to reflect on your behavior?
Since change can be scary, unknown, and uncertain, we all tend to
resist change. But sooner or later, change will force itself upon us, and we will
experience the pain and trauma of having the change flood us with whatever we
have been avoiding or resisting.
As you know, it is difficult, if not impossible, to change others;
however, you can always change something about yourself. What do you want to change?
How will you make the change?
Two Principles
I have developed a simple tool to facilitate growth and change. It
is based on two powerful fundamentals:
- The power of words. Sigmund Freud said, “Words have magical power to
create the greatest delight or deepest despair.” As you become aware of
your language, make modifications that facilitate the change you choose to make.
- The power of the present moment. With your energy fully invested in the present moment, you are operating with your optimal power.
The GROW Principle enables you to make your change more
intentional.
Four Pillars
GROW is an acronym that describes the four pillars of the
principle:
- G - Gratitude.
When you delve into thankfulness, appreciation, and acknowledgement, viewing everything
in your life through the lens of gratitude, your perspective shifts and you start
to view your life, family, friends, associates; and circumstances differently.
You will notice a greater feeling of well-being and happiness.
- R - Release.
Let go, detach from, or dispense with negative behaviors, harmful or destructive
attitudes, and self-defeating thoughts.
- O - Openness.
By being open and receptive to new ideas, habits and behaviors, you initiate change.
Explore your dreams and visions for the future and set goals.
- W - Willingness.
Invoke the power of your will to make decisions, commitments, and take action.
Make choices about what actions you must take, and commit to take these action
steps.
As you apply the GROW Principle, you will lower stress by eliminating
behaviors that limit growth, while raising energy and causing shifts in perspectives
that highlight positive aspects of your life. PE
