Every person grows, develops and matures at a different rate. No matter how fast or slow you evolve into a responsible, mentally and physically healthy, and self-reliant person, its important for you to eventually achieve this state. One of the signs that you are growing and developing as a human being is that you become fully accountable for your actions and thoughts.
Accountability
As your personal growth increases, you start to take charge of your own life by being accountable. In his book "Harmonic Wealth," James Arthur Ray notes that, unfortunately, being fully accountable is not a popular mentality these days. He points out that when something goes wrong in your life, you can complain or change. When you blame someone or something for the wrong, you act from a "victim" mentality. A real sign of your growth and development is taking charge of just such a situation and claiming responsibility for the results. This is real change that takes place in a positive, growth-oriented direction.
Recognizing the Need to Grow
Another important aspect of your growth and development is actually recognizing the need to do just that. Ray points out that this self-recognition is key in finally making the decision that it is time to transform, change and grow. As you take the steps to accomplish this self-growth, the results start to show up in your life in positive, productive ways such as better relationships, more abundance, a healthier body and attitude and less stress. Your recognition that it was time for you to grow and go beyond any past doubts or blaming others for your failures, is a sure sign that you are growing into better person.
Practical Steps
Another aspect of your self-growth and development is handling any mistakes you make that may derail your progress. In "Unleash the Champion," author Denny Dicke offers some practical steps to stay on track. When you make a mistake, minimize your reaction to it instead of "flying off the handle." This allows you to stay more focused on doing the right things. Don't ask yourself demeaning questions. Instead change them to questions that are helpful. Avoid "analysis paralysis" or thinking too much about the mistake. This will keep your thinking process clearer to make proper decisions.
Mission Statement
Writing a personal mission statement is an excellent way to clearly define the direction you want your growth and development to evolve. Stephen Covey's "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" tells you that writing a personal mission statement based on correct principles will become a standard and personal constitution as an individual. This statement becomes your rudder to steer you through the times of major, life-directing decisions. Covey says that it can empower you with a timeless strength in the midst of change.
Begin With the End In Mind
Another beacon of direction for moving toward a positive self-growth and development is to "begin with the end in mind." Covey notes that if you ask yourself how you want people to remember you after your life is over, then you must do exactly that, begin with the end in mind. By doing this, you know what direction you are going, better understand where you are now, and know what steps you need to take to accomplish it. Picturing the end of your life establishes a criterion on how you think and act to produce the self-growth and the person you want people to remember you being.
References
- "Harmonic Wealth"; James Arthur Ray; 2008
- "Unleash the Champion"; Denny Dicke; 2007
- "7 Habits of Highly Effective People"; Stephen Covey; 1989
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