Rediscovering Slow Growth

We all have goals that we’d like to reach and if we had the choice, we would prefer to reach them sooner rather than later… right? In the past, I know I always wanted to reach my goals ASAP. There is, of course, nothing wrong with achieving a goal quickly, but the insatiable desire to enjoy results now – with little regard for the process – is hurting our health, our happiness, and our lives in general. The importance should be who you become in the process and not necessarily the end result – even though, that’s important too.

The media and society are continuously glorifying the end result (six-figure income, big houses, luxury cars, designer clothes, finding love just to name a few) and it’s becoming dangerously easy to think that the goal is what validates us and not the struggle of the process.

When I won my awards, it was more about external validation and the rush and excitement it gave me.

“So I’ve won the award? Is this it? Was this what the hype was all about? Now what? What’s next?”

This became the way I thought about everything, I constantly needed to feel that excitement and validation, but as years passed, I realised none of this actually mattered to me. I HAD TO BE HAPPY AND CONTENT WITH MYSELF, It did not matter what others thought of me. They weren’t living my life anyway and also, the realisation that I couldn’t make everyone to like and accept me, I HAD TO BE THE ONE TO ACCEPT MYSELF – FULLY!

“There are two paths to choose from in life, and in business. One is to chase, and the other is to grow. I choose growth.”

If you want to fulfil your potential and become something better, then you need to rediscover the power of slow growth.

Slow Growth Teaches You to Believe in Yourself

Of all the skills that could help you achieve your goals, I would argue that a belief in yourself is the greatest one. And I only know of one way to develop a belief in yourself: prove your abilities over and over with small wins. If you want to achieve something you need to believe in yourself – SIMPLE.

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Slow Growth focuses on Passion

“When we work hard on something we believe in, it’s called passion. When we work hard on something we don’t believe in, it’s called stress.” ~ Simon Sinek

When was the last time you actually took time enjoying a process before focusing on the goal you want to achieve? The truth is that most of the time we set our sights on a goal (lose weight, make more money, etc.) and instead of enjoying the process of learning new skills, we decide that we are a failure because we haven’t achieved the end result yet.

This is something I started being more intentional about after our move to Hastings last year. By simplifying my overall life, I had created more time and space to focus on what truly mattered to me – GROWTH. And growth takes time. And it’s only when we allow ourselves the time and space to grow, that it actually happens and stays. For me now, it’s all about paying attention to the actual journey and connecting with the woman I am becoming during this process, reaching the goal itself is simply ‘Je ne sais quoi’.

“Being attached to an outcome means tying your happiness to an unknown future event. Focus on the process, not the outcome.”

My question for you is this: “What would it feel like if we let ourselves enjoy the process of success as much as the product?”

If you think about some of the most enjoyable activities in your life, how did they start? It’s unlikely that you fell in love with something if you started by immediately pursuing a goal. Most of the things we love started with exploration and a slowly growing curiosity that evolved into a passion over time. Give yourself permission to enjoy the journey.

Slow Growth Teaches You How Change Actually Happens

Almost every habit that we have – good or bad – is the result of many small decisions over time. Many people (myself included), go through the same struggle every day. Set goals, be patient and know that change takes time. You may not see results overnight, and that’s okay. The best way to succeed is never to give up and keep pushing forward. Although bad habits are hard to break, it can be done. Give yourself a fighting chance by putting measures in place that support your new goals. Don’t worry if you can’t get to them all. Start with one or two objectives and build upon your progress.

It’s About the Process, Not the Outcome

Slow growth teaches you the truth that to become the type of person you want to be is about the daily process you follow and not the ultimate outcome you achieve.

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