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Vietnamese Growth is a constant topic of conversation these days. Executives want to grow their leadership skills. Health-conscious folks want to grow their own food. Bodybuilders want to increase the size of their muscles. Companies desire to exponentially grow their sales numbers.
But, in our fast-paced society, do we really understand what it takes to grow?
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Challenge = Growth
As human beings, we want to remain in our comfort zone while we need to be in the growth zone. What's the difference?
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A. Comfort Zone - A familiar place. Things in this zone are easy. You don't try harder to make things better, they're fine as is. You seek to understand but only if it benefits you and isn't too hard. You prefer to sit on the sidelines as a spectator rather than a player.
B. Growth Zone - There's a sense of familiarity but not much. It's a tough road but you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's challenging - you know that you can do it, but it's going to take some time and effort, maybe even some blood, sweat and tears.
C. Shutdown Zone - Just like it sounds, it's too much. Similar to marathoners when they've reached "the wall", you simply cannot go on; there are too many burdens, too much unfamiliarity, lack of support, and tunnel vision.
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Characteristics of the growth zone
To remain challenged, you must become familiar with the five characteristics of the growth zone:
1. Effort: The growth zone is not a walk in the park. There will be effort on your part to make sure that you're moving forward. Intentional effort.
2. Transparency: We can't be everything to everyone. To grow, we have to be willing to admit our weaknesses and failures.
3. Understanding: To grow, you have to know what makes you tick and what makes you come alive. What types of experiences have shaped your behaviours and thinking styles? The better you understand yourself, the better you will be at knowing your limits. By doing this you can avoid pushing yourself into the shutdown zone.
4. Risk: Growing requires risk. Being truthful with other people. Taking a step of faith, knowing that if you fail, it's ok. Learn from it. Ask for bold feedback from your co-workers, supervisors, mentors and friends. Learn to embrace risk.
5. Vision: Ultimately, you have to know where you're headed to arrive at that destination. What are your professional aspirations? What skills do you need to develop? Keep a running list of things you want to work on that support your ultimate goal.
Growth is not easy, but it is worth it. I have come a long way since cutting corners through lawns. As an adult, I now train for marathons and have come to enjoy the challenging workouts needed to perform at that level. It can be painful, but the feeling I get when crossing the finish line with other runners who have done the same makes it all worthwhile.
