The One Thing That Guarantees that Tomorrow Will Be Better Is...

Howdy! I recently heard one of the most powerful sayings I have heard in my life,

“you do not GO into opportunities, you GROW into opportunities.” - John C. Maxwell

GROWTH!

GROWTH is the only guarantee that tomorrow will be better than yesterday.

Thoughts on growth as a journey not a solution:

Have you ever felt like you just can’t figure out where you are going? Or why you are going there?

In the earliest years of my professional life, I felt like I was just running into the open highway. I needed direction, guidelines, and a pathway to success. At the time, the only professional credit I had to my name was a Bachelors of Science in Geology. That is, the study of the origin of the earth and rocks (yes, my degree “rocks” facepalm from dad joke), and my ability to sing and play guitar. This, of course, is why my first salaried job was as a worship leader at a church in Huntsville, TX. I reached for the first ministry job that called me back.

Upon arriving at the church on the first day I thought, “Dang, I really made it. I succeeded in securing a job with a salary and benefits. I have arrived.” Little did I know that this was limited thinking and it did not last long.

I very quickly found myself without a sense of direction and lacking fulfillment and purpose that I did not understand. I longed for something more significant than the role I had settled in.

Can you relate?

I spent so many hours lamenting that no one wanted to invest in me and that no one wanted to mentor me. I couldn’t understand why I was all on my own and not getting anywhere. Imagine a child that stepped on the ice for the first time. There was a lot of flailing and grabbing for the wall and searching everywhere for that ever-elusive balance.

Well, I thought I had searched everywhere…

Here lies the lesson I wish to share with you today.

I had unknowingly refused to accept responsibility and take ownership of my own development.

I learned that 99.9% of the time - no one will invest time and energy into someone else unless they invest time and energy into themselves. And for me, it was a very noticeable flaw.

Another thing I had failed to realize is, that it is human nature to look at relationships as a return on investment.

It helps me to think of it this way... who wants to waste their breath telling someone to read a book or train their body, or eat better when that someone has decided mentally and even vocally or physically declared that they are uninterested in development?

Who would spend their time on someone like this?

In the context of a job interview, there are clear-cut signs that someone has a certain level of self-discipline and self-respect. Let’s say you do not know the person you are interviewing. If they show up late, dress sloppily, and appear to be lackadaisical in their responses and thoughts, are you more or less likely to hire that person?

If I go into a job interview and appear to be unkept and unable or unwilling to focus on taking care of myself on a basic appearance, then that begs the question if I can’t handle self-grooming, then can I handle the job I am applying for?

The majority of this is not communicated vocally, this is just how human beings are.

Remember, our perception is our reality. That is why if we wish to change our reality we must change our perspective and act accordingly.

The quote by John Maxwell sums it up nicely “we do not GO into opportunity, instead we GROW into opportunity”.

This principle is not only applicable in the professional setting but in our personal

relationships too.

If I appear to be unable to provide some level of emotional stability, financial and physical safety, and basic communication skills to a potential mate then I am going to have a TON of first dates and rarely a second and third.

Here are some questions that I often reflect on to see if I am aligned with my vision.

Do I have a plan for personal growth?

What is that growth plan and what does it look like in implementation?

Where am I doing well?

Where am I lacking?

Am I really invested in the vision I have set for myself?

Am I exhibiting characteristics of someone that is worth investing in?

Do my actions reflect my identity, character, and beliefs?

We can grow despite the most dire and difficult circumstances. Much like the image down below.

If you are interested in a personal growth plan, then click here to visit my website for a free PDF download that you can use to get started!

It is never too late to grow. The time is now.