Personal growth is a process that is hard to define. When people commit to improving their lives, the decisions and paths they take are unique to them. These journeys often include obstacles and upheavals, but those challenges can help you grow even more.
How Is Personal Growth Defined?
The desire to change who you are comes from within you. You may want to find yourself, stop engaging in self-defeating behaviors, or improve an ability you already have. Ultimately, no matter its specifics, the decision to make a change or grow comes from the desire to be better.
The idea of changing your life can come from a deep-seated need to do something. You may not be sure what your motivation to change includes. Personal growth can develop from an initial dissatisfaction with your life, but it may take some time to figure out which changes you want to make.
How Can I Grow?
Unresolved trauma, leftover guilt, or not knowing who you are can hold you back. The foundation of personal growth involves facing and identifying existing obstacles.
You may start your growth by finding your passion. If you don’t know your passion, try thinking about or writing down things that interest you. For example, do you love a cause, a sport, or an idea? Take the time to explore your possibilities and pursue what resounds with your inner being.
Start in Your Past
On the other hand, your journey to becoming a better person can start in the past. Stepping back in time can lead you to observe previous behaviors or interests. Sometimes people put aside goals or dreams because life took them in a different direction. For instance, financial constraints may have sidelined someone’s dream of becoming a chef. It’s okay to pick up where you left off and make your dream come true. Remember that many people like Maya Angelou didn’t start on their journey until later in life.
Go ahead and let go of your inhibitions. Personal growth doesn’t occur without some risk. Take a trip to somewhere you’ve never been, discover a new activity, or try new food. Push yourself to step out of the box.
While there are numerous challenges as you learn and grow, one of the hardest is finding yourself after losing a spouse, a child, or someone else you love. You may identify yourself as a spouse or parent. The loss of a part of your identity can leave a void. Take time to heal and work on finding your way through your grief.
Finally, you may decide to begin your personal growth by facing past trauma. Trauma can hold you back from living the life you deserve. Therapies like yoga, meditation, or somatic therapy can help you heal and reconnect your mind with your body.
Personal growth is a challenging, worthwhile journey. The time you take to learn about yourself serves to propel you to become a better person. A bonus to personal growth is deciding what personal growth means to you. Whether through reflection, therapy, or goal setting, your path is yours to take. Sometimes, though, you need help finding your way. The Guest House provides the guidance and encouragement you need. Whether exploring our historic estate or participating in therapy, you can learn and grow. For more information about our estate located in Ocala, Florida, or our treatment options, call (855) 483-7800.