I believe this is the best time to grow. Grow in our career. Grow in our business. Grow in life. There are more opportunities during times of disruption than ever – that’s because everything is undergoing massive competition and chaos. All of us – from small business owners to students to working stiffs to corporate career climbers – we are all seeking ways to grow in an ocean of change and complexity.
But too often we seek growth from our boss, the economy, certain market conditions or something outside to change. But what I have realized over my life are these 7 fundamental truths:
1. Growth Comes From Within.
Whatever you want to do – whatever you wish to have – whoever you wish to become starts from the inside.
No one will tap you on your shoulder and say, “Here’s a lot more money for this really great job”. That will not happen. If you want to know how to grow – stop looking to the outside and start looking at yourself. Brick by brick, you have to build that business. Breath by breath, you have to build that life. Job by job, you have to build that career, one action at a time.
Here’s why: We have no control of the external world. We can’t control our boss, our colleagues, our customers or business partners. We have no control over them or the market conditions which will allow us to have a prosperous business. But we do have control over ourselves.
This is under our control: The way we adapt to the change. The ideas we bring forth. The way we handle crisis. Our ability to speak to people about fundraising for our startup or business. How we pitch a customer. Our creativity, innovation, drive, resilience, learning and attitude – all of these things are determined not by other people or the economy but the ingenuity of our own mind.
There are two major forces that give us motivation to change our life: Pain and Desire.