Fresh Start

4 Actions To Help You Grow This Year

The New year always seems to bring about new ideas and hopes as people most often associate it with an opportunity for change. What I learned in 2018 is that in order for things to improve it is important to change.

If we change the right things, we become stronger, wiser, and deeper rooted. Changing allows us to be the same person, but just a better version.

When we are dried up, tired, overworked, worried and sad it is harder for us to weather the storms in life because our roots are dry and shallow.
When our roots run deep, we will be able to stand through the storm. Seasons change every few months, and we need to be able to move with them. We need to be able to bend like the trees, ride in the winds, and dance in the rain.

We came up with four ways to help you become the best version of yourself.

1. Start your mornings planting seeds, growing roots and grounding yourself. Begin with something that gives you life. Some people read the Bible; others start with reading books. Some do Yoga, while others exercise. Some pray, pouring out thoughts, hopes, and dreams to their creator.

Journaling is a popular activity that enables you to reflect on your day, special moments or dreams. You can map out plans, work out problems, and draw out decisions. There are many different things that you can use to start your day with, but choose something that gives you life, and a foundation.

2. Surround yourself with love in the form of people. People that will push you up instead of drag you down. Friends who hold you accountable, co-workers who encourage you, and family who stand behind you.

Your people can make you or break you. Your people can give you life, or suck it right of you. When you choose your companions, choose wisely. Be sure they compliment you.

These relationships are not just yours for the taking either. Reciprocation is key. Are you speaking life into loved ones, encouraging when you see doubt or defeat? Everyone needs someone to stand in their corner, be that person.

3. Make a persistent plan for personal growth. Growth doesn’t just happen; it is mindful. Take time to discover yourself. What brings you joy, what takes it away. Study your gifts and put them to use. Utilize your talents. Read books, devotionals, listen to motivational speeches. Plan your growth and nurture it.

Learn how to build up your strengths. Strengths Finder 2.0 is a great place to begin. John Maxwell and Andy Stanley both have wonderful reading material, to help with self growth.

4. Make an intentional decision to serve. Whether it’s on Sundays at church or an organization or cause you that you believe in, just serve. Use your talents, gifts, brains, and human strength to help others. Studies had shown that serving lifts your spirits, reminds you to appreciate what you have, and leaves you feeling better than when you arrived. It allows you to feel thankful in the best of times and the worst of times.

Change comes in many different ways, but in the end, when we change purposefully and intentionally, we are growing into our best self. Which mentor is in your life right now that you would like to learn more from?
As we mature, we will discover that the ways we react to situations will also change. Growth allows us to listen to the people around us. We learn not to dismiss everything that we disagree with. We become an and/or thinker, being able to understand both sides, without getting caught in the ugliness and knowing when to walk away, knowing when to speak or stay silent — knowing ourselves. When we practice self-growth, we allow ourselves to morphe into a version of ourselves with many great qualities others will be attracted to, which allow us to mentor

Who will you become by December 31, 2019?