The world has changed a lot over the past year. How does this effect you and what do you need going forward? To decide this, we’re going to look at two things: change and growth.

Perhaps you’re thinking, “Aren’t they the same thing?”

It’s true we oftentimes use the terms interchangeably.

We do it so often the lines between them blur.

But change and growth are not the same – and knowing this matters.

How your life moves forward depends on which you choose – to change or to grow.

So how do you decide which you need?

WHERE DO YOU START?

Start by identifying your problem or the thing you want to be different.

• Are you unhappy at your job?
• Do you have a negative self-image?
• Are you bored with your life?
• Do you lose your temper all the time?
• Are you depressed?
• Do you have relationship problems?
• Are you plagued by your past?
• Do you have financial problems?

Maybe one of those questions identified your need, maybe not. What’s important is identifying where you’re not happy and what you want to be different.

It’s up to you.

Start simple. Pick just one thing.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHANGE AND GROWTH

It’s important to understand the difference so you can make an informed decision.

• Change can be instant — growth is slow.
• Change can be imposed from the outside — growth is internal.
• Change can be a one-off event — growth is an incremental process.
• Change can be made by a single decision — growth requires consistent motivation and learning.
• Change can be negative or positive — growth is always positive.
• Change can be the beginning of growth — growth always starts with a decision for change.

Notice how every listing regarding change says change can – NOT change will. It is not definitive.

But every listing regarding growth is definitive.

Change can produce growth, but not always. However, growth always causes change. In fact, growth requires change.

One of the two will solve your problem or supply your need.

WHICH SOLUTION DO YOU NEED?

To solve your problem or get your need met, you need to take ownership of the truth, make a plan, and choose to make a change or grow. This means identifying what you have control over, and what you don’t, and then making a decision.

Here we’ll look at two specific problems and some possible solutions.

ONE: You’re not happy with your job or your career.

You may need  to make a change if:

• Your mental, emotional, or physical health are suffering. You can decide to change jobs — because your health matters.
• Your boss is abusive or sexually harassing you. You can decide to report it to implement change, or change jobs – because how you’re treated matters.
• You discover something you are passionate about you wish you would have chosen earlier. You can decide to change professions — because your fulfillment matters.

You may need to choose to grow if:

• You care about what your company does but you are bored. You can decide to explore your options. Step outside of your comfort zone and investigate other departments or job descriptions in the company. Learn what you need to apply and begin the process.
• You have coworker troubles. You can decide to look deeper to evaluate exactly where the problem lies. Is it you? Is it them? Would reading a book or taking a class on anger management or emotional intelligence help?
• You want more money or a promotion. You can decide to talk with your boss or Human Resources about opportunities. Would going back to school, taking a class, attending a seminar qualify you?

TWO: Your problem is purely financial.

You may need  to make a change if:

• Your credit cards continually get maxed out or you never pay off the balance. You can decide to cut up some or all of your credit cards.
• Your income is not enough to cover all your needs. You can decide you need to change jobs or get a second one.

You may need to choose to grow if:

• You spend impulsively. You can decide to look at yourself to learn why you do that. Is it emotional? Is it a lack of self-control? Would taking a class, going to a seminar, or reading a book on healing emotional wounds or personal boundaries help?
• You accidentally overdraft your accounts often. You can decide to take a class on finances. Would learning how to balance a checkbook, or reconcile your monthly statement make a difference?

Change and growth provide solutions in different ways.

THE POWER IS YOURS

Whatever you need, the answer lies within you.

Look inside yourself for your most pressing issue and choose which will serve you better – making a change or choosing to grow.

And then, once you decide which you need – take action.

Change and growth are not the same. They are very different like buying furniture compared to reupholstering.  Or buying a new car as opposed to fixing up the old one. Will the old chair serve you if you make the necessary changes? Will the old car serve you if you do the necessary repairs?

It’s YOUR decision.

And once you decide which you need, make the decision to start.

Choose to make a change or grow because you matter.

“Growth takes process and time.”― Danielle Bernock, Emerging with Wings: A True Story of Lies, Pain, and the Love That Heals

NEXT STEP

• Share in the comments what you’re going to do.
• Need help loving yourself enough to take action? Go Here.

Danielle Bernock

Author, Coach, and Speaker helping men, women, and organizations EMERGE with clear vision of their value, TAKE ownership of their choices, and CHART a path to their promise, becoming Victorious Souls who Embrace The Change from survive to thrive through the power of the love of God

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