Growing Forward or Going Backwards?

If you’ve ever received an email from me you may be wondering what is the domain all about?

It’s my first business name (still my registered DBA) and I never changed it.

I started out as a coach and the concept “growing forward” represents a sprout blossoming right before your eyes.

Your personal growth is no different.

In life, you only have two directions to go: forward or backward.

And in case you’re wondering what happens when you’re stagnant or complacent…you’re regressing (sorry, but it’s the truth).

Now there’s many categories of growth (and you can apply these concepts to all of them), but today the focus will be on professional growth.

Companies call it L&D (learning and development), but it’s just a fancy way of saying professional growth opportunities.

You can label is what you want, but regardless if your company does provides leadership resources, the responsibility to grow is still on you.

Yeah, I know that’s not what you want to hear (it’s much easier to point the blame elsewhere).

But this post is not about lecturing you.

Rather it is about suggestions for action.

Here’s 3 more to try:

1. Find a mentor

2. Enroll in a workshop or certification course

3. Work on your conflict resolution

Ideas are plentiful, but the buck stops with your action (or inaction).

If your company offers new skill development, great!

Take advantage of it and participate.

But my point is don’t become dependent on your employer.

Think of yourself as [your first name], Inc.

You are the catalyst for your own growth.

Those who are driven, self-motivated and ambitious don’t wait for opportunities, they create them.

Take for instance LinkedIn.

Having a profile is the bare minimum.

Self-check: are you posting, commenting, sending invitations to connect, messaging and setting up video calls to chat? (Mandy would approve of this message)

You see growth doesn’t fall into your lap or nor is it a rite of passage.

Age has little to do with how much you can grow.

I’ve seen plenty of young people take risks and older people sit back and let life pass them by.

• If you have a natural desire to constantly learn, my challenge to you is find someone else you can mentor/develop.

• If you’re feeling overwhelmed with this message so far, don’t be discouraged.

• The beauty of growth is it can start now.

• You don’t want to look back on life with regrets because you didn’t try.

• Start small and build up your growth habits over time.

Here’s to not wasting your potential.

But if you need help setting a goal, plan or accountability to actually follow through reply to this email and let’s get started.

God Bless,

Scott

P.S. Check out my LinkedIn Live with Molly below. We cover everything L&D which is corporate jargon for personal/professional growth!